battery location in minivan

[coolmom42]

If I do a "conversion" it will be to my 2006 Sienna.  (Alternative to buying a class B, depending on finances.)

I would install solar and a AGM battery to power a fan and personal electronics.  Also remove the 3rd row seats, leaving that "basement" space empty.  I was thinking the basement space would be a good sport for a battery.  I would make a flip-up cover with holes for wiring access, and a divider for the basement to hold the battery box in place.  The rest of the space could be used for storing extra water or other less-accessed supplies.

Does that sound workable?

I thought about weight, but with all the seats out and must me (traveling pretty light) I don't think I will have a weight issue.  I've had 3 adults in that 3rd seat and I could tell they were back there, but it wasn't a problem.  My battery and water all together would weigh less than one of the adults who was in it!

 

[AuricTech]

What are the dimensions of the "basement" space? What size battery bank (in Amp*hours) do you intend to install?

 

[SoulRaven]

The "basement" is definitely a good spot. I'll be in an '04 Sienna soon and that's where I'll place it. Picture in the first post of my conversion thread illustrates the space well for those unfamiliar.

Good luck!

 

[coolmom42]

What are the dimensions of the "basement" space?  What size battery bank (in Amp*hours) do you intend to install?

I've never measured it, but the 3rd row seats fold down flat into it.  It's probably 12" deep and 60" wide, 14" or so front to back.

My power needs will be moderate--12 V fridge, fan for ventilation, personal electronics, and possibly at some point a water pump.  I'm thinking 2X Lifeline 31T batteries, for about 200 amp-hours.  I would rather have 2 moderate size than 1 huge one so I can pick it up without killing myself.  Those would easily fit in the basement with plenty of room to spare.  (They are about 13 X 7 X 10".) I would put them in standard battery boxes and then build a frame to brace them in place.

 

[LeeRevell]

Check the construction of that underfloor tub - those in my Grand Caravan are plastic. Make sure they can take the weight of a battery. Also, think about airtight sealing and vapor venting.

 

[coolmom42]

Check the construction of that underfloor tub - those in my Grand Caravan are plastic.  Make sure they can take the weight of a battery.  Also, think about airtight sealing and vapor venting.

I will use AGM sealed batteries.

The basement appears to be made out of steel just like the rest of the floor.

 

[SoulRaven]

The basement appears to be made out of steel just like the rest of the floor.

Mine is the same generation Sienna, and I concur. I just temporarily pulled up the carpet in the back to investigate something else, and wile I was at it felt the edges of the drain holes and even had my dad feel it out for me. I cannot speak to the weight-bearing ability but it's definitely metal throughout.

 

[LeeRevell]

Good! Y'all lucked out. Not all Dodges have Stow&Go seats. They cut the holes and add the plastic tubs.

 

[coolmom42]

Good!  Y'all lucked out.  Not all Dodges have Stow&Go seats.  They cut the holes and add the plastic tubs.

Toyota >>>>>Chrysler  

 

[BigT]

I wish I had that "basement" in my Ford.  I would make things a lot easier.  Since I'm unwilling to cut a hole in the floor of my van, my only option is to mount it in a box on the floor where it will take up precious space by pushing my toilet further back behind the drivers seat.    

 

[myke]

^^ So, it's in that box? Looks good...

 

[coolmom42]

I wish I had that "basement" in my Ford.  I would make things a lot easier.  Since I'm unwilling to cut a hole in the floor of my van, my only option is to mount it in a box on the floor where it will take up precious space by pushing my toilet further back behind the drivers seat.    

Isn't it going to be tough getting that portapotty out of its box????  A lot of weight to pick up there.

 

[BigT]

^^ So, it's in that box? Looks good...

Thanks.  The battery will go in the box with my CC mounted to one side and my fuse block on the other.  

Isn't it going to be tough getting that portapotty out of its box????  A lot of weight to pick up there.

The toilet tank on top holds 3 gallons of fresh water and the bottom holds 5 gallons.  I never wait 'till the lower tank is full to empty it, and I've never added water to the top tank without first emptying the lower tank.  I also don't fill the top tank all the way.  A gallon or two is fine.  
The two halves of the toilet separate, so I don't have to lift both tanks at once if I don't want to.