Forum Discussion

Mgr1001's avatar
Mgr1001
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016

Location of breakaway battery

Hi guys,

I just purchased a used heavy duty trailer and I'm brand new to this forum. My question is about electric safety brakes for trailers.

I am replacing the completely dead breakaway battery, and I was wondering why I couldn't locate the battery inside the enclosed portion of the trailer rather than on the trailer tongue where it is now located? It would be a rather easy re-wiring job, and would prevent any "sticky fingers" from making better use of my battery than I can.

What do y'all think?

Mike??
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Apr 29, 2016
    You need adequate support for the battery weight, and vent for the explosive hydrogen gas the battery produces. The latter can be avoided by going to an AGM battery, which is sealed.
  • cmeade's avatar
    cmeade
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2016
    Years ago I installed a group 24 battery in a battery box strapped in the tack room of a horse trailer and got rid of the motorcycle battery. Bigger battery meant I could run manger and tackroom lites with trailer diconnected.
  • Itchey_Feet's avatar
    Itchey_Feet
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2016
    What type of trailer?, is it just a cargo trailer and no one will be sleeping in or staying for a period of time inside, is it an open air with just boxes down the side?
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2016
    - charging batteries vent hydrogen, which is explosive. Hydrogen is lighter than air, so the battery compartment needs to vent upward to the atmosphere.
    - spilled battery acid is highly corrosive, the reason for the battery box.
  • Mgr1001's avatar
    Mgr1001
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2016
    Was also wondering if, when connected to the tow vehicle, the battery gets charged from the tv battery, sort of like a trickle charger?

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