2015 Roadtrek SS Agile -- Rear Coach Battery Disconnect?

[Lorie]

Hi, I have the 2015 Roadtrek SS Agile -- 4 AGM batteries for the coach with 2 batteries under the hood and 2 batteries that are mounted under the rear of the vehicle where the spare tire would normally be mounted. All these batteries are dead and need replacement. I also have the underhood generator and 3 100 watt solar panels.

The rear battery tray release (pins that need to be removed) are frozen and we cannot get this battery tray to release even after using penetrating oil, placing a floor jack under the tray and relieving the pressure, and trying to tap out the pins. The previous owner had the vehicle in at the RV garage and they couldn't even get this battery tray opened.

If we just replace the 2 front AGM batteries for the coach, can we just disconnect the rear AGM batteries for the coach and just live off 2 front coach batteries? I use a minimal amount of electricity.

I would appreciate any advice.

[Richard Cranium]

Never done battery pins before , but I've done quite a few spring shackle replacements on jeeps. The bolt is invariably rusted to the sleeve of the spring bushing.
PB blaster daily for a week or so. If you can SAFELY get a torch near the pins heat them up, no need to cherry red them just too hot to touch. Then spray with more PB. That stuff will penetrate and loosen them.
Make sure you don't have any other means to hold the pins in place like spring clips etc.

[sdunn4]

We have a 2015 SS Agile and replaced all 4 batteries last year. We have a handy mechanic nearby and he helped with the replacement (we bought the new batteries). He had to repeatedly heat up the tray / pins to get them loose. We had tried all other means; it was worth the $ we paid him to replace all 4 batteries (about $200). Good luck!!

[jrfaris]

Our Agile came with only the 2 underhood coach batteries. We also have solar and are able to get by a few days of boondocking without charging. We have a propane generator where you have the second set of batteries. You might try replacing just the two accessible batteries (disconnecting the rear batteries) to give it a try. It depends on your use/needs.

[MobileCabin]

There has been several threads discussing that pin removal on the rear battery tray. Try a search for keywords: Roadtrek House Battery Replacement. In my case, a Harbor Freight lawn mower jack was used to lift the rear battery tray a little to release the stress on the j-pin. Then I sprayed some corrosionX around the pin and tried to rotate it over a couple days. Finally it moved and I was able to tap it out. The jack helped to slowly lower the tray and get to the batteries. This has made me remember that I am planning to replace the batteries so I will have to go out to the barn and spray that j-pin before I begin to do the actual work.

[NeilConnect]

I'm late to this discussion, but I have the same issue with my 2017 SS Agile.
The battery tray that is mounted on the frame rail is is terrible shape; perhaps due to 5 New Hampshire winters). MobilelifeRV does not carry this part (28011969).

I am looking at local (Boston) sheet metal fabricators to create a new part. I was lucky to get a shop drawing through a Roadtrek dealer (Camper's Inn-Raynham). Let me know if anyone has interest in adding to this custome order. I will explore fabricating this in stainless-that is probably the right choice.

[booster]

Originally Posted by NeilConnect

I'm late to this discussion, but I have the same issue with my 2017 SS Agile.
The battery tray that is mounted on the frame rail is is terrible shape; perhaps due to 5 New Hampshire winters). MobilelifeRV does not carry this part (28011969).

I am looking at local (Boston) sheet metal fabricators to create a new part. I was lucky to get a shop drawing through a Roadtrek dealer (Camper's Inn-Raynham). Let me know if anyone has interest in adding to this custome order. I will explore fabricating this in stainless-that is probably the right choice.

Since Roadtrek is still a company, I would remove any and all identifying things on the prints before sending them to a fabricator, as they may be hesitant to get into possible patent or other proprietary issues.

One off parts especially like that one that needs other materials like tubing for the hinge can very expensive to buy. The number of small specialty fabricators is shrinking quickly most places and the big ones don't want that kind of work from individuals.

One fairly large place that still does one offs for individuals around here (Coremark Metals in Minneapolis) would easily be able to make that part if they want to and you can afford it. They are not crazy expensive though and do take outstate orders and ship as part of their business model.

https://www.coremarkmetals.com/

This is probably a long shot, but might work out. The part itself, as a battery tray, might be better sourced at an automotive restoration shop. Stainless trays are pretty commonly fabricated to replace old rusted out ones in restorations and custom cars. Some of those shops are wizards at fabrication special parts that they need.