Trecking Report post Posted March 30, 2017 Recently bought a 2002 Roadtrek 200 Popular. So far, we have put 5000 miles on this year -Loving it! Joined FMCA, based on what we heard. This RT has one size 24 coach battery, we are wanting to do a lot of dry camping and are considering switching to a size 31 battery. It is impossible to check battery water in the original location between the bumper and generator from below. I have not had any problems, but have never gone two full days without driving the RT. I am considering installing an AGM battery in the original location. Is that a charging problem if nothing else is changed? I am also considering putting the battery in the left rear compartment which is only about 18" away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted March 30, 2017 Trecking, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. By coach battery do you mean to power the HOUSE? If so, and you don't have an inverter or other high amp draw, you can locate the battery 18" from current location, but would probably not put it way behind the rear wheels, just from a weight distribution standpoint. And, AGM should work fine in the original location. AGM and wet cell charging curves are very similar-- it is gel that are different. Yes, if you have a smart charger or smart inverter/charger, you can fine-tune it to reflect the AGM battery technology. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trecking Report post Posted March 31, 2017 Thanks Wolfe! Yes, house batteries. It is installed from the factory immediately in front of the rear bumper, four feet behind the rear axle on this 20' RT. There is an original converter/ inverter just behind the rear axle on the same side. If I did move it the 18", it is that much closer to the inverter as well as toward the axle. Currently when dry camping I turn on the Onan if I use the microwave or coffee pot. When it comes time to us the AC , I will need to do the same probably use shore power. I am not positive solar will be a major help, unless I stay in one place longer. I My inverter/charger is from 2002, I doubt if it is smart technology. Will that be a problem for the AGM, or will it need replaced? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted March 31, 2017 Yes, closer to inverter/charger and not as far aft of the rear axle are both pluses. And suspect your 2002 IS a smart inverter/charger. What model is it and do you have a remote panel for it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trecking Report post Posted March 31, 2017 Thanks Wolfe, It is a Heng's HNB 12-45 converter. The only remote is a Roadtrek that says battery and says c,g,f,l downward side with lights. That remote is mounted on wall as a small panel, with tank status levels. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trecking Report post Posted June 29, 2017 Trecking, Just now saw this post. Almost every word you wrote could have been exactly what I have said, down to the 02 Popular. It's true that a AGM battery could lay on it's side in that left rear compartment, however there is a warning that the compartment has a total weight limit of 75 pounds. These battteries weigh more than that alone. Also from my research putting in 2 6v batteries in series will not give you added battery storage, due to the size 6v batteries that are available. The 12v Size 31 AGM Dekla battery as more weight thus more storage than anything else I have found. I have not switched yet, but that will be my choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rsbilledwards Report post Posted June 29, 2017 If you can find a CROWN AGM it will probably be a better battery yet. Typically 2 6 volt deep cycle batteries will be a greater capacity than a group 31, at least the Crown 260s are and likely the 105 Trojans.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
