vented battery box

[ridahog]

The new 5er I just purchased only came with one 12volt battery and I'd like to install another one. The one I now have is enclosed in a box in the front compartment of my 5er below the king pin. It is vented out via a hose attached to an exterior vent. Can I purchase a similar box and connect the hose to the existing hose via some type of y connector or would I need to drill a separate hole and install another vent. Was surprised that 5er only came with one battery in the first place. I llike to dry camp and I don't think one battery is going to work for me.

[RJay]

This might give you some insight into battery venting.

[ntrsandman]

I have installed a second enclosed box in our CrossRoads. I drilled a hole in the "floor" for the vent for the box bottom. Both halves seem to be the same. I purchased a pvc "T", 2 pvc 90 degree elbows and a 2' section of pvc pipe. (I do not remember the size) Measure the vent on the box or take it with you to the home improvement store. The 90s will fit over the vents loosely. Use pipe to connect 90s to T. add a short piece of pipe to T "outlet" and attach existing vent hose to that. I hope you get the idea. I added a removable "pin" holding a 90 to a box vent. I dont think it is needed but...

Installed the box using self tapping screws. Had to do some cutting on the boxes to allow the cables in and out. Creative cable routing will make connecting and disconnecting easy. About the only drawback is lifting the batteries in and out of the boxes.

When is storage, the batts are removed and the floor vents are filled to prevent critters from getting in.

http://tweetys.com/search.aspx?find=vented+battery+box

You can find the boxes at other places. Google "RV vented battery box". You won't need the hose/vent kit

[rrray]

Just how important is the vented batt box? I have mine kind of lose sitting over batt due to a disconnect switch I installed for when trailer is stored. Can't get to it with the box in the way. I do try to keep the vent tube connected to the box, but as said, the box sits kinda lopsided over the batt. Will this still work ?

Do batteries vent a lot ? Is this a serious problem in the storage area if not properly vented ?
Ray