Installing 2 6v batteries on Laredo 291TG

[rturriff7]

Has anyone installed two 6v batteries on a 2011 Laredo 291TG? I haven't got the trailer yet, but looking at one on the lot, it doesn't look like there will be enough room to install 2 batteries. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ryan and Jamie

2011 Laredo 291TG
2008 Chevy Silverado Vortec Max

[jq1031]

My opinion is to purchase a small generator.....problem solved!

[ktmracer]

looked at some of the new outbacks with the molded front cap. Was talking to the local dealer and mentioned it looked tight for batteries. Said I could get 4 Six volt batteries on my 2011 outback with a conventional front, and it looked like that was not possible with the new cap. He said, yup, two batteries max on outbacks. Didn't know if six volts would fit. but some of the other keystones they couldn't even use a battery box with 12V it was so tight and couldn't fit six volts in. So based on his info, you will be able to get two 12V batteries in but dual 6V may not be possible due to the extra height.

[jje1960]

Originally Posted by jq1031

My opinion is to purchase a small generator.....problem solved!

Got plenty of pics around will try to find one... what we did was mount a thin plate on the hitch, had a Mitsubishi 1000 inverter there on our TT. It was great, just hummed along for coffee, batt charge, even a stand alone aircon that vented out a window (it took 600 watts). It was so quiet it never bothered anyone and used very little fuel. Need to reduce a pic for attachment.

[DEW]

Originally Posted by rturriff7

Has anyone installed two 6v batteries on a 2011 Laredo 291TG? I haven't got the trailer yet, but looking at one on the lot, it doesn't look like there will be enough room to install 2 batteries. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ryan and Jamie

2011 Laredo 291TG
2008 Chevy Silverado Vortec Max

I have just ordered the same trailer so I have the same question....I know I have the new front endcap. Are you looking at the early 2011 (same as 2010 model) or the new body style....
Frankly I wonder if I just take a second 12V Deep Cycle battery with me and swap over when needed.

[rturriff7]

Originally Posted by DEW

I have just ordered the same trailer so I have the same question....I know I have the new front endcap. Are you looking at the early 2011 (same as 2010 model) or the new body style....
Frankly I wonder if I just take a second 12V Deep Cycle battery with me and swap over when needed.

I have the new front end cap. And what is the towing capacity of your Avalanche?

[rturriff7]

Finally got the trailer and there is definitely no room for 2 six volts without some kind of modification.

[Reel Crazy]

Hey rturriff7,

I have the same issue with the twin 6 volts on my Laredo. I looked into just about everything. I almost bought a dual 6 volt battery box that arranges them end to end for about $120 but it involved screwing into the frame through the plastic. Seemed really sketchy, bulky and not sure if it would last so I went to a local welding shop and asked if they could custom build a second tray, right above the factory tray. "No problem" was the answer. They are fabricating a tray for the second battery and welding it to the frame and existing tray. This way they will be stacked, two storey style. They will leave enough room to get the other battery out as well as the propane tanks. I will buy a second, single battery box ($20) and put the other 6 volt in that. I will have to buy a longer cable to connect the 2 batteries, but it should be good 2 go. They quoted me about $100 all in. Looks like it will cost the same as the other option but should be much more sturdy and durable.

[gr8330]

Sorry to hear that. I'm very lucky I could put 4 to 6 batteries in my Mountaineer.

[coachtrav]

Do you have pics of the two storey job?

[chivas]

I am new to all of this. What is better 2-12v or 2-6V and why?

[Festus2]

Chivas -
The answer to your question largely depends upon how much dry camping, if any, you do. Your battery requirements are different for the type of camping you do. If, for example, you rarely dry camp, then you probably will be able to get by with a single, good quality 12v battery.

On the other hand, if you do a fair amount of boondocking, then I would recommend that you go for 2-6 volts rather than 2-12 volts. The major reason is that the 6 volts will provide you with more "amp hours" than the 12's. In short, that will allow you to run "x" for a longer period of time -- oversimplified but that's what the end result will be.

The downside of 2 6's is that if one of the 6's goes, then you are hooped whereas with 2 12's, if one goes you still will have the other to provide you with 12volts. Golf cart 6 volts are also heavier, taller and more expensive.

I have 2 6 volt Trojans and with proper care and maintenance, they have provided me with good, reliable service and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

[chivas]

Originally Posted by Festus2

Chivas -
The answer to your question largely depends upon how much dry camping, if any, you do. Your battery requirements are different for the type of camping you do. If, for example, you rarely dry camp, then you probably will be able to get by with a single, good quality 12v battery.

On the other hand, if you do a fair amount of boondocking, then I would recommend that you go for 2-6 volts rather than 2-12 volts. The major reason is that the 6 volts will provide you with more "amp hours" than the 12's. In short, that will allow you to run "x" for a longer period of time -- oversimplified but that's what the end result will be.

The downside of 2 6's is that if one of the 6's goes, then you are hooped whereas with 2 12's, if one goes you still will have the other to provide you with 12volts. Golf cart 6 volts are also heavier, taller and more expensive.

I have 2 6 volt Trojans and with proper care and maintenance, they have provided me with good, reliable service and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Thx for the info. I do about 60% boondocking and am toying with the idea of even installing 4-6V's. I also have 2-2000Watt Honda Generators.

[SAABDOCTOR]

FESTUS is right on the money. i use one 12v as i only dry camp if the power goes out. dw's rule of camping but if i did boondocking i would have 2 six volts trojans are real good. interstates are ok but not the best for the money.

[Festus2]

Chivas -
If you have the room to store 4 6v's, that would be ideal but you are also looking at approximately 280 lbs of weight with 4 of them. With the twin Hondas, 4 6volts, you should be good for a long stretch of dry camping. Now all you need to complete the package are a couple of good solar panels and you'll be in an even better position.

[AlCorr]

I installed 6 volt batteries in my Bullet.
http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6603
.