New battery box install almost complete

I read that is was not recommended to solder the connections as it
created a bending point that might lead to wire strands breaking.
Of course, I read that after I had crimped and soldered my battery
connectors. Haven't been on the road much since then so haven't
seen any problems yet.

I used round headed carriage bolts. I used the Blue sea battery terminal as well as where all my wires connect. I will be putting in a L shaped pc of AL. to keep the batteries form moving inwards and and 1x6 pine behind and on the outboard side of the box. I have my holes cut for the vents now, I just need to go get some nice covers like the ones shown above. I made all of my own battery cablesout of 2 AVG weleding cable with the propper ends and than slightly crimped in vice and soldered the terminals.

The thought crossed my mind to put in a couple of DC 80mm or 90mm computer case fans and than run a small battery and switch so tha I can create a forced air vent so to speak but that is probably over kill and unnecessary.

Matt

Looks great. The plasti dib idea is awesome. Probably would want to make sure the surface is prepped so it sticks and stays stuck. Hopefully the sun beating on it will not make it peel.

How did you mount it to the frame? I always worry that if you u-bolt it down and the nuts are facing out, it would be easy for someone to just unbolt and walk off with the box and your batteries. You could turn them the otherway but then bolt cutters would work just as well... Welding to frame is probably the best option. Maybe I think too much and I'm still pi$$ed that my battery got stolen. (just had the plastic box tied with the standard strap)

The two or three battery boxes like yours I was involved with used LOWES SINK drains that was glue in place... One of them used just a round vent that had tabs on them instead of the sink drains. The area under the box lip is an ideal place for mounting battery vents




When I install my battery box I am going to sit the box on top of automotive rubber body mounts in four places that look aosomething like this. I will also use round head stove bolts from the bottom to keep thieves cutting off the bolts and stealing my whole battery box.


I will also be using large rubber grommets or PVC electrical junction boxes to route my my battery from the bottom of the sides of the battery box where the cables can access PVC flexible tubing to gain access into the trailer.

Inside the battery box I will mount BLUE SEA battery switches, fuse blocks, terminals blocks as required for all of the battery terminal connections etc...


All cabling will be ANCOR BRAND battery cable with proper sized ANCOR BRAND ring terminal. I will cut my own cables and build-up using a 8-ton hydraulic hand crimper.



My thoughts are this is going to something I will have around for a long time and probably move from trailer to trailer so put some good professional practices to work for me building it up..

This new box for me is going to look great sitting on my OFF-ROAD POPUP tongue replacing my now failing GP24 Interstates after 5-6 years of good use.


Hopefully some of this might give you some ideas on your battery box project...

Roy Ken

Majja13 wrote:
Pointrow there is not much distance between the top of the lid and the posts. where can I find some thin rubber. have you got any ideas on that. I like the idea of prolonging my batteries as long as possible. The battery hold down should be installed by saturday. Than I will post up pics of the completed project.

For mats under the batteries: Acid absorbing mats

You might use plastic sheets like cutting boards are made from, about 1/8" thick, or kid's sleds, just a sheet of plastic with maybe a rope on the front. Cut to fit.

Majja13 wrote:
Pointrow there is not much distance between the top of the lid and the posts. where can I find some thin rubber. have you got any ideas on that. I like the idea of prolonging my batteries as long as possible. The battery hold down should be installed by saturday. Than I will post up pics of the completed project.

H

I would use a piece of inner tube from a tractor or truck tire. About 1/4" thick.

good luck
pointrow

Pointrow there is not much distance between the top of the lid and the posts. where can I find some thin rubber. have you got any ideas on that. I like the idea of prolonging my batteries as long as possible. The battery hold down should be installed by saturday. Than I will post up pics of the completed project.

Looks nice.
Tie Downs would help battery life. Cuts down on vibration.
Setting the batteries on rubber would help also.

good luck
pointrow

I have the hold down all ready made just not installed. I just wanted the plastic on the roof of the lid for a just in case.