Removing house battery RT 170 1997

RT

RT1997

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2019
Posts
144
Location
CA
Roadtrek 170 1997 has the house battery under the bed.The battery is extremely heavy and it is a very narrow space to pull it out.The battery inclosed in riveted metal case with only narrow slots at the corners.Last time the slots were used to insert something like metal wrench handle to lift one side of the battery and then wigle it out.I am not sure since I was not the one who did it.This time 7+ years later (Lifeline batteries last long) the same guy could not do it .We both spent long and frustrating time trying...
I was wondering if there are some tools for DIY owners without powerlifting background to pull the heavy battery out?
 
Just remember to make the poly big enough to crumple up and get a good grip on it. After using it to lift the battery in trim it to whatever you want , leaving enough to lift it back out and tuck the extra down the sides or fold it over the top.
 
Just odered side grip tool ( the type that shows in most links.)
It seems like is not enough space to fit.Rubber pads only go half way.
I don't have much hope for scissor type.
Thinking to rent Dewalt Grabo from Home Depot.Never used it .
Any expeience with it?
 

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booster said:
It must be top posts for the cables?

If that is correct, this should work. I have had one for decades.

post lifter link
Click to expand...
Thank you,Booster.
The terminals are on the top.The battery already has handles but there very little space above to pull it out straight .
The battery compartment was designed probably by the same genius who came with a great idea to put propane tank inder the drivers seat that needs to be removed in order to reach the tank ( 5 h professional labor).

Anyway, I did order the scissor type and similar looking belts that grip from the bottom.

The order will arrive in 4-5 days.
 

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Given that my 97 is a Pleasureway I'm not sure of your exact configuration. My house battery is also under the bed. Sort of. It's also accessible when you open the rear door via a carpeted cover. The metal, ventilated box for the battery hangs under that cover. While you can access the battery from that rear location, you can't easily pull it. I assume cover exists so that you could service the battery, check water levels, etc. Anyways, I remove the bed for "straight up" access to remove it. I'm over 75 and, in that position can easily remove/reinstall it. I use the strap that booster mentioned, using the holes in the strap gripper to fasten the battery bolts through. Done it several times.
 
Thank you,GallenH. The battery position is exactly what you describe.The very narrow space between the bed and the battery does not allow to pull it out straight.Removing the bed? I still remember 5 hours labor at RV place to remove the driver seat ! I asssume that removing the bed is easier but hope there is another way.
I wish the battery compartment had screws instead of rivets.
Smaller battery might be easier to pull out.But GPL 24T from Lifeline last very long.
 
Again, not sure of your configuration. My PW has 2 single beds which, when you put in some cross pieces, converts to a queen. The cushions on the beds function as seats on either side so that you can put a removable table between to sit and eat. Originally all you had to do was remove the seat cushion on that side to gain access to the battery compartment after you removed its lid. We, however, had mattresses made for each bed and don't use the "queen" configuration. To make that work I had to cut some pieces of furniture board to serve as platforms for the mattresses. (The original cushions had 1/2" ply on the bottom as part of their construction). Check the dimensions of your metal battery box. The original battery on mine was, like yours, a group 24. I was able to fit a larger LifeLine into my box by cutting off the ears that hold the carry strap. I think that enabled me to increase from a 80AH battery to a 100AH one. Still skimpy by today's standards but a 25% increase.
 
Thank you,GallenH. The battery position is exactly what you describe.The very narrow space between the bed and the battery does not allow to pull it out straight.Removing the bed? I still remember 5 hours labor at RV place to remove the driver seat ! I asssume that removing the bed is easier but hope there is another way.
I wish the battery compartment had screws instead of rivets.
Smaller battery might be easier to pull outno.But GPL 24T from Lifeline last very long.
 
Some clarification to my previous reply .The battery is under the bed behind the rear passenger tire.
But the bed is twin.
Removing the bed sims like logical answer to the problem for those who can easily do this.
Just curious if they would do the same method of battery replacement at RV repair places.
Probably with $ 180 per hour labor they would not use quicker but harder method with some tools.Planning to call canadian guys from Mobilife - they know Roatreks like no one does
Meanwhile waiting for the scissor type .
 
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I also own a Roadtrek 170P. Our rig has a double bed that we leave setup f/t. Changed out the group 24 AGM battery in 2023.
I have a carrier strap that simply slips over each post. Upon lifting friction keeps it in place- easy easy for this 72 yr old.

Mike Bee
97 RT 170P
Formerly 89 VW Westphalia
 
Thank you, Mike.
The tools I ordered did not fit either.Going to order the strap Booster mentioned and probably the one you use.
But may be your 170 has more space to lift the battery straight.
 
the battery does not have a lot of space around it to prevent it from rattling around when you drive.It’s not tight but about finger spaced away from all sides.Always used the strap even on the car’s and van’s starting battery, just easier.
 
Mike, I was referring to the space between battery and the bottom of the bed.
It is like 11-12 inches.So not much space to pull straight out.
 
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