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kf5ewr · 01-24-2021, 03:45 PM

We wanted to get some more battery storage.
We aren't ready for solar. So, we decided for more capacity.

My trailer came with a single group 24 that I tend to run down quickly.

I've had 4 deep cycle batteries stolen out of my boat at once a while back. I've never been really comfortable with the battery exposed. As I always say. If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.

I found a trailer tongue toolbox at tractor supply that fit like a glove between the box and propane. Bolted it to the frame with four brackets that require access to inside the box to remove.. Bolted a couple of group 27 battery boxes to the inside and installed two group 27 batteries in parallel. Made sure to install a rubber grommet where the wires enter the steel box.

Should triple my capacity.
And has some room leftover for a little storage.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IBc...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17H6...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QVA...ew?usp=sharing

okcnewbie · 01-24-2021, 05:05 PM

Looks great. Did you go with maintenance free batteries?
Some weekend warriors get wrapped up about getting solar. For many just adding some more amp/hrs (batteries) would do the trick and they can charge when you get home.

kf5ewr · 01-24-2021, 06:10 PM

No we went with the Duracell 27DCX batteries. I have lots of batteries to maintain (golf cart, two tractors, two cars, quad, boat, etc...) I just take an afternoon a couple times a year and check all their fluid and charge levels at the same time. Keeps me on a routine.

NYJoe · 01-24-2021, 07:35 PM

Are you worried about increased tongue weight? I added and extra battery and box to the my existing and was thinking if there would be a big difference in tongue weight.

gosupes · 01-24-2021, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYJoe

Are you worried about increased tongue weight? I added and extra battery and box to the my existing and was thinking if there would be a big difference in tongue weight.

It's only about 65# or so. Not enough to make much difference in the overall picture.

Tomahawk · 01-24-2021, 10:55 PM

Flooded Lead acid batteries should be in a vented area.

kf5ewr · 01-25-2021, 08:53 AM

Small trailer had a #350 tongue weight dry. I tow with a 1/2 ton truck with tow package. So, I'm well under my limit.

The plastic boxes of course have venting built in. I drilled 4 holes in the steel box to provide venting there as well.

Intothewild · 02-04-2021, 01:14 AM

Nice, I am considering doing the same. Do you think you could of fit a rectangle box instead of the tounge box for more storage

kf5ewr · 02-07-2021, 09:05 PM

I probably could have fit a rectangle box. Just have to measure well. That space between tank and wall is different for every camper. This would have never fit on my old jayco BH28

birdsNboards · 03-14-2021, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kf5ewr

I probably could have fit a rectangle box. Just have to measure well. That space between tank and wall is different for every camper. This would have never fit on my old jayco BH28

I'd love to put a nice, metal box for my batteries but there's no room. Right now there is barely room for a couple of group 24's side by side. I'm upgrading to a pair of group 31's and may very well have to make some adjustments to fit them.