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Old 02-04-2017, 08:42 AM   #1
EVMIII
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Alpine battery set-up

I have a 2014 Alpine 3010RE. Plan to do a little extended dry camping on my upcoming 5000 mile trip and looking to upgrade single 27 series battery that came with camper. Never had any issue with current battery for short stops, but after a couple days it drops fast and charges slow.

Not sure about the other Alpine models, but mine doesn't give you much room in the battery area. Plenty of room for the single 27 series battery, not enough for two. I think I can squeeze in two 24 series, 12 volt.

That got me thinking, if I need to go to two batteries why not go to two 6 volt and get a couple more amp hours, better amp storage, quicker recovery. It looks like I could barely squeeze a couple 6v AGM Trojans in there.

I'm concerned about the weight on the battery tray. Anybody out there running this set-up? Any issues.
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Old 02-05-2017, 07:10 AM   #2
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I think you have more room in there than you think. My Alpine, and I thought ALL Alpines had room for 2 batteries. Maybe the tray is different on yours. I've had 2 batteries in mine from the day I bought it, that was part of the deal so the dealer set it up. As for weight, it shouldn't be a problem, people do it all the time.
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Old 02-05-2017, 09:29 AM   #3
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Alpine battery set-up

My 2014 Alpine came with two group 27 batteries. I've since upgraded using two of the Costco 6volt batteries. They fit fine and I just needed a larger gauge cable to connect the two in series for 12 volts. Big difference in boon docking.


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Old 02-05-2017, 09:46 AM   #4
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Alpine battery set-up

Read your other post and all I want to add is that battery tray should take 2 batteries. I measured mine before I upgraded to golf cart batteries. Only thing is needed to do what cut the tie wraps they had around the hydraulic lines and just reposition. Both 6 volt batteries fit great. Almost got Trojan 105 but decided to be cheap and try Costco 6 volt ones for $82 each. Huge, huge difference in reserve power when we boon dock.


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Old 02-05-2017, 10:12 AM   #5
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Read your other post and all I want to add is that battery tray should take 2 batteries. I measured mine before I upgraded to golf cart batteries. Only thing is needed to do what cut the tie wraps they had around the hydraulic lines and just reposition. Both 6 volt batteries fit great. Almost got Trojan 105 but decided to be cheap and try Costco 6 volt ones for $82 each. Huge, huge difference in reserve power when we boon dock.


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Old 02-05-2017, 10:14 AM   #6
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This is what two 6 volt Costco batteries look like in my 2014 Alpine. Coiled cables are for use on amateur radio power supply when I boon dock.




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Old 02-05-2017, 02:16 PM   #7
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Thanks for the replys, my tray looks similar to what like Chuck posted. I measured the tray at just short of 10.5 wide and 14.5 deep. The 6v battery is listed 10.28 x 7.08, should give me 1/4" on each side with two side by side.

No way in my tray to ever get two 27 series batteries. Turned sideways it's about 2" longer than the tray is wide. Must be smaller in the 3010.

I'll be swapping to 6v before the trip. Also going to convert a couple of the most used lights to LEDs to save power. Trip is 6 months away, but I'm getting pretty excited. Thanks again guys.
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Old 02-06-2017, 05:17 AM   #8
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You will find that the majority of your lights are LED. I think the only ones that are not are the ones above the table, ceiling fan, and the bedroom reading lights.
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Old 02-06-2017, 11:04 AM   #9
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My biggest issue with installing the taller 6 volt batteries was just moving the hydraulic lines around a bit to provide clearance and impose no chaffing issues. I also bought a good battery hydrometer so I can measure specific gravity on the golf cart batteries.
An example of difference is with 2 12 volt batteries if we boon docked, with fridge fans running and also using heater some at night to take of the chill the batteries would be just about dead next morning. Golf cart batteries show almost full charge in the morning.


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Old 02-06-2017, 11:09 AM   #10
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My biggest issue with installing the taller 6 volt batteries was just moving the hydraulic lines around a bit to provide clearance and impose no chaffing issues. I also bought a good battery hydrometer so I can measure specific gravity on the golf cart batteries.
An example of difference is with 2 12 volt batteries if we boon docked, with fridge fans running and also using heater some at night to take of the chill the batteries would be just about dead next morning. Golf cart batteries show almost full charge in the morning.


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Also my Alpine is the 3010RE. We run the LED light at nite next to pantry cabinet and also the stairwell LEDs all night.
This will be our second season with Costco golf cart batteries. The Trojan 105 and the Interstate golf cart batteries have a bit
More amperage reserve but I was cheap and wanted to try Costco ones.


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Old 02-14-2017, 09:36 AM   #11
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Did anyone upgrade the trailer wire from the terminal block to the batteries when upgrading to two batteries. I just got my Tojan 105 6v Deep Cell batteries and the guy at the battery shop suggested minimum 2 or. 4 gauge jumper wire. The trailer wire appears to be 6 gauge.

It is my understanding that the two batteries hooked up parallel to get 12 volts did not increase the amp load. (More total amps available, but no increase in amps (whatever the camper draws doesn't change).

I'm sure my lack of true understanding is glaring, but I just want to be sure I don't burn the camper down. What am I missing? Thanks

Bud
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Old 02-14-2017, 09:58 AM   #12
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Unless you've increased the demand from your trailer system (added larger or more 'power hungry" 12 volt items, you're good with the existing wiring. Increasing the size of the cables from the battery to the converter or from the battery to the cut-off switch won't improve your ability to power your trailer. If you don't have any issues currently, you won't have any issues by increasing the battery capacity.

Think of it as using a straw to drink water. if you can get enough water from a 12 ounce bottle with the straw, putting it in a 1 gallon container won't be any different in what you can provide into your mouth. Same with the wiring on the battery.

There are some advantages to having larger cables for long distance runs, but if what you've got is working with a single 12 volt battery, it'll work the same with two 6 volt batteries.
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Old 02-14-2017, 10:35 AM   #13
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That's what I was thinking, but it helps to have my thoughts confirmed. I've got a jumper that's 4g that should work fine.
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Old 02-14-2017, 12:53 PM   #14
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Tight fit

Looks like this area was made just for them. Got a good deal ($110 each), had enough old batteries around to meet core charge (2 12v for 1 6v) and installed and operational. Showing 12.4 v after install, I'll see where they top off after they are fully charged.

One step closer to making the big trip. Thanks to all that provided advice and guidance.
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