Batteries Stolen...Now What?

'tiredTeacher wrote:

Dr Quick wrote:
I would cut the post off at the base,...

I'm off to get my hacksaw, Doc. Thanks!

Teach

These guys don't steal them to use them. They steal them to sell for the lead. Druggies are stealing lead and copper as fast as you can replace it. OP was probably lucky they did not cut the power cord and take it too.

I don't think I would want to give up precious inside storage space unless just absolutely necessary. We always don't have enough storage space as it is. The best spot for the batteries is OUTSIDE with proper venting for gases and drainage for boiled out fluids...

I have seen several good install of batteries using the TRUCK SIDE MOUNT TOOL BOX. The 48-inch sixe is great for up to four 6VDC GOLF CART type batteries. If you only go for two batteries which will give you around 225AHs you can always use the extra space in the side mount box for outside items storage. Your stolen two 12VDC batteries were probably around 200AHs or less.

This is what a 48-inch side mount tool box looks like. Available from AMAZON and any number of auto parts places...



Getting one with the enclosed latch is probably the safest to have. Just having one with a lock clasp would not offer much resistance for thief.

This is good install idea across the trailer tongue preferable up near the front of the trailer...


You would drill down through the tool box from the inside through the trailer tongue. Then use the ROUND HEAD STOVE BOLTS pushed through from the bottom where there would no place to cut the head of the stove bolt bolt off from the bottom. The bolts and washers would be on the inside of the box...

Inside would look something like this...


You may want to use a battery strap across each battery attached the sides of the box to keep the battery from bouncing up making the terminals touch to top lid when closed.

This forum guy user 'GILLDAWG79' cut his vent hole opposite each installed battery as shown here and used a sink drain bottom from LOWES for vent.

Sample photos from google images-Gilldawg79

The inside area opposite the batteries is great for installing BLUE SEA TYPE terminal block and fuse blocks as needed. The outside of the box is also great to install BLUE SEA 4-position OFF-BAT1-BOTH-BAT2 selector switches..

I always make everything with ANCOR TYPE 4AWG battery cables and ring terminals. All of the BLUE SEA ITEMS will have the lug mounts for nice looking battery connections everywhere...

Since your battery cables have been cut off you may have to add a BLUES SEA junction type BATTERY TERMINAL BLOCK just at the trailer frame and then run new wiring from there to the battery box...

While you are at it also note the PROPANE are also big targets for thieves... I mounted a long length pad log under the cover where the screw down lever is located. Of course being a standard lock this will be easy picking for the thieves but may slow them down.




The idea for me is to have outside lighting that comes on when someone walks up. This could also send you an alarm inside your house... My trailer has battery operated wireless motion detector modules on both sides of it from AMAZON that will turn on my trailer outside lights as well...


Certainly ashamed you have resort to things like this. A good dog would help out as well... Insurance is great also...

Roy Ken

Go to youtube
Green RV project #2 All about batteries and secure battery boxes.

What, everyone's opinion, are the best batteries to go for? Brands, models, etc???

Without sounding like an advertisement... Battery in tow vehicle was 2004 vintage. Got thinking about it and I never had a battery last that long before. During our last cold snap when starting, sounded like battery was giving all it could.

Brands For choices. Costco, walmart, auto zone, budget battery etc. Then decided to replace what lasted so long in first place; believe it or not they were Les Schwab. Now if these new ones last as long as old ones did, I'll be even more happy. Most of our travels (for us) are where they have lots of stores compared to others.

Models IMO the biggest that fit in the hole you have for them.

etc If you run your batteries down below 50% in your RV (like I used to do) check out Budget Battery because you won't get that long of time out of them, and they are cheaper.

Sorry for you getting ripped off.

seaeagle2 wrote:
I wouldn't waste my time with cutting off the terminals, honestly, probably whoever stole your batteries was a crackhead and took the batteries to the closest "we buy scrap batteries for $6.00". place.

My guess also.

I wouldn't replace the batteries until the parking is more secure. Good luck.

Some required reading:

battery faq page
6v battery recommendation
battery group

Costco vs Sam's batteries
6v battery recommendation


AGM v flooded 2011

Thanks, Piano - new terms and information every day!

Hi Margaret,

AGM = Absorbed Glass Mat. They are a sealed battery, that when operating normally, do not vent hydrogen and other toxins into the air. Because they have very little liquid inside compared to a traditional flooded battery, they can be used when laying on their sides, if need be.

They generally have a little less total capacity in amp-hours, but do tolerate discharging to 50% better than, for example, flooded golf cart batteries.

I'm reading this with interest. OUr experience is that people are honest and helpful, but I have wondered about the things people leave outside their units. I've wondered why the propane tanks and batteries aren't secured inside some sort of safe box on the tongue.

But what does AGM mean?

Jaxom wrote:
I had a short aluminum battery box. I trimmed the posts and ruined the battery!

I did the same thing to gain clearance. As you can see, the post is made up of two pieces so you need to cover the saw cut with solder.

I used a pickup side tool box across the tongue and placed the battery box under the lip. That way the thief will need to remove the locked propane bottles for access. The tool box stores blocks and chocks while under way and then stores the hitch parts when camped.

If the OP really needs two batteries, I suggest 6 volt golf cart batteries.