Installing lithium batteries in the front cap dead space??

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

We own a 2023 Imagine 2670MK and I'm about to start my Lithium battery upgrade. I'd like it completed by next spring. So, I recently started reading, watching Youtube videos and visiting various web sites so I could learn and see what other people are doing. I was originally planning to install my batteries (initially two 100AH Lithium batteries with low temp charging protection) under the bed or possibly inside the pass through storage area. That is until I watched this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHE712VRltQ).

In this video they are adding four 200AH lithium batteries, solar panels and associated equipment. I was shocked to hear the guy state that he's like to install the four batteries in the dead space between the front pass through storage wall and front end cap. Then he goes and removes the thin plywood wall to reveal plenty of space for his batteries. He also finds some missing insulation in the front, so he repairs it and builds a shelf to support the batteries. I included a screen shot from the video and attached it below.



Has anyone else done or seen this before? If so, how'd it go? On the surface it looks like a good place to install the batteries. They are out of view, so more secure than outside, they wouldn't take up any storage room from under the bed or in the pass through and they would be somewhat protected from "stuff" moving around during travel. I like what they did, but I'd make a few changes. I'd install some sort of lockable door on the front storage wall so I could have easy access the batteries. I would also like add way to warm the batteries and lastly I'd add some 12V fans to help ventilate the space when its too hot. Can anyone think of a reason not to do this?

 

[jproctor9]

I debated it. Ended up under the bed. Warmer. Shorter wires. Easier to mount Multiplus. Weight moved back a bit.

I do have to say that it's a great use of the space.

 

[Soundsailor]

From the screenshot you posted, there does seem like a lot of unused space there. We have a fifth wheel which is pin light, so adding that weight in the front helps smooth out the ride (we have about 200 pounds of batteries in our forward compartment). That may not make as much sense for a TT. But even if I didn't put my batteries there, I'd still want to reclaim that space with some sort of storage locker.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

From the screenshot you posted, there does seem like a lot of unused space there. We have a fifth wheel which is pin light, so adding that weight in the front helps smooth out the ride (we have about 200 pounds of batteries in our forward compartment). That may not make as much sense for a TT. But even if I didn't put my batteries there, I'd still want to reclaim that space with some sort of storage locker.

The video is about utilizing the dead Cap space in an Imagine travel trailer. I apologize, I should have made that clearer in my post, my bad :-(. As for space, in the video they were installing four 200AH batteries and it looks like they could fit a few more. Unfortunately I don't know how this would work in a 5th wheel.

 

[Soundsailor]

The video is about utilizing the dead Cap space in an Imagine travel trailer. I apologize, I should have made that clearer in my post, my bad :-(. As for space, in the video they were installing four 200AH batteries and it looks like they could fit a few more. Unfortunately I don't know how this would work in a 5th wheel.

No problem, I wasn't thinking I could do it on my 5er. I was commenting strictly based on how well it might work for you on your Imagine. The trade-off is the space gained vs the extra weight on your hitch.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

No problem, I wasn't thinking I could do it on my 5er. I was commenting strictly based on how well it might work for you on your Imagine. The trade-off is the space gained vs the extra weight on your hitch.

I honestly don't think that moving the batteries into the dead cap space is much difference than putting them where the batteries are now (up front behind the propane tanks) or putting them in the front pass thru storage will be all that different. They just don't weight that much.

 

[Second Chance]

I honestly don't think that moving the batteries into the dead cap space is much difference than putting them where the batteries are now (up front behind the propane tanks) or putting them in the front pass thru storage will be all that different. They just don't weight that much.

Perhaps not much difference in weight distribution, but they'll be safer in terms of security (theft) compared to on the tongue and those LiFePO4 batteries cost a few cents. They'll also be better protected from cold.

Rob

 

[Ynot4me2]

Lots of good points and everyone's situation is different. One more reason why I really love this place. In my situation, we are a little too tongue heavy, so relocating them inside would be the better option for us. Mine is still currently located on the tongue but I'm planning on moving it (soon to be them) inside. The front storage on the Imagine XLS is smaller and mine is really packed. So that's not really an option plus it wouldn't not really solve the weight balancing. I looked under the bed but DW immediately put a stop to that idea. It's her space for shoeS, beach stuff, purseS more shoeS. LOL I guess sleeping beside an angry wife doesn't make a good vacation. I'm now looking at under the dinette bench and pantry which is also over the axles. So for us, moving them inside would be 1. more secure 2. heated and 3 better weight distribution.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

Perhaps not much difference in weight distribution, but they'll be safer in terms of security (theft) compared to on the tongue and those LiFePO4 batteries cost a few cents. They'll also be better protected from cold.

Rob

Thankfully the prices or Lithium batteries are coming down. I was planning upon putting my own lithium battery together until I saw the TiTime Black Friday sale prices. They got very good reviews so I purchased two 100AH Lithium batteries with low temp protection for just about $500 even (for both). They just arrived yesterday. I probably should have two more, but these two should meet our needs for the next year or so.

Security and protection from the weather are main reasons why I'd like to get the batteries somewhere inside the trailer. Unfortunately my front storage is also fairly packed and my wife doesn't want to give up the space under the bed either. Truthfully I agree with her on that, So that's why I found the idea of recouping the dead cap space for the batteries so intriguing. I was hoping someone else on the site had done this or something similar. I haven't 100% decided to put the batteries in there, but if I do be sure to take lots of pics and post them on the site. The sharing of info and help is what makes this site so great.

 

[kb0zke]

Batteries mounted on the tongue are (or should be) in battery boxes. Without opening the box you can't tell what's inside. At least on my boxes, the strap that keeps them closed and attached to the rails is a royal pain to deal with after it has gotten wet. That alone is likely to deter most thieves.

Even the lightest LiFePO4 batteries still weigh around 20 pounds, so make sure that they are well tied down wherever you decide to put them. Just a thought on that space: might there be something else that could go there, and put the batteries farther inside?