Securing House Batteries

[Gadget Man]

I recently suffered a battery fire on my ‘05 Providence, when one of the battery hold-down clamps came into contact with a positive battery cable. This ultimately shorted out all of my house batteries, frying my inverter/charger in the process. A very costly experience.

I’d like to scrap the factory hold-down rods & clamps and install something that won’t pose a fire threat. Has anyone with the same battery configuration modified their setup?

[twinboat]

I use home depot ratchet straps.
About $2 each and I keep the ratchet on the side or bottom of the batteries.

Once tight, I cut off the excess strap.

[oldenavy]

The other thing you could do is install chafing protection on your battery cables. The plastic automotive wire loom stuff would work well. Our MH came with that on all the battery cables.

[Navy Dad]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

I recently suffered a battery fire on my ‘05 Providence, when one of the battery hold-down clamps came into contact with a positive battery cable. This ultimately shorted out all of my house batteries, frying my inverter/charger in the process. A very costly experience.

I’d like to scrap the factory hold-down rods & clamps and install something that won’t pose a fire threat. Has anyone with the same battery configuration modified their setup?

Attachment 390826

Fried my inverter when a friend helping me install 4 new house batteries connected the thermocouple to a positive post. $1500 mistake! Still friends. LOL Used ratchet straps for tie downs. Excellent choice and cheap. Won't corrode.

[TacomaJoe]

In your photo it looks like the clamp on the righthand battery is correct, the left and center clamps are improperly placed. The tab that rests on the top of the battery could use some electrical tape or heat shrink for added protection.

[Cat320]

My batteries sit in a small wooden box. Between the weight of the batteries and the pressure the cables put on them, they can't move.