Batteries locations in older Alaskans and wiring

[Eldonderino]

Hey everyone.

I'm starting to try to hunt down an 8' or 10' CO. Most likely 70's up to 90's model depending on what i can find in my budget.

I'm just trying to get a clear idea of what I'm getting into. I keep reading about people running the campers off the truck battery and draining their truck battery (which I don't want to do). I saw another post where I guy put in a smaller water tank to add a battery (could have been to fit dual batteries). Are all the models capable of easily fitting a 12v battery inside the camper or does it require modifications, and also does the wiring require modification on the older models to hook up to a battery inside.


Thanks

 

[roverjohn]

Not to be funny but how will you fit in the camper if you can't find room for a 12 volt battery? Trust me, you'll find room. Using an AGM will reduce the need for venting which will make it even easier to find space. I've never seen a factory built camper without a battery box somewhere so don't worry about it.

 

[Eldonderino]

Thanks. Yeah i figured it wouldn't be too difficult even if they're not designed for it. I've read about some people putting the battery in the bed, but I'm assuming they're worried about the battery off-gassing.

I read the manual for the 1969 version and it made no mention of an internal battery, so I was wondering how they designed them. I'm hoping they all have room under the bench where most people fit the batteries.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I’d call the factory and ask Rick or Bryan for their input. I believe some folks have their batteries between the floor pack wall and truck bed wall.

 

[PackRat]

One thing to keep in mind about the older Alaskans (1970s) is that they could be ordered to fit a Fleetside or a Stakeside pickup bed. The difference being you can't have the bump-out on either side of the body on a Stakeside at the rear because it is 48" wide from front to back. It is the Fleetside style bed that has extra "space" in front and behind the wheel wells on both sides. This allowed Alaskan to widen the camper at the front for a propane tank and at the rear for a toilet and provided YOU with a space on either side of front ahead of the wheel wells to use as a place to locate your battery.