Building battery rack

[Ray D]

I am going to use 4 8-D AGM's, 2 batteries will set on the top of the bottom ones.  Does anyone know if I need a solid floor under these batteries or will angle iron around the perimeter be enough to support them?

Thanks,
Ray D

[white-eagle]

couple inches of angle iron is ok, but make sure nothing comes up through the bottom, like off the tires.  the cases are strong enough if there is angle iron about an inch or two wide all around.

[luvrbus]

Ray what brand of AGM batteries are you using we install 4 8d Sun Xtender's 255AH in a friends bus and those puppies weighed 165lbs  each

[Ray D]

Haven't bought the batteries yet, just building the rack, yes they are very heavy, that is why I asked the question.  Will buy them when my ship comes in.  Thanks for the replay Manasst.

Ray D

[Melbo]

I have my bottom batteries sitting on a solid surface and the top batteries are spaced above with 2" wood stock which of course is only an inch and a half wide and then I have a frame made out of angle iron holding them down so they don't move and all this is on a rack that rolls out.

There is good spacing between all the batteries and the compartment has full ventilation to keep things cool.

But everything is anchored so there is no movement.

Hope this helps.

Melbo

[TomC]

I have 2-Lifeline 8D AGM (255amp) on a shelf I suspended under the bus (transit) made with 1.5" angle iron with 3/4" plywood as the platform.  Then I used 1x2 screwed around the batteries to keep them in place and used one more angle iron on a threaded rod to hold the batteries down.  It works well.
If you haven't made the racks yet and don't have the batteries yet, I would highly recommend AGAINST using the 155lb each 8D batteries-they are just a bear to lift.  Instead, use 6V batteries.  I know Lifeline makes both 220 amp and a taller 300 amp 6V battery that are much lighter.  Remember you can also lay down AGM batteries successfully.  I have seen 8D's on their sides in fishing boats that have very tight engine rooms.  Go to Lifeline.com.  Good Luck, TomC

[white-eagle]

i agree with tom.  most 8d's are made with thin plates and high crank amps.  a 6 volt is light to move around and check, will give better service and won't warp as easily if you tax it.  they're made for that constant discharge over a period of time.   total discharge, then total charge, over and over.  starting batteries like most 8d's are made to deliver a quick crank with only a slight discharge before being re-charged.

hook the 6v's up series and parallel to get the voltage you want and the long term juice you need, and save a hernia repair to boot.
i think i bought my 6v's at sam's for about $70 ea.

[luvrbus]

Tom fwiw the Deka-Mk ,Concorde Sun Xtender and the Lifeline( same as Concorde) are a true heavy plate deep cycle 8D batteries

[TomC]

I know my 8D's are thick heavy plate deep cycle batteries-every time I have to lift one! Good Luck, TomC

[Gary '79 5C]

Tom,
In going to 6V, I agree that less weight to manhandle is a benefit, but once the AGM's are installed, should not have to repeat for years.
I think that doubling the chance of one battery going south and pulling down others would outweigh the initial installation problems.
I have (4) 8D's and needed to build temp. blocking in steps to raise the batteries for installation. I, too have a rack with 1 1/2 angle. Two batts side by side, two over two.

Take care.
Gary

[makemineatwostroke]

Ray, when building your battery rack I recommend you build a double slider the top and bottom when using 4 8D AGM I am the one that LB helped install the 4 8ds and my batteries weigh 165 lbs each and if you use a double slider if one goes bad you do not have to remove 3 to get to 1 that would be a back breaker. I have photos of  my rack if you like I will email them to you

[Ray D]

Turn down pictures of bus construction, no way, love to see them, I just love Bus porn.

Ray D
***rdrum1@sbcglobal.net***

[TomCat]

Here ya go Ray...my version of Convertasmut! 

http://www.zoto.com/site/#USR.jsbird69::PAG.detail::9c5b701b32ccc778d4af86967c8e43e8

HTH

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Ray D]

That looks clean TomCat, I wish I had room to have them flat like that, those are the batteries I want in there though.  But I have to stack them 2 on 2.

Ray D

[rwc]

That Zoto link does not work for me.