Moving Start Batteries

Tikvah · February 25, 2017, 03:51:53 AM

I have to replace my start batteries. And, while considering this replacement, I started thinking... well, my thought process goes like this.

Instead of spending nearly $400 on 8Ds I could possibly gain some advantage of having the batteries closer to the engine starter, and maybe comfortably get away with a pair of Group 31s for $200. The space where the old AC compressor sat is not being used anymore. There is already a wire going to the old battery bay for any 24v shared loads.

But then I got to wondering, why did MCI place the batteries up front? They must have had some ingenious engineering because they did it for years. If they have good reason, I don't want to change it.

Any thoughts? Experience? advice?

sledhead · February 25, 2017, 05:33:04 AM

they put it up front because of the heating / a/c stuff ( big dc power hogs )

dave

luvrbus · February 25, 2017, 05:39:54 AM

Was easier for the drivers to flip the disconnect switch,the Grey dog drivers hated going to the rear of the Eagle to turn off the batteries a couple told me.Eagle buses has always had the batteries close to the engine when they used the 8D's or the 3 group 31's

chessie4905 · February 25, 2017, 09:49:40 AM

maybe to add more weight to lighter front end, and away from dirt and heat.

HB of CJ · February 25, 2017, 03:01:48 PM

Hopefully the starter cables are at least as big as they need to be, (maybe fatter) and as close/short as possible. We custom made ours using new big mining cables.

Swagged on connectors using a very very large hand swagger. No sodder.

Sometimes it is possible to relocate batteries to free up underside space AND to address the desire to have a near perfect side to side and front to back balance.

This includes both static and dynamic input burning fuel and using and relocating coach liquids. All fun. All doable. The math is easy after a 10 year old girl explained it.

Tikvah · February 25, 2017, 03:17:51 PM

I'm not the least worried about weight balancing. My wife sits on both sides.
When a bus sits on air bags, I don't think weight distribution plays a significant roll.
I'm more interested in getting the most use from the space. In this case, where the AC compressor once sat is wasted space.
2nd reason is that I might get away with less battery by placing the batteries closer (and still using a large cable).

HB of CJ · February 25, 2017, 05:21:03 PM

Actually weight balancing IS very important. What is fun is determining who and what may move around inside the coach. Yikes!

Bill B /bus · February 25, 2017, 05:22:26 PM

One of the first things I did was move the starting batteries to the old A/C compressor area. Moved the battery disconnect and the 24V/12V equalizer to the battery box forward side. Using two Group31's.

Bill

Zephod · February 26, 2017, 01:46:50 AM

That just seems like a lot of extra work for no real gain.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Tom Y · February 26, 2017, 05:40:39 AM

I moved mine to the rear, glad I did.

Iceni John · February 26, 2017, 07:41:55 AM

After I relocated my starting batteries I noticed that the starter now turns the engine quicker than before. That's the difference from previously having 25 feet of 4/0 cable to having only a few feet now. Well worth it.

John

Oonrahnjay · February 26, 2017, 02:59:28 PM

Quote from: Tom Y on February 26, 2017, 05:40:39 AMI moved mine to the rear, glad I did.

Quote from: Iceni John on February 26, 2017, 07:41:55 AMAfter I relocated my starting batteries I noticed that the starter now turns the engine quicker than before. That's the difference from previously having 25 feet of 4/0 cable to having only a few feet now. Well worth it.
John

Yes, me too.

kyle4501 · February 26, 2017, 05:00:39 PM

Quote from: Tikvah on February 25, 2017, 03:17:51 PM

When a bus sits on air bags, I don't think weight distribution plays a significant roll.

True if you are below the tire load capacities.

A friend was having problems with the right inside rear tire blowing out - his axle weight was ~500# under max. I talked him into getting side to side weights - the right side was over 2000# heavier than the left. The leveling valves masked the problem by adding more air on the rt side.

His wife didn't like being told to leave some cabinets empty . . . . So, he went to a higher load capacity tire & carries less water to maintain safe tire loading.

B_K · February 27, 2017, 07:00:51 AM

Quote from: kyle4501 on February 26, 2017, 05:00:39 PM
True if you are below the tire load capacities.

A friend was having problems with the right inside rear tire blowing out - his axle weight was ~500# under max. I talked him into getting side to side weights - the right side was over 2000# heavier than the left. The leveling valves masked the problem by adding more air on the rt side.

His wife didn't like being told to leave some cabinets empty . . . . So, he went to a higher load capacity tire & carries less water to maintain safe tire loading.

For a second I thought you were going to say "His wife didn't like being told she couldn't go!" LOL!

BK

daddysgirl · February 27, 2017, 08:04:15 AM

OK, I'll be a voice of decent...maybe

It is a PITA to have those 8D's, the cables, etc. where they are. However, in my personal opinion, based on my experiences, I think the batteries and the fuel tanks were placed away from the engine for fire prevention and possibly weight reasons.
I know many people who put batteries in the right rear side access without issue. I was going to move mine. Then I realized a small fire would possibly cause the batteries to explode.
So, I made new 4/0 and 2/0 cables. And I do agree that it is much easier to pull the kill switch from the drivers seat, but it's also faster should you ever need to kill it.