Forum Discussion

jopes73's avatar
jopes73
Explorer
Jun 05, 2019

Rage'n battery compartment lacks safety

Picked up this 5th wheel toy hauler and wanting to make this battery compartment safer as well as a way to hold the batteries in there. The previous owner cut some ply wood to lay accross the top of the batteries to stop them from arching on the metal above.

I can't believe the manufacturer sent the camper out this way. There is no way to secure the batteries in this location without the lower battery possibly being in the way.

There was group 27's in there currently.

I have been looking for a few hours now and can't find any other rage'n 5th wheel for reference if theirs is the same as mine is.


2004 model 2930-5g 5th wheel toyhauler
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2019
    Making batteries safer and hold ‘em in there is good. Manufacturers send ‘em out gawd awful.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jun 05, 2019
    I can't picture what you are running into can you post a few pictures so we can see what you are up against?

    My first thought is can you put the batteries in a battery box with a lid? This would prevent arcing if the batteries did bounce up. I typically use some self tapping bolts through the bottom of a battery box to hold it down and then put the battery in and snap the lid closed. Come to think of it, I've never had a battery bounce up and dislodge the lid. Link


    Another option is to put one of these on the floor and use self tapping screws to hold it down. Then put the battery in it and strap it down. Link
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 05, 2019
    Battery security. The piece of wood over the top is a good way to prevent arching.

    But as for security
    Had a partner at work who kept losing batteries from his Car.. The theives would pop the hook and steal the battery. Well after a few times he chained and padlocked the hood.. So they stole the whole car... (We got it back, better than when stolen but we got it back)..
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2019
    Get batteries you can lay on their sides like Li or AGM.
  • jopes73's avatar
    jopes73
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2019
    Battery box

    Hopefully this link will work.


    There isn't any room in there to put in a hold down or plastic battery Box. Height measurement is only 9-7/8" tall.

    I will have to remeasure to see if I can lay a agm side ways. Really was not looking to spend that much on batteries as I have a generator to kepe things charged when needed.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2019
    The plywood idea is a good one. IMO keep doing that. With no holding straps, you need the compartment door to be secure. Perhaps rig an outside bar across it.

    Actually in the 5er we had, I was able to fit 27s so the ends were toward the door, and there was just enough room inside to slide a thin board as a bar across inside the doorway, which was wider inside than the door so the board was held from coming out, and that held the batteries in if the door catch failed.

    Three 27s, but shows the board across inside. Looks like you could do something similar one up and one down.

  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jun 11, 2019
    I see the issue and the reason for the wood on top although I really doubt the batteries will jump up. But here's a few thoughts.

    You could stay with the wood on top.

    Or use something like this. If the floor is just thin steel I would through bolt the metal loops. Link

    Buy a battery box and just set the lid in top of the batteries. This is basically the same as the wood mentioned above.

    Using short screws from the top screw the wood to the bottom side of the shelf.

    Glue a piece of cheap veneer to the bottom of the shelf above the batteries.

    Duct tape the batteries down.
  • jopes73's avatar
    jopes73
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2019
    I went with smaller agms. I don't boon dock anyplace and always have a generator to keep the batteries charged.

    I'll get some pictures tomorrow of them in the tiny storage area.

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