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Old 06-01-2016, 02:10 PM   #1
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Will Trojan L16-AGM batteries fit in 2017 Thor Challenger battery bay?

I am awaiting delivery of the new 2017 Thor Challenger 37LX. One of the first things I want to do is upgrade the battery bank to better batteries. I am looking at the Trojan L16-AGM (x4); however, I am not sure if they will fit in the battery compartment. The dimensions are: Length: 11.66, Width: 6.94, Height: 16.41.

Reliant L16-AGM | Trojan Battery Company

If the L16-AGM will not fit, would you recommend the Trojan T105-AGM or perhaps another battery with more amp hours?

Reliant T105-AGM | Trojan Battery Company

Thank you all for the insight.

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Old 06-01-2016, 03:54 PM   #2
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In addition to size you should also consider the weight. Even if it fits make sure battery area can support 460 pounds (115X4). That's a lot of weight.
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Old 06-01-2016, 11:44 PM   #3
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I have calculated the weight difference from a regular 6 volt battery to these. I will be adding about an additional 120 lbs total vs four 6 volts. The compartment can hold the weight and I have already planned on leaving my son at home as he roughly weighs about the same. Okay, kidding about the kid.

I am willing to lose the extra weight capacity for the amp hour capability of the batteries. Thank you for thinking about safety and fuel mileage just in case I did not already.
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Old 06-02-2016, 02:34 AM   #4
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Are you also considering the battery size in the middle (J305)? The footprint is the same as L16 but not quite as tall.

By the way, I wasn't thinking about an extra 200 pounds affecting the fuel economy of a 20,000-pound motorhome.
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Old 06-02-2016, 10:55 AM   #5
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I did consider the J305 but not enough amp hour difference from the T105 plus I don't think it is the height of the battery but instead the length/width for the reason it would not fit.

Appreciate your input but really hoping to hear from Challenger owners that have upgraded your battery bank already.

As for the additional weight, I would most definitely take that into consideration even of a 24K pound rig. Cumulatively, all the additional weight does have an impact on fuel economy plus it starts to add up and next thing you know you are over your GVWR.
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Old 06-02-2016, 12:05 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Techn0 View Post
I did consider the J305 but not enough amp hour difference from the T105 plus I don't think it is the height of the battery but instead the length/width for the reason it would not fit.

Appreciate your input but really hoping to hear from Challenger owners that have upgraded your battery bank already.

As for the additional weight, I would most definitely take that into consideration even of a 24K pound rig. Cumulatively, all the additional weight does have an impact on fuel economy plus it starts to add up and next thing you know you are over your GVWR.
I'll walk out to the rig this morning with tape measure and camera in hand. It'll be about an hour or two.
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Old 06-02-2016, 12:20 PM   #7
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Sir, you are a gentlemen and a scholar. I sincerely appreciate you taking your time to measure the compartment.
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Old 06-02-2016, 01:07 PM   #8
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Challenger Battery Compartment

Here are some pics

Battery compartment on my ND. Not sure about how yours will come in but on mine the bus on the right (under the plastic cover) is a slight limitation.

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Current batteries are approx 7 inches wide

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Height of the current batteries is approx 10 inches

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Width available for 2 batteries is approx 15.5 inches.

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I'm limited to 4 pics so I'll post the length in the next reply.
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Old 06-02-2016, 01:18 PM   #9
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Challenger Battery Compartment, Con't

Battery length

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Battery tray from divider to inside edge of compartment door

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Hopefully this helps.

My question to you is why do you feel, without taking delivery yet, that you need the additional battery capacity?
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Old 06-02-2016, 02:59 PM   #10
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Thank you that really helps.

As for your question about extra battery capacity, I am a Signal Warrant Officer getting ready to retire and will continue to work within the IT industry on the side. I want to have the capability of boondocking a lot and still run my server and a couple of other items including that big a** 22c refrigerator. I have already done the math for my projected amp hour requirement.
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Old 06-02-2016, 03:20 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Techn0 View Post
Thank you that really helps.

As for your question about extra battery capacity, I am a Signal Warrant Officer getting ready to retire and will continue to work within the IT industry on the side. I want to have the capability of boondocking a lot and still run my server and a couple of other items including that big a** 22c refrigerator. I have already done the math for my projected amp hour requirement.
Additional point:

Make sure your server can run on modified sine wave if you plan to connect it into the inverter. The Xantrex Pro 1800 inverter is not pure sine wave.
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Old 06-02-2016, 03:30 PM   #12
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That is one of the first items I plan on replacing along with a plethora of other generic factory installed items.
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Old 06-02-2016, 05:15 PM   #13
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So for the batteries, I will be pushing it with width and potentially height on the two inner batteries. Thank you very much for measuring your battery bay for me. I will look at some other alternatives.

As for the inverter, I have been reading researching the AIMS 2000W Pure Sine Inverter/Charger. Let me know your thoughts.

2000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger- UL
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Old 06-02-2016, 05:40 PM   #14
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The original battery from the factory is really bad. such a wasted money.
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Old 06-02-2016, 05:44 PM   #15
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Yes, a large percentage of the factory provided items are going to be lower end items they were able to purchase in bulk. For the weekender, a lot of it will serve them just fine but if you are full timing, most of it is not going to meet the everyday needs.
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Old 06-02-2016, 06:00 PM   #16
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we took delivery on our coach on Wednesday and went out for the a 4 day trip, the battery went out on us on the second day. lots to learn about the ability of this coach.
We are installing 3 solar panels to so that we can dry camp longer.

I have to say the 2017 Palazzo has a lot less trouble than what I have read online.

we only had 2 issues - one is the fridge door had a ding and a couple of outlets didnot work.

I think we are lucky.
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Old 06-02-2016, 06:05 PM   #17
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Sounds like you are doing pretty well so far. If you are doing solar, I would definitely consider upgrading your battery bank, a good MPPT, and a good pure sine inverter. If you are not savvy in that area, I would recommend having someone install it to ensure you have the right size gauge wiring and distances. Renogy's site has a good calculator for you to determine battery size and how many panels. Best of luck.

Calculators
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Old 06-02-2016, 06:19 PM   #18
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We have the Magnum Inverter that suppose to be pretty good. Also we'll be replacing the battery bank with Interstate 6 volt batteries.
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