TT Batteries

The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an RV or an interest in RVing!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.

Mud Puppy

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2010
Posts
270
Location
763-222-9856
I bought a different TT. It came with a battery and I have one I am going to put with it. The problem is there is not enough room on the yoke for 2 batteries in separate plastic containers, because of the handles on the boxes. Do they make a box that you can put 2 batteries in and that is not over 2 feet long? I don't see another easy way to put the 2 batteries together. Thanks for your help. Cathy
 
I could, but it is a pretty standard yoke with brace bars for the battery to sit in. The smallest side measures 2 feet. If I set the 2 batteries side by side without the plastic boxes they fit fine. It is just the 2 plastic battery boxes have handles that take up extra room.
 
Hmmm... Because I've got this for a tongue...

http://i47.tinypic.com/2zjj605.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/fmjnnq.jpg

So if they will not fit side by side currently could you have someone fab up a new battery tray frame above the frame that extends out a bit more to fit 2 batteries?
 
Looks just like mine but you have room enough. I thought of having someone make an adjustment but thought if I could get a different battery holder it would be cheaper. Thanks Cathy
 
If you set the batteries side by slide like this  battery battery

But what happens if you set them side by side like this

b b
a a
t t
e e
r r
y y

Might they fit that way. 

Might require re-designing the battery tray though. (Make it deeper front to back).
 
Looked at site suggested, one that came closest was 1/2 inch to long. I guess I will check into re doing the tray. Thanks for all your help, Cathy
 
Mud Puppy said:
Looked at site suggested, one that came closest was 1/2 inch to long. I guess I will check into re doing the tray. Thanks for all your help, Cathy

Cathy, looking at Mike's 2nd picture - http://i50.tinypic.com/fmjnnq.jpg - I had a thought. Can you turn 1 of your battery boxes 180 degrees so the handles don't touch? you might have to get some longer cables but it might give you the 1/2" of room you need to avoid re-welding the cross members.
 
Mopar1973Man said:
Hmmm... Because I've got this for a tongue...

http://i47.tinypic.com/2zjj605.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/fmjnnq.jpg

So if they will not fit side by side currently could you have someone fab up a new battery tray frame above the frame that extends out a bit more to fit 2 batteries?

I wish I had that much room on the tongue of my Eagle!  It looks like I could fit about 4 of those big a** 4D's I use for my battery bank.  Sweet!
 
That's why I asked for pictures knowing that every single manufacture is a bit different and there is no standard to propane tank position or battery position. Once again its back to how much are you willing to do to modify the tongue to fit what you wish? There is several great ideas here on turning the batteries long ways and maybe extend the battery tray on top of the tongue, different size battery boxes, etc...  :D
 
I have a question on the same topic, so I'm going to piggyback it here.  I hope that's OK (not sure yet of proper etiquette.)

We too have two batteries.  The plastic boxes fit side by side... but just barely.  We have decided to build a box of good marine grade lumber, paint it nice and white, then mount it, so both batteries fit inside that box, with appropriate hole for cable access, etc.

The only two drawbacks to this plan that I can foresee are (a) additional weight of a wood box on the ton (adding weight to hitch); and (b) the wood will eventually deteriorate due to road salts, oils & chemicals thrown up (this can be somewhat ameliorated by cleansing of box after trips.)

Does anyone see any problems with this plan that I might be missing?
 
I wouldn't think the extra weight of the wood would be significant.  But make sure it is securely attached to the frame and well vented.
 
BigDfromTN said:
Try this site...

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/results.aspx?keywords=battery+box

They have a couple that might work???

I thought I might re-introduce the link mentioned by BigDfromTN...
A plastic battery box would be thinner, lighter, and should be properly vented for 2 batteries.  Also easier to clean when you get the urge.
http://www.fisheriessupply.com/results.aspx?keywords=battery+box

I didn't see anything with a side-by-side configuration, but it doesn't mean it's not available.

Under the circumstances of containing batteries, I would think a no/low maintenance container would be preferable. 
Marine plywood is not cheap.  And no paint is going to stand up to the battery acid test (either by spillage or charging vapors).  Wouldn't take long for the nicely painted battery box to start bubbling the paint off of it.

Think along the lines of lower maintenance.  You will be happier in the long run.
 
denmarc said:
I thought I might re-introduce the link mentioned by BigDfromTN...
A plastic battery box would be thinner, lighter, and should be properly vented for 2 batteries.  Also easier to clean when you get the urge.
http://www.fisheriessupply.com/results.aspx?keywords=battery+box

I didn't see anything with a side-by-side configuration, but it doesn't mean it's not available.

Under the circumstances of containing batteries, I would think a no/low maintenance container would be preferable. 
Marine plywood is not cheap.  And no paint is going to stand up to the battery acid test (either by spillage or charging vapors).  Wouldn't take long for the nicely painted battery box to start bubbling the paint off of it.

Think along the lines of lower maintenance.  You will be happier in the long run.

Thanks for this... this is the preferred way to go.  Thanks.  My carpentry skills aren't that good, anyhow.
 
elstrom99 said:
The only two drawbacks to this plan that I can foresee are (a) additional weight of a wood box on the ton (adding weight to hitch); and (b) the wood will eventually deteriorate due to road salts, oils & chemicals thrown up (this can be somewhat ameliorated by cleansing of box after trips.)

Does anyone see any problems with this plan that I might be missing?

Some clipped to save bandwidth.

The additional wood weight won't be that much.

Once you get the box built, and the mounting holes (And a weep hole) seal the wood with a good wood sealer (Sealing stain, any color including clear).

Then paint it outside with a good grade of exterior enamal. (oil based) and let it dry.

Paint it inside (And your drain holes) witih a good grade of Epoxy paint Either 2 part or spray, you want something that is acid resistant,  Bed liner paint may work too.

Repaint as needed (Use your eyes) that box will outlast either you or the trailer.
 
Thanks all, I am looking at all my options at this point. I thought of turning them 180 without changing the tray. but I am a bit afraid they would bounce off. But I do know someone who can weld and it won't cost much so I am going to try that. Thanks all
 
Find a good battery store, I bought a two battery holder for golf cart battery's. I saw several different configurations side by side end to end etc. Made of plastics with lugs to bolt them down. Good luck
Wayne
 
If you turn one box 180 deg. and trim off the inside handles you should be able to make it fit.  Most TT battery cables are small enough to slide them up between the lid and the box just about anywhere you want them too.  The lid will flex enough to allow the cables to enter.  If you do go with a wood box, I would cover it with fiberglass.  It would be easy to do with some 1-1/2 oz mat and resin.
 
If you end up choosing the plastic boxes, then before you place the batteries in them, sprinkle a little baking soda inside the box. Although there should not be any, any spilled acid will be neutralized instantly and won't get on your clothing, ruining them.
 
Back
Top Bottom