Removing house battery RT 170 1997

[GallenH]

How big is your battery box compared to the battery? On my PW the box was longer than the 24group battery, so much so that someone had placed a length of 2x4 in there to prevent the battery from sliding back and forth. I was able to remove that battery without taking out the bed platform by using the strap to lift the end (RE = rear end closest to me standing outside the RV) of the battery up and work the battery toward me, stand it on its end, pull it close to the RE of the box and pivot it horizontal. Then I slid it toward me and took it out.

 

[Mike Bee-ClassB]

Thanks for clarifying.
I took the time to move the bed/seat cushions, lift the plywood foundation etc so that the battery could be lifted straight up and out. This also allows easy access to remove the battery cables etc. Well worth the effort and makes changing the battery very easy. The time and effort to do it this way results in a straight forward process without turning the air blue with frustration.

 

[RT1997]

How big is your battery box compared to the battery? On my PW the box was longer than the 24group battery, so much so that someone had placed a length of 2x4 in there to prevent the battery from sliding back and forth. I was able to remove that battery without taking out the bed platform by using the strap to lift the end (RE = rear end closest to me standing outside the RV) of the battery up and work the battery toward me, stand it on its end, pull it close to the RE of the box and pivot it horizontal. Then I slid it toward me and took it out.

The width of the battery compartment is very close to the battery That is why even the scissor type tool would not fit in.
But the length has more room ( like enough to put 2 fingers). And yes,a friend of mine did some wigling to pull it out about 8 years ago.But in his age (75+) it was much more difficult this time.
BUT : this time we did not have any specific tools.Just one of us pushed from the bottom to lift and another used battery handles.
So when Mike said about blue air from frustration that is the perfect description )):
I should have ordered the strap but someone thought he could pull it out ( pun intended) without specific tools.
As far as dismantling the bed -I would rather use flash light and usb fan )):

 

[RT1997]

"...without turning the air blue with frustration."

 

[RT1997]

.

 

[RT1997]

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

Ordered a carrier strap.Just tried it a couple of times - slips on one side.Are they all standard or did I have the wrong one?
Though I think if anything, it should be battery specific,not vehicle but this Amazon listing even says "Dodge Ram 2500 1997" which is my RT base exactly .

Amazon.com

Any way to prevent strap from slipping?

 

[booster]

They need to dig into the post as they tilt, so they won't lift until you have pulled up.

You can get more angle on the strap by turning the the strap on the posts to face the outer edges of the batteries. As you go up with it, the force will tilt in into the post and grip well.

If you are using two hands and pulling straight up on each end, they won't grab as easily. One hand in the center until they grip.

If you still have trouble, just hold up the center of the strap with on hand and tilt the holder on the post more until it grips.

 

[RT1997]

They need to dig into the post as they tilt, so they won't lift until you have pulled up.

You can get more angle on the strap by turning the the strap on the posts to face the outer edges of the batteries. As you go up with it, the force will tilt in into the post and grip well.

If you are using two hands and pulling straight up on each end, they won't grab as easily. One hand in the center until they grip.

If you still have trouble, just hold up the center of the strap with on hand and tilt the holder on the post more until it grips.

Thank you ,Booster.You advise is super helpful,as usual.

 

[booster]

One thing that I forgot.

Take a look at the holes on the strap that go on the posts.

They are almost always punched holes, so on end of the hole it will be rounded where the punch went in, and on the opposite end of the hole it will be squared or even burred.

You don't want the rounded part gripping, so you may need to turn the strap over to get the sharp end so it grips.

 

[RT1997]

They need to dig into the post as they tilt, so they won't lift until you have pulled up.

You can get more angle on the strap by turning the the strap on the posts to face the outer edges of the batteries. As you go up with it, the force will tilt in into the post and grip well.

If you are using two hands and pulling straight up on each end, they won't grab as easily. One hand in the center until they grip.

If you still have trouble, just hold up the center of the strap with on hand and tilt the holder on the post more until it grips.

Thanks again,Booster.
Your advise helped a lot.
Also the guy who was doing the job put a much bigger washer over the poles to have less chance of slipping.
Thank you, everyone for your help.
It is finally over !!