Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

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Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby Tom&Shelly » Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:26 pm

We decided to have a custom trailer built for our 5 x 10 teardrop. (Received a good quote from BDA trailer in Albuquerque in case anyone is near the area and interested.)

2" x 3" rectangular tubing frame and tongue with 2" x 2" angle cross members. 15 inch wheels, Jeep style fenders. We're having the axle installed 40 inches from the back, and by welding the spare tire holder behind the right fender and putting the battery(ies) in the galley, we should have about 12% of the weight on the tongue.

It occurred to us that, if we could have battery holders welded on the left side of the frame, opposite the spare tire, we would save room in the galley, and avoid problems with battery leaks messing up the interior. We would want to have them hang out 2 inches from the frame so the teardrop walls have clearance (we are planning on covering the frame with the bottom of the walls, ala Steve Fredrick).

However, the battery holder would likely extend a few inches past the fender, and, if we someday use two 6 volt golf cart batteries, that's ~125 lbs hanging out 2 inches off the frame. I'm wondering if that might be a bad idea and someday, after some mild off roading, the bouncing up and down might cause the whole thing to break off?

Has anyone done this? Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Tom and Shelly
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby tony.latham » Sun Apr 08, 2018 9:07 pm

I can't help you on that (I know etrailer has some metal battery boxes but they are spendy.)

Somebody, if I recall, put their battery below the floor with a hatch to access it. A Group 24 is about 10" deep. You could have your frame builder put it behind the axle and armor it with a skid plate.

:thinking:

BTW, I've never had a (marine) battery leak in either of my teardrops. But they are sitting on plastic trays in the event.

T
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby halfdome, Danny » Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:17 pm

tony.latham wrote:I can't help you on that (I know etrailer has some metal battery boxes but they are spendy.)

Somebody, if I recall, put their battery below the floor with a hatch to access it. A Group 24 is about 10" deep. You could have your frame builder put it behind the axle and armor it with a skid plate.

:thinking:

BTW, I've never had a (marine) battery leak in either of my teardrops. But they are sitting on plastic trays in the event.

T

I'm the somebody, did it on 6 teardrops and works great.
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I get mine from Summit Racing but here's one in black on eBay
Make sure they put access to the battery through the floor.
It works best just behind the axle.
Here's a picture of the access panels in the floor.
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:D Danny
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby tony.latham » Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:17 am

I'm the somebody...


And a fine bit of craftsmanship as always. :thumbsup:

Tony
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby Tom&Shelly » Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:43 pm

Thanks guys, another idea to consider!

Not sure I want the battery extending below the axle (I have enough trouble missing the vehicle's differentials with the rocks on some of those 4wd roads!) But maybe just above and extending up into the galley; we'd still save some space, and if it did leak it would be out of the teardrop.

I think I could make the battery holders myself and bolt them to the trailer. I have the tools to do basic metal work, just not welds. hanging way off the side of the trailer, I'd want welds; inside, I believe bolts would do.

Anyway, you've got my gears turning.....

Thanks again!

Tom
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby Tom&Shelly » Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:45 pm

tony.latham wrote:
I'm the somebody...


And a fine bit of craftsmanship as always. :thumbsup:

Tony


Indeed! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Re: Hanging batteries off of the side of a custom trailer

Postby halfdome, Danny » Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:07 am

Tom&Shelly wrote:
tony.latham wrote:
I'm the somebody...


And a fine bit of craftsmanship as always. :thumbsup:

Tony


Indeed! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:


Thanks guys for the kudos.
:D Danny
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