A few months ago, I received a PM from someone on RV.net stating they were a representative of Torklift International. I had no idea who that was but the email went on to say, they were looking for experienced RV-ers who offer their help to others to be product evaluators.
So I did what most intelligent people do when they seem to be getting something to good too be true. I did a little research. I checked them out online and they have a website that has other products. I called the number and asked exactly what was involved and if I would be responsible for any costs (shipping or anything else).
They said no, I just needed to fill out an evaluator application and provide some info on my RV type, how often I RV, etc. but no credit card info, no charges to me of any type. And good to their word, about 3 weeks later, the Power Armor Battery box showed up on my door step.
Below is a review after installing it this afternoon.
First off, it's a beautiful battery box. I was sent a black powder coated aluminum diamond plate version measuring 27 1/4" x 7 15/16" x 12 7/8". This is the taller of the two sizes they have and suitable for larger batteries such as 6v or as in my case, a pair of group 29's.
Its quite simple in it's design but effective. It is a box with lips on the front and back of the box that a sliding flat lid slides onto from the sides. It has a hole in the middle front for a lock, a hole in the back side for the cables to run through, a few slots in the bottom for included battery straps to be run, a few pieces of aluminum angle for mounting along with self tapping screws, washers and a bit more hardware that might be needed specific to your install situation.
I started by removing my duel propane tanks, disconnecting my battery and removing it and the battery boxes. Slide the box in place, centered on the existing angle that held the battery boxes and drove a couple self tapping screws with washers through the inside into the angle below. Nice and secure. Replaced the battery, slide it to the curb side of the box and fished my old battery cables through the hole in the back of the box. I quickly came to realize, the cables were going to be too short, thanks to the total of 24" of cable Keystone left me to work with. No problem, quick trip to Pepboy's and I had a couple new, longer, 2 gauge cables and now actually have a red and black one so I don't have to remember RV electrical code every time I disconnect and clean my battery connections ๐
Disconnected the old, replaced with the new cables, fished them in again and connected. Bag tied the slack in the new cables, installed the lid and put the lock on it and done. Took all of about an hour of work from start to finish which included the removal and reinstall of the propane tanks.
Now for some pictures.
The finished Product!
The lid and the lips it slides across.
A better look at the lid and how it is angled under to create a secure hold on the lips.
I placed a piece of the angle they give you across the top to demonstrate the clearance between the battery terminals and the top since it is made of aluminum. Plenty of room, even with my rather tall group 29 battery.
A top shot. The edge of the group 29 battery I have is right next to the hole in the middle of the battery box. I believe there would be room for another group 29 next to it but it will be very close and something I measure before I buy a second one. Mine is just two years old and frankly, it lasts long enough for us so I don't need a second group 29 right now. I'll wait till it dies and can get either 2 6v or replace with two group 29 or 27's, whichever fit.
Here are some pros/cons:
PRO's
Much better looking than the plastic battery boxes we are all used to using.
Definitely a more secure solution if battery theft is a issue for you (maybe off site storage or a little too much crime in the area you store your RV).You know what they say, you make it hard for a criminal, they will move on to a easier mark.
Very easy install. All parts are included for multiple applications. In my case, it fit beautifully in the existing two pieces of angle already on the trailer. If it hadn't, two pieces of angle were included including mounting hardware for that and the self tapping screws to mount eh battery box to it. I can't think of anything they left out that I would have needed on any install.
Weight! I was concerned about how much weight this would add to my trailers tongue weight but being aluminum, it is very light.
CON's
No Con's at this point as I have just installed but I'll update this post or answer PM's if anyone shoots me one asking down the road.
If your concerned about battery security, this looks like a well designed, light weight solution that adds a bit of style to your RV. Will also be a good fit for those just looking for some light weight, lockable storage. It appears these are sold through dealers if you go to their website. Priced between $199-$282 depending on what style (brushed Aluminum or black powder coat) and size (shorter for group 24-27 batteries, taller for 6v and group 29 and up).
So I did what most intelligent people do when they seem to be getting something to good too be true. I did a little research. I checked them out online and they have a website that has other products. I called the number and asked exactly what was involved and if I would be responsible for any costs (shipping or anything else).
They said no, I just needed to fill out an evaluator application and provide some info on my RV type, how often I RV, etc. but no credit card info, no charges to me of any type. And good to their word, about 3 weeks later, the Power Armor Battery box showed up on my door step.
Below is a review after installing it this afternoon.
First off, it's a beautiful battery box. I was sent a black powder coated aluminum diamond plate version measuring 27 1/4" x 7 15/16" x 12 7/8". This is the taller of the two sizes they have and suitable for larger batteries such as 6v or as in my case, a pair of group 29's.
Its quite simple in it's design but effective. It is a box with lips on the front and back of the box that a sliding flat lid slides onto from the sides. It has a hole in the middle front for a lock, a hole in the back side for the cables to run through, a few slots in the bottom for included battery straps to be run, a few pieces of aluminum angle for mounting along with self tapping screws, washers and a bit more hardware that might be needed specific to your install situation.
I started by removing my duel propane tanks, disconnecting my battery and removing it and the battery boxes. Slide the box in place, centered on the existing angle that held the battery boxes and drove a couple self tapping screws with washers through the inside into the angle below. Nice and secure. Replaced the battery, slide it to the curb side of the box and fished my old battery cables through the hole in the back of the box. I quickly came to realize, the cables were going to be too short, thanks to the total of 24" of cable Keystone left me to work with. No problem, quick trip to Pepboy's and I had a couple new, longer, 2 gauge cables and now actually have a red and black one so I don't have to remember RV electrical code every time I disconnect and clean my battery connections ๐
Disconnected the old, replaced with the new cables, fished them in again and connected. Bag tied the slack in the new cables, installed the lid and put the lock on it and done. Took all of about an hour of work from start to finish which included the removal and reinstall of the propane tanks.
Now for some pictures.
The finished Product!
The lid and the lips it slides across.
A better look at the lid and how it is angled under to create a secure hold on the lips.
I placed a piece of the angle they give you across the top to demonstrate the clearance between the battery terminals and the top since it is made of aluminum. Plenty of room, even with my rather tall group 29 battery.
A top shot. The edge of the group 29 battery I have is right next to the hole in the middle of the battery box. I believe there would be room for another group 29 next to it but it will be very close and something I measure before I buy a second one. Mine is just two years old and frankly, it lasts long enough for us so I don't need a second group 29 right now. I'll wait till it dies and can get either 2 6v or replace with two group 29 or 27's, whichever fit.
Here are some pros/cons:
PRO's
Much better looking than the plastic battery boxes we are all used to using.
Definitely a more secure solution if battery theft is a issue for you (maybe off site storage or a little too much crime in the area you store your RV).You know what they say, you make it hard for a criminal, they will move on to a easier mark.
Very easy install. All parts are included for multiple applications. In my case, it fit beautifully in the existing two pieces of angle already on the trailer. If it hadn't, two pieces of angle were included including mounting hardware for that and the self tapping screws to mount eh battery box to it. I can't think of anything they left out that I would have needed on any install.
Weight! I was concerned about how much weight this would add to my trailers tongue weight but being aluminum, it is very light.
CON's
No Con's at this point as I have just installed but I'll update this post or answer PM's if anyone shoots me one asking down the road.
If your concerned about battery security, this looks like a well designed, light weight solution that adds a bit of style to your RV. Will also be a good fit for those just looking for some light weight, lockable storage. It appears these are sold through dealers if you go to their website. Priced between $199-$282 depending on what style (brushed Aluminum or black powder coat) and size (shorter for group 24-27 batteries, taller for 6v and group 29 and up).
jmckelvy wrote:
On a real bad bump or something similar, what keeps the battery from "bouncing" vertically enough to briefly hit the metal lid and short the + and - terminals together?
There is a strap that goes over the battery to hold it in place. He didn't have his installed in the picture. You can see the slots in the bottom of the box where the straps go through.
Barney
Here is mine.
