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LIKE2BUILD's avatar
LIKE2BUILD
Explorer
Dec 19, 2016

Dual Battery Box with single vent

We have occasions to dry camp in our 5th wheel. I'd like to add a second battery to increase our run time before needing to fire up the generator.

I'd like suggestions for a dual battery box with a sealing lid and single vent connection. I've done a little searching but only seem to find single battery boxes. I've seen dual boxes like this Todd 8D, high lid dual battery box but it doesn't have a vent hose fitting. I thought it might be possible to replace the vent in the lid with a hose fitting and adapt it. Aside from doing a mod like this, I haven't seen a commercially made box like I want.

I know I could switch to AGM and use a non-vented battery box, but I'm thinking I can buy a dual box and another wet cell battery for less than the price of a single AGM.

Thanks,
KJ

14 Replies

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  • LIKE2BUILD's avatar
    LIKE2BUILD
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2016
    Okay, then I'm not crazy.....well at least about this subject. Not that I've searched to the ends of the earth, but the little bit of looking I have done turned up ZERO hits on dual battery, sealed boxes.

    The mods to the NOCO dual box is exactly what I thought would be necessary. Looks like I'll make plans to go that route.

    Thanks a bunch.

    KJ
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    1. I took the original box and cut the hose connector off the top, cutting about 1 inch wider to make a flange. Same on bottom. Sharp utility knife worked well...just don't cut yourself.

    2. Using a hole saw I cut a hole on the top and the bottom of the new box.

    3. Mounted the hose flange on the inside of the new box sticking out. I used black RTV to seal on the bottom and Black RTV and a couple of small bolts for extra strength on the top lid.

    4. Self tapping screws for the mounting lugs on the corner of the new box.

    5. I sealed the lid with some foam strips..the kind used to seal a home window AC

    Here is a link to the box I used.

    NOCO dual 6 volt box




  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Dec 19, 2016
    I went to WalMart and got a plastic tub with locking top. Drilled a hole in the top to put my OEM vent hose through, put stainless steel worm gear hose clamps on both sides of the hose to secure it to the top. Wallowed a relief with a half round file on the tub top edge until the battery cables would clear the lid, and the lid would latch. Drilled a couple .250" holes about 6" up from the bottom of the tub to provide an air inlet. Throw the batteries in the tub. Used some treated 2x4 to sorta keep the batteries from sliding around. Rock and roll. Rednecked the heck out of it. .

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