Solar battery and diesel heater location on M1079

[Bryteayes]

I'm trying to decide where to put the solar battery bank on CARA, my 1998 M1079 A0. I have two Renogy 12v 300Ah batteries and I'm considering adding two more. Those of you that have M1079s, where have you put yours?

I'm considering putting my diesel heater where the original heater was. Where have you put you Eberspacher / Webasto heaters?

 

[Third From Texas]

I've not added my internal power yet, but one thing that's stuck in my mind over the years was someone saying "never mount lithium batteries under your bed" (there was an embedded video of a lithium battery flashing and exploding).

It got my attention and stuck in memory. Mine will be in a rack where the existing breaker box is located.
Of course this location by the door brings up the lack of emergency exit in the hab. I've pondered a hatch with a rope ladder, but haven't sorted out how to incorporate it.

Also, it may be desirable to keep some weight balance of the hab into the equation (left/right). There should be a point where the capture springs are effected by weight distribution (within the hab itself as it rides on the forward springs).

Just food for thought. I've seen lots of builders stow their battery banks in all sorts of locations (to include under the bed).

 

[Third From Texas]

As far as heaters, yeah I'm putting mine in the old arctic heater location.

 

[Bryteayes]

I've not added my internal power yet, but one thing that's stuck in my mind over the years was someone saying "never mount lithium batteries under your bed" (there was an embedded video of a lithium battery flashing and exploding).


I've heard that too.

It got my attention and stuck in memory. Mine will be in a rack where the existing breaker box is located.
Of course this location by the door brings up the lack of emergency exit in the hab. I've pondered a hatch with a rope ladder, but haven't sorted out how to incorporate it.

Also, it may be desirable to keep some weight balance of the hab into the equation (left/right). There should be a point where the capture springs are effected by weight distribution (within the hab itself as it rides on the forward springs).

A rack by the old breaker box makes sense. I was thinking about putting it forward to help offset the weight of the hab extension. My habitat door is on the passenger side near the front of the box.

Just food for thought. I've seen lots of builders stow their battery banks in all sorts of locations (to include under the bed).

 

[Bryteayes]

As far as heaters, yeah I'm putting mine in the old arctic heater location.

I think I will too. That artic heater was a heavy beast! I'm keeping my artic heater for our barn.

 

[fukiphino]

Like others have mentioned try and keep the batteries centered if possible. When I planned out my interior I wanted to do power down one side and water down the other. After it's all been built, I wish I would of centered my big electrical components (batteries and inverters).