Are Your Batteries Tied Down? (5th wheel toyhaulers)

[56Nomad]

Ok..... another question on my install, but I needed to start a new string on the need or no need to tie the battery bank down to the floor. The WW's have the battery cabinet in the front, behind the truck tailgate.

I didn't feel like ordering the $100-plus heavy duty plastic battery box that somekevinguy used..... so down to the hardware store and got a semi heavy duty box (with lid) for the batteries which also leaves me some "wiggle" room to work. This box, similar to RubberMaid, fits perfectly in the front battery area and I'll be cutting openings to accommodate the cables.

I plan on strapping all (4) batteries together as one bundle.......... however, I notice some folks just have let the batteries sit on the wire grate floor and movement of the batteries doen't seem to be a problem. I'd prefer not having to devise a method of fabricating some type of tie-down to the floor grate, but wondered if anyone has first hand experience with the batteries dancing around or any other undesirable movement. Thanks.

[56Nomad]

Ok..... another question on my install, but I needed to start a new string on the need or no need to tie the battery bank down to the floor. The WW's have the battery cabinet in the front, behind the truck tailgate.

I didn't feel like ordering the $100-plus heavy duty plastic battery box that somekevinguy used..... so down to the hardware store and got a semi heavy duty box (with lid) for the batteries which also leaves me some "wiggle" room to work. This box, similar to RubberMaid, fits perfectly in the front battery area and I'll be cutting openings to accommodate the cables.

I plan on strapping all (4) batteries together as one bundle.......... however, I notice some folks just have let the batteries sit on the wire grate floor and movement of the batteries doen't seem to be a problem. I'd prefer not having to devise a method of fabricating some type of tie-down to the floor grate, but wondered if anyone has first hand experience with the batteries dancing around or any other undesirable movement. Thanks.

[sandjunkie]

Never notice that mine ever budged

[56Nomad]

I'm going to use double sided industrial strength velcro to bind the 4 batteries as one and then use industrial strength self adhesive velcro to stick them to the bottom of the box. I don't think they will move very easily.

[Vette Racer]

I carry 2 12 volts in mine just sitting on the wire with a bungie cord over them, when I add a third for long trips I don't even tie it down, nothing ever moves.

[56Nomad]

Based on what you guys have said.... no velcro on the bottom!

Thanks for the info.

I was trying to figure out how to get all those 240 lbs of batteries into the the battery cabinet........ This is the plan: Lift them up to the edge of the opening and then slide them in with the help of my Coleman cooler and ATV lift!

[DuneMe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 56Nomad:
I'm going to use double sided industrial strength velcro to bind the 4 batteries as one and then use industrial strength self adhesive velcro to stick them to the bottom of the box. I don't think they will move very easily. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where do you find that double sided industrial grade velcro?

I get the standard double sided velro and use it all over the place. . . that's stuff is better than duct tape!

[56Nomad]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DuneMe:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 56Nomad:
I'm going to use double sided industrial strength velcro to bind the 4 batteries as one and then use industrial strength self adhesive velcro to stick them to the bottom of the box. I don't think they will move very easily. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where do you find that double sided industrial grade velcro?

I get the standard double sided velro and use it all over the place. . . that's stuff is better than duct tape! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm still looking for it....

I might go to plan "B" and build a brace out of angle iron or aluminum. This is a work in progress

[BIGRED1]

The batteries in my MH(4 house - 2 engine) are held in place on 4 sides by the walls of the bay there are in plus an L brace on the floor next to each bank of batteries, but they aren't held down, so to speak. They've never moved.

[high desert]

Did you get that new exhaust installed that I see in the pic? How do you like it and what brand did you choose? Stainless?

Wes

[acjjkamp]

try to find the "mushroom" style of velcro, not the hook and loop which doesnt hold up if it gets wet.
PM me if you need to find a manufacturer or part number for the heavy duty stuff.
(info is at work)

[56Nomad]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by high desert:
Did you get that new exhaust installed that I see in the pic? How do you like it and what brand did you choose? Stainless?

Wes </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Wes,

I got the AFE T-409 Stainless Steel 4 Inch Front Pipe Back Exhaust System

[56Nomad]

I'm getting there........

[56Nomad]

DONE!

The last thing I did was throw the disconnect switch to ON and everything works.....

All the spagetti wiring removed and the battery area is organized.