What's a 100ah LiFePO4 that fits under the driver seat?

[pck]

I've read all the battery threads but the available options and the store links seam to change constantly. I've done the math and 100-150ah seems to be the sweet spot for my needs. I'd also like to maximize storage and keep everything neat and under the seat. Anyone have a good recommendation for a battery?

[bobbyblack]

The 'build your own' battery, yes. I have not heard of a drop in 100aH "battery" that fits.
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[DeLvxe]

The build-your-own is the only reasonable option for that size under the drivers seat. There is a Renogy 100Ah that some folks have used there, but it involves cutting away part of the battery box and even then the battery terminals stick above the battery box top. Some folks are okay with that, but not for me.

For an off-the-shelf battery, you can go smaller (50Ah) or use a different location. Some folks argue that "space is space" and as long as you are using the space under the drivers seat (for tools or something) then you are still being space efficient.
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1991 manual camper with EJ25

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

Renogy's smart 100ah fits in the battery box without modifications. Their new one that's like $500 will NOT fit as it's too tall with the CATL style batteries vs pouch style of the smart battery

[Silverghost500]

I fought the battle of trying to find a 100aH battery that would fit behind the driver's seat, and finally relented to putting it in the cabinet floor under the sink. Saved me loads of having to cut parts of the van I didn't want to cut, and didn't have periscope battery terminals that could potential be an issue.

I tried the 50aH, and it just wasn't sufficient for what I needed.
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1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A conversion
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[DeLvxe]

[pck]

Does anyone have more details on the correct Renogy 100ah that fits? I don't think I'm up for building my own battery.

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

I'll have to do some digging, but I remember seeing a post with pics either here or FB.

[DeLvxe]

This is the pic I have seen on the FB group for the Renogy battery people say fits in the battery box. If this is the battery folks are referring to, I'd say this technically fits, this isn't anything I would recommend people do, and it involves removing the lid and doing a bit of cutting. Better to either build your own or put the battery somewhere else.

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1991 manual camper with EJ25

[erste]

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

That's the one I remembered, but also, terminals FORWARD fits much better and safer due to swivel seat

[pck]

It's there another thread on this install? Or a model number? Looks like what I'm looking for...

[Andymon]

You could go this route but they are sold out. https://www.gowesty.com/product/battery/25135/auxiliary-battery-bundle-?v=
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"Blanch" '85 Westy
"Too many freaks and not enough circuses".

[pnwkayaker]

Those are lead-acid batteries, not LiFePO4 batteries.

I have the GoWesty 50 Ah LiFePO4 installed under the driver seat - initially I was super-happy with its performance, but found during the heatwave in Seattle that it wasn't enough to keep the fridge cold longer than 2 days. I'm now looking to replace it with much bigger batteries (haven't yet determined if I'll go DIY or use a commercial offering).

[mikemtnbike]

It's this battery from Renogy:
https://store-fhnch.mybigcommerce.com/12v-100ah-sm...-function/

But there's no way I can see where that battery is a good install in that location. By the time you put wires onto those terminals, they're even taller. What are people doing, putting spacers into the seat base to make it taller somehow (don't see how this is possible) or cutting out the bottom of the box, welding in a lower pan? It doesn't even look like there's room to put in extra insulation like many people, including me, have done on the starter battery (those soft plastic discs that cover new CV joints make awesome terminal covers!).

If the (+) terminal hits the bottom of the seat, congratulations, you now own an arc welder. I imagine that would not be good for all the electronics inside that smart battery.

Or, I could be all wrong. Electronics are not my area of expertise, really.

EDIT: Wait maybe those terminals are floating around in the air even with the seat all the way back. If that's the case, I guess I can see where a cover could be built, but that's a lot fo work by itself.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[bsrad]

Ok so I was going to wait to post after I completed the install but I’m not going to have time to jut my other system out for a couple more weeks. I measured over seventeens dang times before pulling the trigger on the 100ah Renogy on their Labor Day weekend sale because I swore it was gonna work. As soon as I received it I temporarily removed my old set up from under the seat for a quick test fit. Bingo!

I had to remove the hinged cover and dolly the flange flat, but now if you lay the battery on it’s side it will lay flat with the terminals facing forward and the cover will fit back on. I will make a removable flange that the hinge will re-rivet back onto. I’m planning to access the terminals through the little cubby from under the seat.

Like I first mentioned, I’ve only quickly tested fitted, but I’m 99.9% sure it’s gonna work.

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Bill

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1987 Syncro Westy
1967 OG Single Cab
1976 FJ40

[ProspectiveOwnergon]

[Microbusdeluxe]

Do you think that will fit if the driver's swivel was removed and the seat slides on the original runners?
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'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[DuncanS]

Plz post a pic with a straight edge laid across the two carpeted sides.

[bsrad]