T@G Dual Battery Conversion Quick and Easy

So I converted my rig from the single 12 v battery to a dual 6V battery set-up. I picked up 2 Duracell 230AH batteries from Batteries and Bulbs for $98 each. I do not have time to do a more permanent solution as I have a run scheduled in just a couple weeks. This conversion is quick and easy, maybe 1 hour.

First photo shows the stock T@G tub once battery and 20lb propane tank are removed. Notice there is a spot for a battery under the tank mount. Next I used a grinder to cut loose the tank bracket.


Here you see the tank bracket removed. Touched up the cuts with paint to prevent rust.



Here both batteries are set in place and wiring done. yea, I will restrap the right side battery. I drilled 4 holes in the bottom of each battery box. I did not use the lids as the boxes sit too far to the rear and the lids hit the camper.



Here is the propane tank adapter installed. This will allow me to use 1lb throwaway canisters rather than the 20lb tank.



Here you can see the 1lb tank installed and sitting pretty between the batteries. Oh...the battery slot on the left was a little larger than the one on the right so I just used a piece of 3/4" pine to hold the battery box to the outside to clear the gas pressure regulator.



I may eventually reconfigure to allow placement of a slim 5lb tank. Will probably need to move the batteries outboard and rearward a bit. The slim 5lb tank is 9" diameter, so will be a tight fit. May even need to eliminate the battery boxes.
Don
2017 T@G XL Max
2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 with 6 Sp manual

Comments

  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    Nice job, particularly if you are able to ditch the big propane tank.

    Was the mesh floor standard? My 2015 T@B doesn't have that, but it seems like a great idea.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • lightningdon
    lightningdon Member Posts: 30
    The expanded metal floor is standard T@G issue.
    Don
    2017 T@G XL Max
    2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 with 6 Sp manual
  • Texas_Dave
    Texas_Dave Member Posts: 18
    Good job and thanks for sharing. 
  • rfuss928
    rfuss928 Member Posts: 1,181
    I think you will find it easiest to carry a couple of extra 1 pound tanks in the extra space and forgo the 5 pound.  I know some T@B owners that use the disposable cylinders exclusively.  You may only use one or two all season with just stove use.

    Nice clean job on the battery conversion!

  • lightningdon
    lightningdon Member Posts: 30
    The 1# tank route is certainly the easier route. And I use the stove very little.
    Don
    2017 T@G XL Max
    2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 with 6 Sp manual
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    Isn't there a propane fridge in the new T@Gs? I assume with such battery capacity you'll be frequently camping without hookups. That would be the only argument for having a little more propane at the ready.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • lightningdon
    lightningdon Member Posts: 30
    The fridge in the T@G, at least in my 2017, the fridge is strictly 12V.
    Don
    2017 T@G XL Max
    2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 with 6 Sp manual