Max IV - battery relocation idea

[Dirty Harry]

Has anyone moved the battery in their Max IV? I was staring into the engine bay of my rig earlier this morning and had a thought: Is there any reason NOT to relocate the battery of the Max IV to the section of empty space to the right of the motor?

Refer to my crude illustration below:



This open area is plenty large enough to allow using a full-size car/truck battery. A tray could be fabricated of lite angle iron and reinforced by tying in a couple of struts down onto the engine mount bolts underneath. The only objection I can think of is blocking the air cooling section of the engine; but if the battery is mounted as far to the right as possible, without actually rubbing against the lower tub, I don't think it would impede the airflow enough to cause problems - or has someone already tried this and uncovered more than meets the eye?

Just trying to figure a way to "tidy up" the multiple areas of wasted space in this machine, and allow for making a larger tool/storage section underneath the rear seat.

[scramblerjohn]

battery

great it did mine along the seat.your idea may block air flow for the fan too cool the motor,just an idea

[Mike]

I did mine that way but haven't ran it long enough to see if it impedes air flow. I think it will be fine. You can also mount it on the tub where your spare belt currently is. The only downside to that is that the weight is higher up but it will be out of the way of the motor. Just make your battery tray attach to the seat belt mount.

[Dirty Harry]

Mike, where did you snag those LED rear lights? Sharp-looking! I'm guessing that those low-draw units help reduce the drain on the charging system, too.

[Robinhood02]

Mike, where did you snag those LED rear lights? Sharp-looking! I'm guessing that those low-draw units help reduce the drain on the charging system, too.

Those can be picked up at any Truck & Trailer parts supply they come in red , yellow , white , blue and green. they are used on most Semi-Tractors (Kenworth type trucks)

[Mike]

Those can be picked up at any Truck & Trailer parts supply they come in red , yellow , white , blue and green. they are used on most Semi-Tractors (Kenworth type trucks)

You got it! (sorry, I missed the question earlier). They are made by American Superlite. Here is their website with the different products they make. My blue tail lights on my Max II also came from them: American SuperLite - Crystal Clear LED Lighting Systems

[Dirty Harry]

Thanks Mike. I am checking their site now. I think the green-lensed ones would blend in pretty nice on the back of my camo-bodied Max IV. But now which shape? Round or rectangular??? Actually, the 4-bulb MODEL SL6200 rectangular Combination Marker / Clearance Lamps look to be only a tad larger than the stock Max rear units PLUS they are marine-rated, which would be a good thing for an amphib.

Hopefully installing these with their lower amp draw would allow me to put in halogen hi/low headlights without pushing the charging system.

Here's a link to the lights I'm looking at (they have bigger 12 & 15 LED units, too):
American SuperLite - Crystal Clear LED Lighting Systems

[shorty]

battery relocation

i did it with my max IV. I put a marine battery next to the engine, and put tool boxes down where the battery was. With a flip seat on the back bench its easy to get to the tools. Battery is easier to service. 'course i have a 16 hp so probably more room on engine stand than the new machine have. only thing - be careful if you go too far past the engine stand and over the chains. Makes it harder to keep the tub clean and serviced in the back.

[countrycummins99]

red top optima

i mounted my red top optima on the space next to the engine i will get a picture later so far it was an awesome decision and has not affected cooling of the engine at all i have the 18 horse briggs def well worth the relocation easy to add accessories to