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Old 02-07-2018, 06:26 AM   #1
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THOR #7074
2017 Axis Coach Battery Removal Surprise

I was dreading stories about having to cut through my Dash....I took the computer desk off the dash was already precut. As you can see from the photos it was never accessed. I had to use a knife and just cut the black waterproof tarp cloth & they left two wood tabs that I just cut through. So 1 screwdriver, knife, drywall saw. Took 15 min. Battery removed. Attachment 8920Attachment 8921Attachment 8922Click image for larger version

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Old 02-07-2018, 12:54 PM   #2
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When you put it back together are you going to add an access panel like croused did?
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f27...anel-9209.html
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Old 02-07-2018, 01:25 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
When you put it back together are you going to add an access panel like croused did?
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f27...anel-9209.html
I'm going to screw that loose piece of dashboard (the wood square cutout is 14x14) to a 16x16 piece of SS metal. The metal will slide underneath the right and top side of the dash real nicely and then I will use 4 screws to screw that metal piece. I have an extra piece of that NICOR sound-deadening that's real thin but heavy I'm going to lay that on top and put the computer desk back it won't be a trapdoor but I only have to remove 4 screws to access which is fine by me. I think the battery is easier to access through the dash when you're in a cold winter situation like us North States 4 more inches snow today. Nice to be inside the rig out of the elements. Also am leaving a pigtail for a small solar panel to put in my windshield as a trickle charger. I will post pictures in a few days of the reinstall with the metal. Safe Rving everyone!
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SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
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Old 02-07-2018, 02:05 PM   #4
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Old 02-07-2018, 02:26 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by revjeffrey View Post
I'm going to screw that loose piece of dashboard (the wood square cutout is 14x14) to a 16x16 piece of SS metal. The metal will slide underneath the right and top side of the dash real nicely and then I will use 4 screws to screw that metal piece. I have an extra piece of that NICOR sound-deadening that's real thin but heavy I'm going to lay that on top and put the computer desk back it won't be a trapdoor but I only have to remove 4 screws to access which is fine by me. I think the battery is easier to access through the dash when you're in a cold winter situation like us North States 4 more inches snow today. Nice to be inside the rig out of the elements. Also am leaving a pigtail for a small solar panel to put in my windshield as a trickle charger. I will post pictures in a few days of the reinstall with the metal. Safe Rving everyone!
So far so good! I added the quick plug-in lead to the new battery to connect a trickle charger easily. You should also look at using the proper flex ties to lift up the two black vent hoses so they don't lay directly on top of the battery. Good job.
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Old 02-07-2018, 02:39 PM   #6
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Great point! Already have 2 slits in vent hoses. Also wire in vent hose has strip of metal through it rubbing on battery posts??
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Old 02-07-2018, 06:30 PM   #7
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I don't have an Axis model but wondering, is this the only way to get to the battery for maintenance "or" replacement? And is this your chassis battery? Seems like a real hassle and very poor thought for design.
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Old 02-07-2018, 06:44 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by steve76 View Post
I don't have an Axis model but wondering, is this the only way to get to the battery for maintenance "or" replacement? And is this your chassis battery? Seems like a real hassle and very poor thought for design.
It’s a Thor..and your point is?
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Old 02-07-2018, 06:59 PM   #9
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"Hey this design doesn't allow easy access to the chassis battery for maintenance or replacement?"
"Hmm"
"I know: We'll perforate the dash under the desk...perfect!"
"Really? that is the best solution"
"Shut up!"
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:26 PM   #10
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Point of interest, perhaps of maybe something I'd consider buying in the future.
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:30 PM   #11
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I added a pair of hinges and two flat brackets to the cut out. It will still be a PITA on our 2016 Axis.
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Old 02-07-2018, 09:33 PM   #12
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My best solution is to buy a new one before the chassis battery goes bad. And you get a new set of tires for free!
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Old 02-07-2018, 09:55 PM   #13
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Actually it seems like a pretty clever access to me. Shouldn’t need to access it but about every 6 or 7 years. It’s on a van chassis so it is where it is.
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Old 02-07-2018, 10:07 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by steve76 View Post
Point of interest, perhaps of maybe something I'd consider buying in the future.
A point of interest when deciding to buy a Class A or a Class C. Trade offs are a part of the decision making process. We decided that we liked the ride of the Class A Axis better than a Class C on a MB Sprinter frame. Weighing the issue of a better ride or replacing a battery now and then, I chose the driving as more important.
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Old 02-07-2018, 10:32 PM   #15
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A point of interest when deciding to buy a Class A or a Class C. Trade offs are a part of the decision making process. We decided that we liked the ride of the Class A Axis better than a Class C on a MB Sprinter frame. Weighing the issue of a better ride or replacing a battery now and then, I chose the driving as more important.
Good point. While I have made fun of Thor quality control and other issues in this forum, after four years, two Vegas/Axis and over 40k miles, I still think they are a pretty good deal.
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Old 02-07-2018, 10:42 PM   #16
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THOR #7074
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Originally Posted by Oneilkeys View Post
Good point. While I have made fun of Thor quality control and other issues in this forum, after four years, two Vegas/Axis and over 40k miles, I still think they are a pretty good deal.
I totally agree with you my other two units were Class C's. Never thought I would have a Class A but after riding higher in the seat and looking over all the vehicles instead of sitting in that van cab looking at the back bumper of the vehicle in front of you was one of the deal-breakers. The 180 degree view the storage Etc. I don't think I could go back to a Class C...
Even though changing the battery was a pain in the ...Axis.
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Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
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Old 02-09-2018, 01:51 AM   #17
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"Even though changing the battery was a pain in the ...Axis." I get it...uh...huh!
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