Subject: Access to hidden batteries ?
There's a recent posting that brings up what to do when batteries require replacing...
http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9322
This thread got me thinking about a battery access issue I see with some of the Ranger Tugs models.
When I owned an R-25 (Classic) the 4 batteries were easily accessed as they were contained in their own locker with a hatch in the cockpit's port-side aft section. Opening the battery box locker gave FULL access to all 4 batteries.
Later on when reviewing the new R-29S at a local Seattle boat show I noted the batteries no longer had a real box to themselves and were hidden to a large degree. I think I recall that maybe the batteries even though hidden could be slid out into view on a slide of some sort... but can't remember is if this is correct or if that feature is provided today.
In the event I had to replace batteries on my R-25 (Classic) I took photos of the 4 batteries to record where all the cables were and what they connected to. I took some closeups as well to capture small details for the various in-line fuses that had labels indicating what electrical device was being protected.
Now that the batteries appear to be hidden or are are in fact hidden on the larger RT models (including the new 2018 R-27 and maybe the R-23), I'm wondering how I will be able to capture photos of all the battery connections for my records.
Do the 'hidden' batteries sit on sleds so that they can be slid out for full visibility ? If so, I assuming there's enough slack in all the cables to allow for this. Even with a sled, can these hidden batteries be extracted to plain view with there being enough slack in the cables ?
I will be reviewing the new 2018 R-27 build process at the RT Kent factory and this battery access will be on my list of things to discuss and get photos as best I can while the batteries are visible. 🙂
There's a recent posting that brings up what to do when batteries require replacing...
http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9322
This thread got me thinking about a battery access issue I see with some of the Ranger Tugs models.
When I owned an R-25 (Classic) the 4 batteries were easily accessed as they were contained in their own locker with a hatch in the cockpit's port-side aft section. Opening the battery box locker gave FULL access to all 4 batteries.
Later on when reviewing the new R-29S at a local Seattle boat show I noted the batteries no longer had a real box to themselves and were hidden to a large degree. I think I recall that maybe the batteries even though hidden could be slid out into view on a slide of some sort... but can't remember is if this is correct or if that feature is provided today.
In the event I had to replace batteries on my R-25 (Classic) I took photos of the 4 batteries to record where all the cables were and what they connected to. I took some closeups as well to capture small details for the various in-line fuses that had labels indicating what electrical device was being protected.
Now that the batteries appear to be hidden or are are in fact hidden on the larger RT models (including the new 2018 R-27 and maybe the R-23), I'm wondering how I will be able to capture photos of all the battery connections for my records.
Do the 'hidden' batteries sit on sleds so that they can be slid out for full visibility ? If so, I assuming there's enough slack in all the cables to allow for this. Even with a sled, can these hidden batteries be extracted to plain view with there being enough slack in the cables ?
I will be reviewing the new 2018 R-27 build process at the RT Kent factory and this battery access will be on my list of things to discuss and get photos as best I can while the batteries are visible. 🙂