Battery in a tongue mounted vintage cooler

[Tukanu]

I am thinking about a super simple 12v system for my TD.
A couple of lights, a fan, and a cigarette receptacle. No AC, other than a battery charger.
I was thinking of mounting a vintage aluminum cooler on the tongue to house the battery.
I would want a permanently mounted battery charger located inside the cooler.
A power receptacle would also be mounted to the cooler.
I was wondering about wiring the charger directly to the receptacle.
Does this sound like a bad idea?

[H.A.]

A power receptacle would also be mounted to the cooler.
I was wondering about wiring the charger directly to the receptacle.
Does this sound like a bad idea?

I assume you meant to write "A power inlet". Sure that will work fine.
Fwiw,
I prefer not drilling huge holes to fit things like inlets, especially if they are dodgy quality wise.
Another reason, they can limit your options of extension cord plugging into and its just another ugly lump.

[troubleScottie]

For those who have done this (battery + charger) in a tongue box, is there any concern/consideration for heat build up due to running the charger?

Do you have a vent of some sort either planned or accidental in that the compartment is not really air tight? Do you just let convection do its thing? Do you only charge with the lid open/ajar? Do you add a fan?

A cooler with its lid closed is fairly air tight and insulated. A storage box is often considered water tight though not insulated. Building your own structure may vary in terms of seal, etc.



Another consideration, do you/should you add a fuse near the positive pole of the battery and connect charger to the fuse?

[Tukanu]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I would add some vents for cooling both the charger and the battery. What type of fuse are you suggesting? Something to break the current coming out of the charger before it gets to the battery?

[tony.latham]

Another consideration, do you/should you add a fuse near the positive pole of the battery and connect charger to the fuse?

The only fuse you need in the box is right at the battery and on the cable that heads to the cabin. You don't need one for the charger.

I can't believe that litte charger produces much heat. Give it a go and add a vent down the road if you feel it's needed.

T

[Tukanu]

Thanks Tony. I was thinking the battery itself needs some venting. I guess I read that somewhere. I just won a nice vintage cooler on ebay, so Its coming together. That particular charger in the photo says that it is water proof and spark proof, and not only charges, but also monitors battery level. Sounds like it is just what I am looking for.

[tony.latham]

I was thinking the battery itself needs some venting.

Flooded lead-acid batteries will give off hydrogen. You don't want that stuff building up with a wire that's starting to come loose and causing a spark.

So something like this might work:

https://www.amazon.com/VAKOCEAN-Stainless-Steel-Clamshell-Cover/dp/B07R5F6RBJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=small+clam+vent&qid=1567829632&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Of course, you'd want that as high as possible to let the gas out.

T

[Tukanu]

Good suggestion. Thanks