Community Forums

MikeT5200 · 12-01-2022, 10:19 AM

Hey All.... We are expecting to pick up our new Timber Ridge 24RKS in the next 2-3 weeks. I wondering if anyone has installed a metal battery box on the tongue and if they have, what size/manufacturer did you go with. Pics would be helpful too. I did a search in the "Mods" section but didn't find anything.... But did find a lot cool modifications.
Thanks,
Mike

Dave Pelletier · 12-01-2022, 10:27 AM

Well, not metal (I like plastic as it's not damaged by battery acid and doesn't conduct electricity).

I used the factory ORV 4 battery tray and a Century Plastics box and then I made a lockable metal frame to keep them where they are supposed to be!

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/ins...es-533798.html

Vintage465 · 12-01-2022, 11:09 AM

This is a ZeeDee ATV tool box. Aluminum, locking with lift strut. It mounts on top of the tongue and is maybe 2" wider than the propane tanks....so maybe 1" wider on each side. I can easily get four 6v golf cart batteries inside for 470a. hrs. of storage. I had to move the propane tanks forward about an 1-1/4 if I recall correctly. And I had to "love-on" the W.D. snap-ups a bit..........

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_2229.jpg
Views: 9
Size: 488.1 KB
ID: 381861

With batteries installed. I installed some vents on the front of the box.

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_2230.jpg
Views: 8
Size: 404.4 KB
ID: 381862

I eliminated all exposed wires by routing them thru the front facia cross member and running them in an 1-1/4" pvc sch40 sweep. Used a modified LB to make the turn into the box. I also brought the 7 wire trailer/car wire thru the facia cross member. Now the coroplast sucks up nice and tight to the frame witn zero penetrations from the past.

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_2232.jpg
Views: 7
Size: 334.0 KB
ID: 381863

Sorry if the pic's are sideways. I've tried everything to fix this..........

Dave Pelletier · 12-01-2022, 01:50 PM

two additional thoughts; 1) though I show it on my 2020 21RBS, I installed the same setup on my 2022 25RDS; it worked fine but access to the batteries is more limited due to the extended fibreglass front cap

2) My setup will limit where/how you can install WD hitch chain brackets......basically, I'd have to weld them on. I don't use a WD hitch so it didn't matter to me but...

3) the box mounted on the top of the rails may not fit with the fiberglass cap with the recess.

Dave

Buckmountain · 12-03-2022, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeT5200

Hey All.... We are expecting to pick up our new Timber Ridge 24RKS in the next 2-3 weeks. I wondering if anyone has installed a metal battery box on the tongue and if they have, what size/manufacturer did you go with. Pics would be helpful too. I did a search in the "Mods" section but didn't find anything.... But did find a lot cool modifications.
Thanks,
Mike

Contact Thompson RV in Pendleton, OR. They have a local company make a metal/lockable/powder-coated box specifically for ORV tongue mounts.

Mike

Passin Thru2 · 12-03-2022, 08:25 AM

The attached pictures are from a 22FQS but it shows the plastic century box

As was mentioned I had to notch the box to get my blue ox chains to hang vertical as recommended. However with the plastic box I was able to do that. Sorry about the dirt around the notch. After 20k miles the silicone I used to seal the notch picked up some dirt.

Also as mentioned the cap overhang does make getting batteries in and out a challenge. I remove both propane tanks when working on the batteries. The positive to that is it would take a thief considerable time to get the batteries out especially since the propane tanks have a lock on them.

I have 3 battleborns in the box.

Blazing zipp · 12-03-2022, 10:10 AM

Our 24RKS has a front cap the pushes forward and limits the space for a box mounted on the frame. The Century plastic box hangs within the frame members and allows space for 4 batteries.
I fashioned a locking system for the Century to slow the theft of the batteries. Also, I sanded and cleaned the Century box and painted it black.
By placing 4, 65 pound batteries in the box, I think the "sway" issues are a mute point.
See ya out there

MikeT5200 · 12-03-2022, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckmountain

Contact Thompson RV in Pendleton, OR. They have a local company make a metal/lockable/powder-coated box specifically for ORV tongue mounts.

Mike

....Thanks. Will look into it.
Cheers!

MikeT5200 · 12-03-2022, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazing zipp

Our 24RKS has a front cap the pushes forward and limits the space for a box mounted on the frame. The Century plastic box hangs within the frame members and allows space for 4 batteries.
I fashioned a locking system for the Century to slow the theft of the batteries. Also, I sanded and cleaned the Century box and painted it black.
By placing 4, 65 pound batteries in the box, I think the "sway" issues are a mute point.
See ya out there

...Thanks for all the replies....

....That front cap does present a problem. That's why I was wondering what size metal box (considering switching to Lithium and feel a metal box is more secure) could fit in there.

I currently have a RV Lock Box mounted on the tongue. I really like this design... The top is lockable and slides off (which makes it real easy to service the batteries). The outside dimensions are: 27x9.5x12.875.

Would really like to find something like this to use on the new trailer just not if it would fit in there.
Cheers!