Short bus - eliminate one battery?

farok · 03-11-2019, 01:57 PM

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

ol trunt · 03-11-2019, 04:47 PM

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

o1marc · 03-11-2019, 04:59 PM

Put it up there and start the bus, if you notice a difference, change it back.
My 37' Genesis only utilizes one battery.

Mark_In_MA · 03-11-2019, 06:20 PM

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.

farok · 03-11-2019, 08:58 PM

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.

dazdconfsd · 03-17-2019, 10:23 AM

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.

farok · 03-17-2019, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazdconfsd

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

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