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Old 06-13-2015, 09:03 AM   #1
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Installing House Batteries

I am debating my options on the location of my two new 6v golf cart batteries and wondering if I could switch my two starting batteries for one group 31 so that I could fit the (1)starting battery and (2)house batteries in the factory battery box (International 3800 shorty)

It is raining now so I cant go measure but I wonder if anyone has swapped the two starting batteries for one larger one.

Thanks

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Old 06-13-2015, 09:21 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 05Willys View Post
I am debating my options on the location of my two new 6v golf cart batteries and wondering if I could switch my two starting batteries for one group 31 so that I could fit the (1)starting battery and (2)house batteries in the factory battery box (International 3800 shorty)

It is raining now so I cant go measure but I wonder if anyone has swapped the two starting batteries for one larger one.

Thanks
I replaced the crappy batteries that the bus company provided with a Powermaster 8D, but takes up the entire tray
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Old 06-13-2015, 09:27 AM   #3
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O, bummer. Well, that solves that.
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Old 06-13-2015, 12:03 PM   #4
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What engine are you turning over? I've been fine using a single GR31 for the T444e: Batteries Expert - BATT GR 31 1130CA 1000CCA STUD MF

The only time I ran it down while trying to start was when it was -20C and the glow plug relay wasn't working.
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Old 06-13-2015, 12:25 PM   #5
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DT466e. It has 2 interstate batteries in there. Not sure what group size.
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Old 06-13-2015, 12:30 PM   #6
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Are the 2 batteries you have the same size as the picture posted above (which is an 8d)? You could always try disconnecting one and see how it starts.

I would guess that the highest rated group 31 would be the most minimum possible to get the DT466 started, but it could work.

I guess the other question is whether you're in a warm, or cold climate. In a cold climate you'll want more battery power.
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Old 06-13-2015, 05:49 PM   #7
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Mine looks like a normal truck battery size not one of those beasts.
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Old 06-13-2015, 06:51 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by 05Willys View Post
Mine looks like a normal truck battery size not one of those beasts.
Well there you go. Disconnect one, see how it starts. If it's acceptable to you then just use one. You'll have the house batteries to boost off of if necessary. Two is better than one, but it's your bus and you call the shots..

If it barely turns over then keep both and figure out another place to put the house batteries.
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Old 06-13-2015, 06:53 PM   #9
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By the way, you only need to remove the ground from one to disable it.. Leave positive on the terminal so it doesn't short on the battery box..
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Old 06-18-2015, 01:44 PM   #10
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I put the batteries in from of the original battery box and used the additional space in the battery box to mount my MPPT controller.

This is not perfect because it was unbelievably hard to get the batteries in there, I wish I had cut out the upper stair in the stairwell and made a box under there.



The wire runs in to a steel chanel.



And out on the bottom



The wires etc are just temped in to test the setup. 2.9amps in heavy shade!



These are two pvl-144 panels from UniSolar. I cut them and re-soldiered the leads to connect the cut off parts. I was VERY relieved when I plugged it all in and it worked.
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Old 06-18-2015, 06:14 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 05Willys View Post
I put the batteries in from of the original battery box and used the additional space in the battery box to mount my MPPT controller.

This is not perfect because it was unbelievably hard to get the batteries in there, I wish I had cut out the upper stair in the stairwell and made a box under there.



The wire runs in to a steel chanel.



And out on the bottom



The wires etc are just temped in to test the setup. 2.9amps in heavy shade!



These are two pvl-144 panels from UniSolar. I cut them and re-soldiered the leads to connect the cut off parts. I was VERY relieved when I plugged it all in and it worked.
I looked at those Unisolar panels. Just haven't bought any yet. Glad to see they are working good.
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Old 06-18-2015, 06:22 PM   #12
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Nice install.

You sure have a clean battery box compared to most I have seen.

Nat
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