Richpatty
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2019
- Messages
- 838
- Location
- Wesley Chapel, NC
- RV Year
- 2017
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Ventana 4310
- RV Length
- 43
- Chassis
- Freightliner
- Engine
- 400hp
- TOW/TOAD
- 2007 CR-V
- Fulltimer
- No
As an addendum to this thread, I thought I would add some "in progress" pictures and the steps I took along the way. I probably should have posted back on post #27, but better late than never.
First step was to power everything down, disconnect and remove batteries. Good riddance to these rust creating beasts...
Next I removed the tray which is actually only held in with two bolts in the bottom. Gravity does much of the work. It needed some cleanup and scraping of rust. I did coat some of it with paint afterward.
Next step was the installation of insulation. I used standard 1 inch foam insulation with foil on one side (facing out). I ran the insulation up as high as I could and used foil tape to seal up the compartment.
I then overlaid the insulation with plywood which I had painted previously so I would be completely dry for installation. I used screws to attach to the metal sheeting behind and below, but it is mostly held in place by the corner brackets used throughout.
Once the plywood was in, I had to get all the wiring back in place. This included moving the solar controller from the basement to this compartment. I did this for ease of access. This is where I also added the vent in the back. I may add fans some day, but I have not as of yet.
I also added busbars to simplify the wiring and make the power flow as efficient as possible,
Then the batteries went in.
First with the back row. I added a strip of foam to keep the front and back sets from getting to close together (not visible in this picture).
After all 8 were installed, I added L brackets to hold them in place with strips of foam insulation as a buffer. I also added 2 straps that go over the top of each sets of batteries to keep them in place.
I hope this helps anyone who is looking to do this themselves. It was not hard, but was a lot of time and effort.
Let me know if I missed something or if there any questions.
Rich
First step was to power everything down, disconnect and remove batteries. Good riddance to these rust creating beasts...
Next I removed the tray which is actually only held in with two bolts in the bottom. Gravity does much of the work. It needed some cleanup and scraping of rust. I did coat some of it with paint afterward.
Next step was the installation of insulation. I used standard 1 inch foam insulation with foil on one side (facing out). I ran the insulation up as high as I could and used foil tape to seal up the compartment.
I then overlaid the insulation with plywood which I had painted previously so I would be completely dry for installation. I used screws to attach to the metal sheeting behind and below, but it is mostly held in place by the corner brackets used throughout.
Once the plywood was in, I had to get all the wiring back in place. This included moving the solar controller from the basement to this compartment. I did this for ease of access. This is where I also added the vent in the back. I may add fans some day, but I have not as of yet.
I also added busbars to simplify the wiring and make the power flow as efficient as possible,
Then the batteries went in.
First with the back row. I added a strip of foam to keep the front and back sets from getting to close together (not visible in this picture).
After all 8 were installed, I added L brackets to hold them in place with strips of foam insulation as a buffer. I also added 2 straps that go over the top of each sets of batteries to keep them in place.
I hope this helps anyone who is looking to do this themselves. It was not hard, but was a lot of time and effort.
Let me know if I missed something or if there any questions.
Rich
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