Fastback and aft battery

[JDA_BTR]

I was contemplating an aft battery but now that I’m assembling the fastback it seems like it might be tough to service and access. Can anyone tell me what they know on this? Seems like there might not ever be any reason to go through the aft baggage if there is no battery there?

[andrewtac]

I purchased a fastback, the builder made the mod (not a purchased kit). Not sure what yours looks like, but with the mod I can sit in the tunnel while working on the battery and other components in the rear. If it was the standard build I'd think it would be several inches shorter and I couldn't sit back there.

In addition to the battery, I go in the back to service the autopilot and rear controls during the conditional.

[JDA_BTR]

Good point the autopilot is back there. Haven’t gotten that far as to see the linkage setup.

[Scotty G]

My -8 has the fastback and a 14g aux. fuselage tank mounted low with baggage space above. With screw-mounted panels, it’s still pretty easy to get back there to inspect things. Battery is in the low saddle part of the forward baggage.

[scsmith]

There is so much benefit to putting the battery in the back that it is absolutely worth it, even if difficult to access. But I would think it easier to access with the fastback than with a standard fuselage.

[Rallylancer122]

Mine is in the back of a standard fuselage. It's not hard to get to so a fastback would probably be easier. Keep in mind that that modern sealed batteries don't really require service like the old screw top batteries do. You'll likely only need to look at it during your condition inspection, at which point you'll have opened up the back anyway.

Dennis

[scard]

There is always a reason to crawl back there, once per year. Battery or not.

My RV-8 fastback battery is in the back.

[JDA_BTR]

Good info - back it goes.... How did y'all rig up a battery minder lead back there? On my 14 it is secured next to the oil door. Do you put the battery master by the battery or up front still - if up front then would just wire the minder there...

[Chris Engler]

I agree with the consensus of the rear mounted battery in the Fastback. As far as a remote charge set up, I've been very happy with the NOCO battery charger and their "dash mount battery indicator"/charge plug. I wired mine directly to the battery with an in-line toggle switch that stays in the "off" position other than when charging.

[andrewtac]

Minder plug is in the side panel in the backseat on the right.