Replacing R31 house batteries.

[bill46]

Question is how to access the 4 house batteries in R31?
Does the white Starboard slide back with 2 screws removed?
Can floor under ice maker be removed for better access?
Looks very difficult to reach connections in place.
thanks for advice.

 

[Andrew Custis]

I have replaced the batteries in a 31 and it really isn't too bad. I didn't mess around with trying to slide the white board because of the weight. I simply made a note of how many wires were on each battery to ensure I put them all back and removed each battery one by one. Took me about an hour to complete the job.

Thank you,

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

We replaced our 4 OEM batteries with 6 slightly better (and heavier) AGMs. Added a section of white board and carefully rewired charge (including solar) and house feed across battery bank for balanced cell charging and discharge (thanks Andrew). It is great having a full 300amps available and the 3 solar panels crank out the amp hrs to ease the depth of discharge cycle. Will be adding a 4th battery to the starting and thruster bank when we replace next spring. Anticipating a longer battery life with great capacity and shallower discharge per cycle. No problem replacing batteies - just took it slow and easy - no back injuries or accidents.

 

[bill46]

Success. Had a younger and smaller friend replace. 4 Duracell 31AGM made by West Penn. Read label on old ones, - replace every 3-5 years! I got over 4, hope for more from USA Duracell's.