Installing Aux Battery & Prepping Box

[Andy Coleman]

Fellow Wanderlodgers:

I'm in the process of installing an auxilliary starting battery in the
passenger front storage box of my 83' FC-35.

Like many of you, I don't like the idea of having to fire up the
generator to start the bus after running the lights all night.

In preparation for the battery installation, I've been removing the
stock felt that lines the inside of the front passenger box. Can
anybody recommend a paint that might stand up to a battery? I imagine
that I should also vent the box to prevent a build up of battery gases
- which is why I'm worried about the paint.

Also, what size battery should I install? Half my box is taken up
with the engine air filter - so I don't have much room. My
Caterpillar mechanic told me that it is best to have two batteries in
sequence to start a big diesel engine. If I only have space for one,
what size should I use?

Thanks everyone! I'll be posting photos of my air intake modification
with part numbers for everyone to use soon. My mod is a version of
the idea that Randy installed in Bruce's FC.

Andy Coleman
Spring Lake Heights, NJ
83' FC-35