T@B 320 S Boondock battery upgrade

mntrails · March 2021

I spent last summer with the stock battery plus a 'spare' configured as noted below.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10954/opinions-on-2021-t-b-320s-boondock-alternate-battery-configuration-for-early-learning#latest

Most of my campsites were well treed and shady and thus I wasn't able to completely recharge most days. I'm sure that's a factor of spending a lot of time in northern MN and WI. I'd get a day or 1.5 days from a battery at best, then have to switch to the backup.

This spring, I took the next step to 2 - 6V Wet Cells with 230 aH of capacity. I have them fully charged and my no-load resting voltage is 12.9V. The goal for this summer is to spend less time monitoring my battery :-).

GeorgiaMB · March 2021

@DougH I think we’re leaning towards a generator… The Ryobi 2300 looks like a pretty good alternative to the more pricy Honda 2200i, & has some pretty good features.

GeorgiaMB · March 2021

@Basil48192 Will you do the install yourself? When I asked about upgrading to two 6Vs at the dealer, they looked at me like I was crazy & said uhhhh that’s just 12v. The same. I just said never mind I’ll figure it out. I do think we’re going to do a generator.

DougH · March 2021

@Basil48192 Yup, I was just looking at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZWMGZ2

...and trying to see what they weigh. Shipping from eBay might use up the difference if not free and the pair weighs 125lbs.

wolfeel2000 · March 2021

I was just checking prices on LifePo4 batteries. I can order Varicore 280Ah batteries for $513 and a BMS for $125. This is the same size package as my stock Group 24 lead acid battery. I would have to assemble the battery pack, however a couple of you tube videos and some willingness to take a chance on making a mistake I could get more capacity than 6volt AGMs and with less weight.
Of course I cannot justify replacing the stock battery until I prove that I need much more capacity than I currently have.

Basil48192 · March 2021

@GeorgiaMB. Yes, I hope to get them installed this weekend. Ordered a double wide battery box from e-bay. I'm also installing my Christmas presents - a new battery monitor and MPPT controller for my suitcase panels.
@DougH. Believe it or not, shipping was free from e-bay and they showed up in 3 days. I checked the charge and both were nearly fully charged at 6.5 volts. I'll send some photos when I get them installed.

CharlieRN · March 2021

wolfeel2000 said:

I was just checking prices on LifePo4 batteries. I can order Varicore 280Ah batteries for $513 and a BMS for $125. This is the same size package as my stock Group 24 lead acid battery. I would have to assemble the battery pack, however a couple of you tube videos and some willingness to take a chance on making a mistake I could get more capacity than 6volt AGMs and with less weight.
Of course I cannot justify replacing the stock battery until I prove that I need much more capacity than I currently have.

The price of the Battleborn LiFePO4 100 Ah battery with integrated BMS dropped to $900. Not exactly cheap, but considering the quality, 10 yr guarantee and projected life, it's may be lower cost in the long run. Recent testing of Battleborns seems to indicate that their nominal rating is very conservative and is typically 5-10% greater. For most lead-acid batteries, the reverse is generally the case with most failing to meet nominal specs.

druthazer · March 2021

After a month of research, I decided on 2 x 12 v FLA in parallel. Fit in tub with the bracket kit, cheap to purchase, meet all our power needs and good for two of us using CPAP on dc with heaters off. Generally fully charges off our 2 X 100 RENOGY solar panels. And, we have the benefit that this configuration run our 3 way fridge on battery while traveling during the day between boondocking or electric sites.
Get 10% off Renogy products:
http://73renogy.refr.cc/robertruthazer

MarkAl · March 2021

Don't worry yet about this that or the other kind or type of battery(s).. Except - if you haven't picked it up yet
- you're new to trailering (not sure of use-mostly plugged in you'll be fine)
- 2021 with the new compressor refrigerator (no propane option)
- confident you want to multi-day dry camp (absolutely need > 100 available Amp-Hrs
- We (right before Covid) dickered w/ dealer and got 2 AGM 6V for $200 upcharge - these are our learning batteries and have been fine with them and solar. If we get sun fine over 3 days otherwise, 3 is the limit.

We do not use any 120 volt devices... on a little trailer like this our thought has been you can't easily carry enough battery / solar cells.

DougWW · March 2021

A further questions further question. In a 2021 T@B 320S BD. When the battery isolation switch is OFF. Will the solar still charge the batteries?

thanks

mntrails · March 2021

@DougWW, my 2021 320S boondock was delivered with the connection from the solar connected directly to the battery with a fuse in-line and crimped ring connector that bypasses the main battery switch. Therefore the answer to your question is 'Yes' based on the observation of how my unit was put together.

Should you need to disconnect the battery, its a good idea to pull the fuse which will de-energize the ring connectors and leave them safe to dangle inside the front tub.

Basil48192 · March 2021

@GeorgiaMB, @DougH. Received all my parts and had a sunny day yesterday...so I was able to get everything installed. It's a good thing they didn't add a second coat of paint to the components, or they wouldn't have fit! I put in a second controller for my 200W suitcase, a Victron battery monitor, and two (2), 6V AGM batteries. I also installed a port on the outside of my tub so I can connect my suitcase solar without opening the tub and battery cover. Thanks to everyone on this forum...I stole most of the ideas (cutting board mounting plate, Menards water-proof box and the Century battery box). My contribution was using the threaded nut-serts for mounting everying securely.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/r7/y20hqzgk4k4q.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/qs/9jsbyj9u4jd3.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/u1/nbalvabibtl1.jpg

4ncar · March 2021

@Basil48192: Nice clean install!

DougH · March 2021

@Basil48192 Very nice looking. Anything new under the battery box? Did you beef up the support structure any, or is the tub or its floor / struts already pretty stout?

Basil48192 · March 2021

@DougH. Nothing yet. I might look at a cross-member across the beams, though it doesn't seem to be flexing at all.

Basil48192 · March 2021

@DougH. The driver's side battery is pretty much on top of the existing beam, but the other one is only supported by the aluminum.

DougH · March 2021

@Basil48192 Might be more than enough. But if you measured before and after tongue weights, and it went up significanantly, a little healthy paranoia may be in order. I'd hate to add steel if the front if it is already heavy, but a couple more aluminum beams that span the width of the tongue with a few braces connecting them might not be overly cautious. Or just tie a dozen helium balloons to the battery box to lighten the load. On the other hand, if your tongue weight only went from 220lbs to 240lbs, ignore this expression of possible concern completely.

DougWW · April 2021

We had the opportunity to spend 4 nights in the new trailer this week. We went with the stock 75ah battery in the Boondock.

I kept track of the battery through the period with both the wall-mount battery meter and the Alde service report. I spent most of the days trying to get the Victron to talk to my phone. After completely disconnecting the Victron, including the 30amp fuse, it cheerfully connected by Blue Tooth to IOS, so I could use it too.

Normal use was evening lights as needed, Alde through the night as we were sub=freezing, and the fridge set at 1.5 going continuously.

Weather was cool, with highs about 10C, partly cloudy. I certainly wouldn't call it strong sun in any way. Trailer position with panel pointed SW with no leaves in the way.

Over 4 days the LOWEST I saw the battery was 2/3 on the monitor and 12.7 on the Alde.

I'm impressed. I suspect this may not be as good when the temperature rises and the fridge has to work harder. But since most of my world is going to be boon docking, I'll take this.

...Doug

Tabnero · April 2021

if you go battle born lithium and have a good solar panel, you really only need 1 battery. The factory solar keeps up pretty well with refrigerator, lights and water pump ( have not switched out fan yet) not a fan fan, (haha)

Denny16 · April 2021

DougWW said:

A further questions further question. In a 2021 T@B 320S BD. When the battery isolation switch is OFF. Will the solar still charge the batteries?

thanks

Doug, yes the factory solar panel continues to charge the battery when the battery switch is off. This is why you need to cover the solar panels in daytime or wait until dark to work on electrical connections on a TaB with factory solar, like installing a shunt battery monitor.
cheers

Bclarke · April 2021

@Basil48192 I love your very clean installation. I too added some things: 2 lithium batteries (Lion Energy - group 24 size), a Victron battery monitor, and a Genius 5x2 battery charger / maintainer. Question- I can’t find a box that will hold both batteries side by side. I went to Century’s site but don’t see a box with the same configuration as yours. But you have two 6 volt batteries correct? And they are smaller than group 24? I would love to clean up my install vs using the two boxes I am currently. Thanks

Basil48192 · April 2021

@Bclarke. Thanks! I used 2 Vmax 6V Golf Cart Batteries. They are 'Group GC2' (7.1"W x 10.2"L x 10.8"H). I believe the battery box is manufactured by Century, although I bought it through Ebay (link below). My batteries fit perfectly....although I did have to trim about 3/8" from the top of the box due to the placement of my shunt. It was a tight fit, but I'm happy with the results. Let me know if you have any other questions.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GC-G-Dual-6V-Deep-Cycle-Battery-Box-Auto-Marine-and-RV-Side-by-Side/282371792886?hash=item41beab9ff6:g:qGAAAOSwwqVcEWWF

Freeheeler99 · May 2022

@Basil48192 - I’m a little late to this thread, but you seem to have solved a problem for me with the box from ebay holding the tandem 6V batteries. I have a pair of Lion UT1300’s that I’ve been trying to find a way to fit into the front box, and your kit looks like it will work. Thank you for posting the clear details and photos of that clean installation. I was curious how you rigged for the straps that hold the box in place? Apologies if you already explained, but I didn’t see it in the thread.

Basil48192 · May 2022

No problem. I used these straps (hopefully the link works). I just screwed the 'loops' to the bottom of the tub, two on each side. Just double check before drilling so you don't hit any wires or cables. Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0823ZRN2V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

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T@B 320 S Boondock battery upgrade

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