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Topic: Improving start battery access (split from Re: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years) (Read 502 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Optima Blue Top - Fai...

Improving start battery access (split from Re: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years)

Quote from: Jim McNeece –
Replacing starting bats in a 2003 FT is really a %$##.  Took me a couple of hours of not-fun work.

Jim,

I think that "challenge" is just for those of us who have a tag axle.  Do you still have the original, giant-trashcan-sized, muffler?  One of Steve's primary reasons for changing to the Aero 5050XL (and now Magnaflow) was to improve battery access.  Barry has some great photos of the difference on his site here:  Exhaust System Replacement - 2003 U320 
along with an overall discussion and multiple parts lists here: Replacing the Muffler with a Resonator


Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Improving start battery access (split from Re: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years)

Reply #1 –
Yes, I even considered removing the muffler to make it easier to install the third battery. 

I installed two from the side, but the third I had to install from the rear.  I made a wooden ramp that I hooked to the battery cage and used a small bottle jack to lift the two batteries up so I could simply slide them into the cage.  However, the third battery could not be done that way since the muffler interfered.  I learned a lot, so would do it differently if I ever have to do it again.  What a STUPID design!  Foretravel gets an "F" for this "feature".

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Improving start battery access (split from Re: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years)

Reply #2 –
We don't have that setup on our coach, but I  had heard that the whole battery tray can be lowered with a jack after removing support bolts.