Protecting TT batteries from theft

[myredracer]

Two other options:

Install a "trailer tongue box". They come in different dimensions and are available in plastic, steel and aluminum. Some of the dimensions are set up to fit in the standard 55 degree angle of the tongue A-frame on a TT and will fit between the rails. The one in this link is one we bought. Got it for storing sewer fittings, chocks, etc. and moved the battery into the pass-through compartment (see below).

http://http://www.northerntool.com/s...2842_200592842

You can also use a square aluminum tool box from Lowes and mount it on top of the A-frame. Doesn't look right to me this way tho.

Second option is to move the battery inside. If you can find a place to mount it, it's not that difficult. If you want to use your standard lead acid battery, you can use a sealed battery box and vent it to the outside. ( Box and vent readily available.) That's what I did. Since we have a fiberglass cap, the nose of the TT has an unused void in the center of it. Tucked the vented box in there and doesn't take up any space. Also created extra storage space at the same time.

[Caveman CBB]

If you have room on the front of the frame a small pickup tool box will sometimes fit up there. You know the type of tool box that goes into the bed of a pickup. It will hold the batteries along with some other things.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by 1010

I have two six volt batteries on the trailer and I would like to know of any anti-theft setups being used out there.
Many, many years a go when I had a tent trailer, I bought a lockable hasp setup that secured the battery to the trailer frame. I have looked on line & at RV stores with no success does anyone know where they might be found?

Here is my solution on our prior trailer. Not sure about my photo uploading skills...

[BassinDmax]

Here is what I did on our Cougar. Nothing is theft proof, but this hopefully keeps the honest thief honest.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by BassinDmax

Here is what I did on our Cougar. Nothing is theft proof, but this hopefully keeps the honest thief honest.

Nice job. An impressive solution!

[mhbell]

I like the setup, that Idaho Bob has. I just happen to have a Pickup Truck Box That came off of my Old ford ranger. On the other hand anything you can do to deter theft is better than nothing. If a thief wants your batteries bad enough he will get them, but just a simple chain setup will keep most thieves from taking your batteries. I had a power cable stolen while in a RV park in Nampa Idaho. I was gone for an hour doing some shopping and had unloaded some stuff next to the trailer including a power cord extension. When I got back it was gone, The one hooked to the trailer was still there. Most thieves won't take something if they have to work to steal it. Lesson learned secure it no matter how you will probably be OK.

[Dunner]

It burns me up that people will steal anything now days... and I mean just about anything. They'd probably steal the rocks in my front yard if they could find a way to make money.

[wa8yxm]

This question reminds me of a partner I used to have at work... He kept going out to his car in the AM and no battery.. They stole it overnight.

Finally he chain locked the hood... And a few days later he went out and not battery,,, also no car,, they pulled in with a tow truck in the middle of the night and took the whole thing. NOTE: We got it back (I mean he and I were State Police Dispatchers after all) but it was still funny.

[1010]

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

Here is my solution on our prior trailer. Not sure about my photo uploading skills...

Picture came out great, can you give me more info on it, how you made it, cost and so on? I found a lockable set up for each battery box on line, a bit pricy but probably worth it. Your set up looks like it will work just as well.

[1010]

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

Nice job. An impressive solution!

I will look into this, thanks for the pictures, I will check it out.

[1010]

Originally Posted by BassinDmax

Here is what I did on our Cougar. Nothing is theft proof, but this hopefully keeps the honest thief honest.

Meant my second post to Idahbob to answer your post, thanks for the pictures.

[mhbell]

Originally Posted by Dunner

It burns me up that people will steal anything now days... and I mean just about anything. They'd probably steal the rocks in my front yard if they could find a way to make money.

Here is a link to a article that I wrote back in July of 2011 about stolen power cords.

Copper Thieves and your RV
When I first picked up my Latest RV a Jayco Designer 5th wheel. I was told by the sales person who was doing the walk through with me, that I should find some way of securing the 50 amp power cord. I said well it has a screw on connection to the RV isn't that secure enough to keep it from coming unplugged? He said, that is not what I am talking about. I looked kind of puzzled and he continued to explain.
Click Here to read the rest

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by 1010

Picture came out great, can you give me more info on it, how you made it, cost and so on? I found a lockable set up for each battery box on line, a bit pricy but probably worth it. Your set up looks like it will work just as well.

It is a little hard to describe, but...

The cost of my welder and the supplies was $150.

The two vertical supports for the cross bar have threaded bolts at their lower ends that are welded to the upper flat sections. These bolts then pass through holes in the support frame for the battery. Suitable washers and nuts are then put on the bolts and adjusted to pull the cross bar down to put a slight pressure on the tops of the battery boxes.

Finally, to slow down a determined battery thief, another nut is welded onto the extreme lower end of each bolt.

Hope this helps! And now with my new Wind River, I have to do this all over again!

Bob

[Dunner]

Just last night $6000 worth of batteries were stolen from a trucking firm in Phoenix. From the news pictures, the thieves un-bolted them instead of cutting the cables. Back in September, 34 batteries were stolen from school buses in Tempe, AZ.