Dog platform, battery box, solar input & USBs

[Tankmat]

So the better half asked if I could build a platform forthe dog to lay down between our 2 boys on the back seat. I thought I could do one better and add USB points and an extra battery, even made tie-down brackets (3mm aluminium) under the seat legs. Designed so that the front seats can be fully extended backwards and is easy to remove. Lid clips off and wiring runs under the second row seats to the Traxide system in the jack compartment. USBs are protected by the ABG-25 isolator, I ran 6mm (4.58mm2) twin core to the box and connected the USBs with 5mm (2.90mm2). My Traxide unit had an optional 1m 6B&S cable with 50A auto resetting circuit breaker and Anderson connector for a removable battery box, stows in rear jack compartment. I conveniently connected the battery to this cable with additional 6B&S.
Dog loves the extra space and close proximity to the airconditioner vents, boys love the USB ports.

I was never happy with my solar regulator being outside so I moved it inside and ran a designated 6B&S cable to under rear tow-eye cover following the Traxide rear Anderson power cable. Inside the vehicle the cable emerges in the rear cargo area, had to cut a very small hole in the trim. I mount the solar regulator either on a homemade shelving system or on theTravall cargo barrier depending on my setup. Thought about mounting it under the lid of my new battery box one day.

Big thanks to Tim from Traxide for discussing the project with me to make sure it all made sense and was safe.

Cheers,
Dean

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[Tombie]

A unique solution to your needs.

Well executed too!

[Tankmat]

Thanks Tombie, the use of this space works really well for us and the box is really easy to remove when not required

[josh.huber]

Clearly not your first time using wood, nice job

[Tankmat]

Thanks Josh, believe it or not I don’t have a lot of experience. It’s amazing what you can do with just a jig-saw, sander and ply wood. It was my first time working with marine carpet which was a challenge. Very happy with the end result.

[Dagilmo]

Great job. I'm sure there were hours spent contemplating all the aspects. Thanks for all the photos.

[Tankmat]

Great job. I'm sure there were hours spent contemplating all the aspects. Thanks for all the photos.

Thanks Dagilmo and you’re very welcome. Yes there were many many hours measuring and redesigning in tight confines of the Disco with dim torch light. Building something that wouldn’t prevent the seats being pushed back, allowed a bracket tie-down and had room for cables to come under the second row seat without looking ugly was more challenging than I initially thought.

[Tombie]

You won immediate points with me with the fact you designed it to be secured.

I see so many vehicles with loose projectiles on board.

[Odysseyman]

That’s a very impressive job and solution. I can really appreciate the time you spent measuring and designing it in a really difficult space.
cheers
David

[Tankmat]

You won immediate points with me with the fact you designed it to be secured.

I see so many vehicles with loose projectiles on board.

The loose projectile (especially being a battery) issue was a big one for me. I actually designed the tie-down brackets first, thought I wouldn’t make the box if I couldn’t secure it. Currently I have two tie-down brackets secured under the legs of the middle, second-row seat. The setup feels rock solid but I originally designed 2 additional tie-down points for the other side but ran out of time. I’ll finish this when I get more time.

[Tankmat]

That’s a very impressive job and solution. I can really appreciate the time you spent measuring and designing it in a really difficult space.
cheers
David

Thanks David, for something that looks straight forward it did take many many hours but I enjoyed ever minute.

[DiscoMick]

That's a very neat job - well done!
Have you made sure that battery could not vent fumes into the cabin if it overheated?
I only ask because I'm told that some batteries which are supposed to be fully sealed can still vent in extreme situations.

[Tombie]

That's a very neat job - well done!
Have you made sure that battery could not vent fumes into the cabin if it overheated?
I only ask because I'm told that some batteries which are supposed to be fully sealed can still vent in extreme situations.

Not an issue with the chosen unit.

[drivesafe]

That's a very neat job - well done!
Have you made sure that battery could not vent fumes into the cabin if it overheated?
I only ask because I'm told that some batteries which are supposed to be fully sealed can still vent in extreme situations.
Hi Mick and the way he has set that up is perfect.

BTW, "ALL" lead acid batteries can vent and contrary to the scaremongering you read, as long as the gassing is not kept in a confined space, it is not an issue and again, going on the phots, the OP setup is safe.

[DiscoMick]

Thanks. Was just curious. It is a nice job.

[Tankmat]

Happy New Year all, thanks for the feedback and glad to know I won’t be starting the year with a bang. Looks like it was a good idea to include several breathing holes in the box, should prevent the buildup of battery gases in a confined space if it occurs.
Cheers
Dean

[DiscoMick]

Happy New Year all, thanks for the feedback and glad to know I won’t be starting the year with a bang. Looks like it was a good idea to include several breathing holes in the box, should prevent the buildup of battery gases in a confined space if it occurs.
Cheers
DeanIf it really worries you, our Defender has a breather running down and out underneath in case the starting battery under the front passenger seat needs to vent, so you could do that.

[INter674]

Re battery vents our local battery shop sells a vent kit. Same as fitted to RVs that plugs into all lead acid battery vent holes. ..they all have vents.