Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-11-2019, 12:57 PM   #1
Bus Nut
 
farok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 375
Year: 2003
Chassis: Chevy cut-away 6-window shortie
Engine: 6.0L Gasser
Short bus - eliminate one battery?

I have a 2003 Chevy/Collins handicap 6-window bus, which came with 2 starting batteries. I'm slowly eliminating electrical components, such as the wheelchair lift (though I intend for now to leave the rear A/C in place).

Given the vehicle is (from a starting battery standpoint) just a glorified Chevy van, is there any reason to keep two starting batteries? I was planning to move one starting battery to the original battery compartment under the hood and eliminate the other, allowing me to use the under-body compartment for house batteries.

Is there any reason to reconsider this decision?

Chris

__________________
My build thread: https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/fi...ild-25804.html
farok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 03:47 PM   #2
Bus Geek
 
ol trunt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: So Cal
Posts: 3,227
Year: 1935
Coachwork: Superior
Chassis: Chevy
Engine: 317 ci/tid / Isuzu
With a gasser You'll probably be OK as long as your single battery can provide the CCA required by a standard van with the same drive train and the cables are heavy enough to reach the new battery position without line drop.
Jack
ol trunt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 03:59 PM   #3
Bus Geek
 
o1marc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
Put it up there and start the bus, if you notice a difference, change it back.
My 37' Genesis only utilizes one battery.
o1marc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 05:20 PM   #4
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Greater Boston
Posts: 504
I'd try it and see.

Run the AC for a while too - make sure that id idle, the alternator can put out enough current to run the AC, run the engine, and keep the battery charged. That battery might not be for starting as much as it is for keeping the bus running after.
Mark_In_MA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 07:58 PM   #5
Bus Nut
 
farok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 375
Year: 2003
Chassis: Chevy cut-away 6-window shortie
Engine: 6.0L Gasser
Thanks all! When it comes time I'll test it just as you mention. I'll probably leave the batteries where they are and just disconnect one and see. The batteries have jumpers to the original battery location under the hood, where there are bus posts, so moving a battery (if that's sufficient) actually simplifies the wiring and nets me some extra jumpers to use elsewhere.
__________________
My build thread: https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/fi...ild-25804.html
farok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2019, 09:23 AM   #6
Almost There
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 95
Year: 2006
Coachwork: Collins
Chassis: Chevrolet Express 3500
Engine: Duramax
I've had a 2003 Collins with the 6L gas motor (but no wheel chair lift). Only one battery under the hood and it started just fine with that.
dazdconfsd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2019, 07:13 PM   #7
Bus Nut
 
farok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 375
Year: 2003
Chassis: Chevy cut-away 6-window shortie
Engine: 6.0L Gasser
Quote:
Originally Posted by dazdconfsd View Post
I've had a 2003 Collins with the 6L gas motor (but no wheel chair lift). Only one battery under the hood and it started just fine with that.
Great to hear - thanks!

Chris
__________________
My build thread: https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/fi...ild-25804.html
farok is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:58 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.