removing Thor Vegas starter battery

[srolfe]

How is this done? It looks like if it was done from the front, you would have to disassemble half the front end.

[JamieGeek]

Or take the top of the dash off and lift it out from the inside (just a thought as I haven't needed to remove the battery).

[Beacher]

Didn't you read the brochure? The Vegas is a disposable motorhome. You use it up until right before something breaks, drive it to your local recycler and hand over the keys, then purchase a brand new one and start all over.

Simple!

[srolfe]

I called Thor, To remove starter battery, remove the desk built into the dash. There is a plastic panel underneath the desk, it should have a area marked for removal. Cut this panel out and remove. This should expose the battery area underneath. To seal, replace panel and seal with silicone, replace the desk.

I will try thisweekend.

[Bruce]

What Thor model do you have?

Bruce

Originally Posted by srolfe

I called Thor, To remove starter battery, remove the desk built into the dash. There is a plastic panel underneath the desk, it should have a area marked for removal. Cut this panel out and remove. This should expose the battery area underneath. To seal, replace panel and seal with silicone, replace the desk.

I will try thisweekend.

[srolfe]

2014 Vegas

[Happily Retired]

Thanks for info. Am amazed that Thor could not have designed that as a removable, replaceable panel.

[aa9zz]

Srolfe,


Please take a pic when you do it.

[thor293]

Originally Posted by srolfe

I called Thor, To remove starter battery, remove the desk built into the dash. There is a plastic panel underneath the desk, it should have a area marked for removal. Cut this panel out and remove. This should expose the battery area underneath. To seal, replace panel and seal with silicone, replace the desk.

I will try thisweekend.

if you have to cut it out how do you reseal? Wouldn't it just fall through?

[srolfe]

Probably glue some tabs on it. Might look for a airtight hatch from a boat supplier or such when I get around to it.

[srolfe]

Replaced starter battery.
1. Removed deck area on dash.
2. Plywood under dash had been cut and sealed with silicone and aluminum tape
3. Cut through tape and silicone and pulled plywood panel out.
4. Removed battery, was a bit of a hassle.
5. replaced battery.

Will add some thin tabs to the piece of plywood removed and then put some backer rod in gap and reseal and retape.

[thor293]

Originally Posted by srolfe

Replaced starter battery.
1. Removed deck area on dash.
2. Plywood under dash had been cut and sealed with silicone and aluminum tape
3. Cut through tape and silicone and pulled plywood panel out.
4. Removed battery, was a bit of a hassle.
5. replaced battery.

Will add some thin tabs to the piece of plywood removed and then put some backer rod in gap and reseal and retape.

Nice job, shame you had to do it that way though.

[srolfe]

Although I had help, my nephew, who can actually see and bend over, unlike his uncle, kindly helped out.

[thor293]

Lol, as long as there is help!

[Bruce]

I trust you replaced the battery with a sealed AGM battery.

BTW, what was wrong with the OEM battery?

Any pictures of the process?

Bruce

[srolfe]

See previous post I uploaded photo of dash after I opened the access hole.
After setting for two months I went to start the rv, no power. Battery when tested was at 1 volt. I have had to replace all three batteries within a year since I purchased the RV

[mcr1010]

Nice job. That would be a good way to check liquid levels in battery if it was a readily accessible area. Like Bruce mentioned. this is where a sealed battery would be handy and worth the extra cost. I had to use a mirror to check the levels and add distilled water. Was not easy. Thanks for the pic.

[Happy RVer]

OMG, What have I done by buying this RV.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Happy RVer

OMG, What have I done by buying this RV.

Um how often do you plan on replacing the chassis battery?

[Metalman]

Originally Posted by Happy RVer

OMG, What have I done by buying this RV.

After owning four motor homes and a pull behind trailer, I have come to the conclusion that the term "Happy RVer" is an oxymoron. I suspect that no motor home has no problems. The problems are either known or unknown. Motor homes are built to self destruct, whether or not they are used.

We have a Thor Windsport and there is enough of a load on the engine battery when the vehicle is parked that the battery will quickly loose its charge. Leaving a battery in a discharged state will affect it's useful life. I keep the coach plugged into shore power most of the time. Checking electrolyte level is difficult, but needs to be done. AGM batteries are the way to go.