Conversion to Golf Cart Bartteries

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   For those who have asked the question in the past, yes this can be done. I finished the project last night.

I replaced the battery box with one sized specifically for golf cart batteries (which are taller than 24 or 27 size batteries. http://www.allbatterysalesandservice.com/browse.cfm/4,576.html

The box dropped right into the battery area between the welded angles without modification. I did need to rerout the propane line which ran around the side of the batter to under the battery box (took 2 minutes).

Costco had batteries in stock, with date of manufacture label on the top to ensure I had date matched batteries that would perform well together.

I bought a foot of #4 stranded copper wire at Lowes and some wire connectors to connect the batteries in series.

Done.

I'll report back with capacity/performance results after our next two outings.

Next is wiring in the 55W solar and charge controller panel I just got.

Happy trails,

Jim

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BSAJim Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 01 Nov 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote BSAJim Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Conversion to Golf Cart Bartteries Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 5:00pm
	For those who have asked the question in the past, yes this can be done. I finished the project last night. I replaced the battery box with one sized specifically for golf cart batteries (which are taller than 24 or 27 size batteries. http://www.allbatterysalesandservice.com/browse.cfm/4,576.html The box dropped right into the battery area between the welded angles without modification. I did need to rerout the propane line which ran around the side of the batter to under the battery box (took 2 minutes). Costco had batteries in stock, with date of manufacture label on the top to ensure I had date matched batteries that would perform well together. I bought a foot of #4 stranded copper wire at Lowes and some wire connectors to connect the batteries in series. Done. I'll report back with capacity/performance results after our next two outings. Next is wiring in the 55W solar and charge controller panel I just got. Happy trails, Jim
	Jim & Carmen - San Jose, CA r-pod 177 and V-6 Highlander

anchor out Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Status: Offline Points: 28	Post Options Post Reply Quote anchor out Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 9:39pm
	I ued to live on a sailboat in the Caribbean. I started out with 2 4D batteries. I later swapped both for golf cart batteries.and never looked back. It was THE way to go. Congratulations!

K_Mac Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 10 May 2009 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote K_Mac Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 8:03pm
	After freezing our butts off in Rocky Mountain National Park (battery died running fan in heater in the middle of the night), I upgraded to 2 golf cart batteries in series. Awesome! I need to dry camp again next year for a week to test the limits because in 3 days we still had a lot of juice. I bought a multimeter to monitor the voltage next time. I'm also thinking of getting a solar panel - tell us how it turns out and don't forget some pictures!

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Jul 2011 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 966	Post Options Post Reply Quote furpod Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 9:56pm
	Yep.. very interested in the solar hookup and capabilities.
	Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie. '11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295FurPodsMods '17 Ford F250 CCSB

Alex&Marie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Feb 2012 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 34	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alex&Marie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 16 Nov 2012 at 2:45am
	I'll echo anchor-out's comment. We lived aboard a sailboat for 4 years and had great luck with golf cart batteries. they have lots of capacity and worked well with both solar panels and wind generator. and they are reasonably easy to find and economical. good luck. please keep the group updated.
	Alex and Marie 2012 R-pod 177, 2006 Toyota Tundra

headcold Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Status: Offline Points: 142	Post Options Post Reply Quote headcold Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Nov 2012 at 3:16pm
	Judging from the foregoing conversation, I assume we are talking about 2 golf cart batteries. Am I correct? Second, it would be great if someone could post a picture showing the wiring and modifications that are necessary. I know how the difference between parallel and series .... but, just in case ...

Marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Location: Alberta Status: Offline Points: 218	Post Options Post Reply Quote Marwayne Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Nov 2012 at 4:18pm
	These are 2 - 6 volt batteries hooked up in series, pos to neg, the trailer harness goes on the other 2 poles.
	If you want something done right, do it yourself! 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra Limited 5.7 Litre

headcold Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Status: Offline Points: 142	Post Options Post Reply Quote headcold Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Nov 2012 at 7:08pm
	As usual, Marywaybe, you've been very helpful. Thanks

headcold Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Status: Offline Points: 142	Post Options Post Reply Quote headcold Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Nov 2012 at 7:09pm
	By the way, Marwayne, did you find that you get an appreciable more time between charges with the golf cart batteries than with the standard 12 volts?

Marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Location: Alberta Status: Offline Points: 218	Post Options Post Reply Quote Marwayne Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Nov 2012 at 8:23pm
	I would't know mine are not golfcart battries. Wow, I guess you just gave me a new name.
	If you want something done right, do it yourself! 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra Limited 5.7 Litre