Gemini and Compass

[ksgreene]

To add to the battery talk, Whats the largest group size that can fit in our RV?
I'm pretty sure 31s won't fit no idea though.

I would like to find some decent 6v batteries to fit Maybe sealed agms laying on the side?

I plan to use mine for day camping and hopefully put some solar on the roof

The Vmax batteries look good would like a bit more amp hrs though


Kevin

[Gladinwj]

Originally Posted by PupPup

They do have a few to choose from. Once you go to maintenance free batteries the price does increase. I read 7-10 year lifespan.

https://www.amazon.com/Vmaxtanks-Bat...battery+85+amp

https://trollingpowersolution.com/vm...ttery-reviews/


If you look at the info on this battery, you will note the charging parameters. They are not the same as the charger in your RV, and per the cons noted for the battery, you may not get the same life/performance. I am sure this is a better battery, but I'm not sure if it is worth the extra price if you are not using the correct charger. You could replace the charger, but that would not be cheap. Not a perfect option, but I bought two Group 27 batteries from Costco. They where larger than my original Group 24 batteries, but they fit my Compass 24X which is the Mercedes model. Below is a link to the Interstate Marine batteries which the current Costco batteries are. I think I paid about $79 each for them, and they had just arrived at Costco the day I purchased them, so I know they were fresh.
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/...ies/deep-cycle

[ksgreene]

Hi All,
Not sure if anybody or... Everybody has broken their table yet.
Made this out of some recycled flooring and for the sink, that board they give you is card board covered in mmm vinyl. had a chunk of butcher block so I used it


Anybody else put a new table in yet?


Kevin

[vfrhugh]

Originally Posted by ksgreene

Hi All,
Not sure if anybody or... Everybody has broken their table yet.
Made this out of some recycled flooring and for the sink, that board they give you is card board covered in mmm vinyl. had a chunk of butcher block so I used it


Anybody else put a new table in yet?


Kevin

Kevin,
Nice job on your table. I have wondered how well the stock top will hold up.
Hugh

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by ksgreene

To add to the battery talk, Whats the largest group size that can fit in our RV?
I'm pretty sure 31s won't fit no idea though.

Kevin

I don't know the measurements on the 31s but I think the 27DC or 24DC may fit. They are 9-1/2" tall but the present ones are only 8" Looking at the prices of the batteries and the parameters of the chargers I think I will pick up a set of Interstate 27DC. They should hold up for us since we do mostly travelling and never depend on our batteries for power longer than a few hrs, and we have the generator to give them a kick if necessary.

[ksgreene]

Originally Posted by vfrhugh

Kevin,
Nice job on your table. I have wondered how well the stock top will hold up.
Hugh

Thanks!
The original table broke on first use. the screws pulled out and its just cardboard MDF

[ksgreene]

Originally Posted by mountainsam

I don't know the measurements on the 31s but I think the 27DC or 24DC may fit. They are 9-1/2" tall but the present ones are only 8" Looking at the prices of the batteries and the parameters of the chargers I think I will pick up a set of Interstate 27DC. They should hold up for us since we do mostly travelling and never depend on our batteries for power longer than a few hrs, and we have the generator to give them a kick if necessary.

I think 27s will be close please post your results if you do

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by ksgreene

Hi All,
Not sure if anybody or... Everybody has broken their table yet.
Made this out of some recycled flooring and for the sink, that board they give you is card board covered in mmm vinyl. had a chunk of butcher block so I used it


Anybody else put a new table in yet?

Nice job. That butcher block really shows off nice. I have been thinking about building a new table that is a little more conducive to card playing

[mountainsam]

Quick return to batteries. Does anyone have a source for this type of battery strap? Pulling the batteries and had to cut one. I have checked several obvious sources but can't seem to find one like this.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1525815657

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by ksgreene

I think 27s will be close please post your results if you do

I decided to go with the SRM24 Interstate battery. I was told by a friend that his last set lasted 4 years and still going. Don't know about that but I know they will fit and if they go 3 years I am money ahead.
The only groups that will fit in mine are Gr 24, 27 and possibly 29 but the 29s would be very tight. Anything bigger wiuld require some modifications and I'm not up to that. So I will pick them up tomorrow and install them. After that may just tackle that table model.

[PupPup]

[QUOTE=mountainsam;119138]Quick return to batteries. Does anyone have a source for this type of battery strap? Pulling the batteries and had to cut one.

hello M-Sam, I searched for those and had no luck also. Your best bet is to use a regular strap and wrap it around the whole thing. Or... have the broken one fixed at the seamstress.

[ksgreene]

Originally Posted by mountainsam

Quick return to batteries. Does anyone have a source for this type of battery strap? Pulling the batteries and had to cut one. I have checked several obvious sources but can't seem to find one like this.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1525815657

have you tried amazon?
https://www.amazon.com/YYST-Battery-...=battery+strap

looks like it might work

Also on the table I used recycled flooring sometimes local hardware has pieces

here is the bottom

[ksgreene]

here is the pic of bottom

[Paul N]

Back to batteries--

When we took delivery of our 2017 Compass 23TR, the batteries had dried out and fried. I offered to pay the difference between replacing with stock and upgrading to AGM batteries. The dealer installed a pair of Interstate 34M-AGM batteries. Although we have not had a chance to do any camping yet, we have spent quite a bit of time in the yard with and without shore power and we have put some miles on the coach to get a feel for it. I am told the AGM batteries are a great improvement - time will tell. See attached photos.

Paul

[mountainsam]

After pulling batteries, cleaning them up and wire brushing the bottom of the battery box I ended up ordering Interstate 27DC rather than the 24DCs. 27s are what the box is built for. I was also able to clean up and repair the cut battery strap. Some good contact glue and a turkey needle and thread did the trick. Now a shot of Rustolium and I’ll be back in business.
Thanks for the recommendations..
Does anyone know what brand batteries Thor puts in? These had no identification except for a poorly stamped serial number.

[Paul N]

Speaking of cleaning up a battery box:

A really great product used to prevent corrosion is POR-15. Their products are widely used during antique/classic auto restorations and for spot fixes.

https://www.por15.com/

Paul

[mountainsam]

I will have to check that out. Thanks

[campy]

Ok going to be hard to describe this modification. What I did was take off the airconditioning filter cover. There are 4{very long} screws and the whole bracket will come off. I 1st found silver tape blocking the airway into the ceiling ducts. With the center duct on airconditioner closed, I have u shaped piece along with 2 diverters directing the air flow to the outside air ducts. What a really big difference in the living area air flow. You can now feel the air when sitting on the couch.

[ksgreene]

Originally Posted by campy

Ok going to be hard to describe this modification. What I did was take off the airconditioning filter cover. There are 4{very long} screws and the whole bracket will come off. I 1st found silver tape blocking the airway into the ceiling ducts. With the center duct on airconditioner closed, I have u shaped piece along with 2 diverters directing the air flow to the outside air ducts. What a really big difference in the living area air flow. You can now feel the air when sitting on the couch.

So....
I got curious and pulled mine apart.
Why are they recycling so much air? there is a gaping hole between inlet and outlet. waiting alot of energy
Also I had the foil tape half blocking mine also.
And why all the half fast wiring?
Kevin

[ksgreene]

I put a piece of trim roll in there. it's a huge difference
A bunch of stuff came flying out of the vents first time I turned it on