Part 1 of Group 24 to Group 31 AGM Conversion (Solar Project for Momentum 399TH)

[grandseahawk]

Decided to add solar to our rig to keep the batteries more or less full so we could run our propane heater and stereo at night without running the generator all night after it's been sitting all day. We learned that there are two huge stereo woofers (one inside and one outside) and a sizable amp that draw an incredible amount of 12v juice. The sound is great, but coupled with lights and the propane heater at night, our dealer-installed Group 24s (two of them) were just not enough for a full night of dry camping on the huge rig.

For such an expensive and overall well built RV, I'm surprised that the factory/dealer battery and wiring install was just 100% junk with horrible and efficient grounding (a #10 screw to the frame was the only real basis for grounding the entire 12 volt system!). The factory/dealer wire materials were absolute also junk... copper clad copper (aka CCC), which is VERY inferior Chinese copper and is not even real copper. More on that later...

First step, pitch Group 24 batteries that were held in place in a cheap plastic tray with only one #6 screw. Added mat for insulation and cushioning purpose since the metal the new AGM batteries sit on is fairly thin. The Group 24s weighed about 100 pounds together and the USA Made Group 31 AGM Duracells weigh @200 pounds all together. I may end up adding a metal support bracket under the carriage later (I will see how it performs).

Added aluminum and alloy brackets and secured them with stainless steel screws, washers, and lock-washers. Sealed holes in RV metal with rust inhibitor and sealed outside undercarriage area with the stainless screws with rubberized silicon coating to protect from the elements and rust. I also sprayed a can of real rust inhibitor/converter to the metal undercarriage while I was down there... huge difference.

The orange battery strapping is temporary since I plan on putting real USA Made webbing later on.

I will post more an this project progresses...