Battery Placement

[ZendoDeb]

What works for folks and their batteries? The Generic Benroy plans show the battery (single) in a tongue-mounted box, but I want 2 batteries (6-volts) and that seems to put too much weight too far forward.

Have looked around, but it doesn't jump out usually where people have mounted the batteries.

I ask because I am trying to figure out how to fit everything on a 4x8 ft trailer. 5x10s are a bit expensive and the bed of the trialer sits a bit higher (23 inches in one case). I did find one company that seems to have a 4x10 ft trailer (Hunter) but they only list it as for sale under a complete tear.

[halfdome, Danny]

Mine is a five wide but you could do the same in a smaller TD.

I got mine from (bolt in boxes) speedway motors

(weld in boxes) speedway motors:D Danny

[Miriam C.]

You can put your batteries anywhere, just compensate for the weight. Mine is in the galley but didn't want a battery box originally. You can put them in the front and put some cast iron or an air conditioner in back.

[halfdome, Danny]

Here's a completed picture. Easy to service with the floor hatch. Wood screen door latches keep the hatches secure and tightly sealed with the same seals & aluminum trim as the cabin doors. Danny

[tinksdad]

Mine is a five wide but you could do the same in a smaller TD.

I got mine from (bolt in boxes) speedway motors

(weld in boxes) speedway motors:D Danny

WOOHOO!!!! As soon as I saw this I had to run outside and crawl under my TD to see if I could retrofit one of these to my frame. I think it's do-able. Anything to save precious space!!

[halfdome, Danny]

Mine is a five wide but you could do the same in a smaller TD.

I got mine from (bolt in boxes) speedway motors

(weld in boxes) speedway motors:D Danny

WOOHOO!!!! As soon as I saw this I had to run outside and crawl under my TD to see if I could retrofit one of these to my frame. I think it's do-able. Anything to save precious space!!

It's definitely a space saver and eliminates the venting problems of a battery. On my first TD all that was necessary was to weld a steel plate to mount the battery tray through the bolt holes. Make sure you have clearance enough for a total loss of the tire in a emergency situation. My batteries are about two inches above the lowest part of the wheel rim and I have 15" wheels. Danny

[Russ in California]

Danny, do you foresee any problems with the batteries being 'down under' with road debris and all? Mostly on the pavement are you?
Since I'm going 'bush' with mine, well that's the intension, I didn't think I'd want mine under even though that's a great spot to save room.

I'll have to think about that. I'm not going to bash rocks so that spot might be a consideration.
Are those 12v batteries?
thanks,

[halfdome, Danny]

Danny, do you foresee any problems with the batteries being 'down under' with road debris and all? Mostly on the pavement are you?
Since I'm going 'bush' with mine, well that's the intension, I didn't think I'd want mine under even though that's a great spot to save room.

I'll have to think about that. I'm not going to bash rocks so that spot might be a consideration.
Are those 12v batteries?
thanks,

Russ, on TD #1 I had a guy weld two 3/16" steel plates the exact size as the battery trays to a chassis cross member. They are very well protected from road debris. They are 12 volt group 24 batteries and I had to extend the bolts a little by welding on some all thread to get the batteries to fit, any larger battery and it won't fit. I never had them scrape since they are very close to the rear of the axle. I never do the off road thing since I don't hunt, fish or have activities that require off roading. If one was to go off road then they should have more road clearance than I do and then I don't see a problem in that instance. With my under mattress hatches it makes placing and removing the batteries a piece of cake. I got the idea from seeing an antique Ford truck with a hatch in the pick up bed for the battery. I think placing the batteries by the axle with proper clearance and protection is perfect for trailer weight balance and use of space. My under bed storage box partially protects them on TD #2. Danny

[brian_bp]

I think Danny's setup is great. They're low, they're out of the way, and most importantly they are near the centre of the trailer mass for stability.


Placing them just ahead of the axle with the same type of mount, instead of just behind, is also an option and in specific cases may be more suitable for balance.

[DonK]

Putting the batteries behind the axel, instead of in front, let's you have the axle further back and keep the same tongue weight.

[jimqpublic]

Putting all that mass so low and so close to the axle means it will have virtually no effect on the tow vehicle. Seeing Danny's frame compared to typical RV construction is like comparing a F1 car to a soapbox derby. Awesome work!

[Steve F]

My battery is a fully sealed 100AH AGM and lives on a slide behind the switch panel under the bench. It's space that was going to be wasted with the switch panel anyway and is easy to get to when the battery needs a top up. I also have a plug on the front of the switch panel (not in this pic) that is for the solar panel, the regulator is also mounted in here with the battery. I like Dannys idea but with my offroad trailer I'd worry about mud and rocks damaging my expensive battery and leaving me powerless



Cheers
Steve

[Micro469]

My battery is a fully sealed 100AH AGM and lives on a slide behind the switch panel under the bench. It's space that was going to be wasted with the switch panel anyway and is easy to get to when the battery needs a top up. I also have a plug on the front of the switch panel (not in this pic) that is for the solar panel, the regulator is also mounted in here with the battery. I like Dannys idea but with my offroad trailer I'd worry about mud and rocks damaging my expensive battery and leaving me powerless



Cheers
Steve

Steve....That is a great setup....I like it!!

[wannabefree]

My plan is for a 35AH SLA under the bed. The battery box vents into the chassis C channel and I put in a couple of very quiet fans to vent heat from charging.

I am not convinced I will be happy with this arrangement or with the small battery, but I wanted to start light. I ran 8 gauge wire from this box to the front and rear in case I decide to move the battery. One reason for that is so I can shift tongue weight.