Battery location.

**loanrangie** · 22nd February 2015, 11:15 AM

About to start wiring the camper for 12v and looking at my options for mounting locations for the battery/ies , i have a good size box on the drawbar but also have plenty of space down the lh side in the trailer.
Box would allow best access to battery but it means dividing of part of it off from the storage area.
Trailer mounting only gives access once tent is set up but will mean all components will be close together like switch/fuse panel .
I could make an access panel for the trailer if i go that way.

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DiscoMick · 24th February 2015, 10:32 AM

If you mount it inside the trailer you should use a sealed battery like an AGM, not a lead-acid battery which will vent fumes, unless you run a vent to the outside.
Mine is in the fridge box on the drawbar for shorter wiring and better access.

**Homestar** · 24th February 2015, 11:04 AM

I'm just doing this in the caravan now - a bit different as I will have unhindered access to it at all times, but I'm putting mine under the seat opposite the fridge - just in front of the axle. This way I'll not be changing the draw bar weight much as it is pretty good at the moment, and it will also put some weight on the opposite side of the van - it is a lot heavier on the drivers side due to the fridge, stove and kitchen. A 100AH Fullriver AGM will help balance that out a bit.

**loanrangie** · 24th February 2015, 11:17 AM

By inside the trailer i mean its actually not in a closed area as the trailer is open on the side i plan to locate it, i'm leaning towards the trailer as i can mount it close to the axle and there is room for a 2nd next to it if required.
Only drawback is access but i have a few ideas about that problem.

DiscoMick · 24th February 2015, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

By inside the trailer i mean its actually not in a closed area as the trailer is open on the side i plan to locate it, i'm leaning towards the trailer as i can mount it close to the axle and there is room for a 2nd next to it if required.
Only drawback is access but i have a few ideas about that problem.

Yes, sounds good.
BTW a mob called Australian Direct is advertising 120ah AGMs for a good price at the moment - $225 or something similar from memory. Just Google them.

**loanrangie** · 24th February 2015, 05:44 PM

Battery is sorted, got a used 145ah ex solar array with warranty for $120 from a bloke up the rd and he has more if i want a 2nd one.

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**loanrangie** · 19th September 2015, 03:02 PM

Actually made a start on this today, decided the best place for the battery that was accessible all the time was on the outside of the trailer.
This meant removing the 9kg gas bottle holder and 1 of the jerry can holders, 9kg was too big anyway so going with a 4.5kg holder.

Gas bottle holder removed.

Jerry can holder removed intact so can re-use if i want.

Battery and gas bottle in place, its 3.7kg bottle so slightly taller and narrower than a 4.5kg bottle.

I will be making an enclosed box that will go from guard to side where gas bottle is sitting, this will give me room for 2 x 100ah batteries if i find the 145ah is not enough.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 19th September 2015, 06:12 PM

is the 3.7 the new 4.5?
I'm just thinking about replacement in uppercumbuctawest,,
I think nearly every servo we stopped at had a gas exchange cage.

**loanrangie** · 19th September 2015, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

is the 3.7 the new 4.5?
I'm just thinking about replacement in uppercumbuctawest,,
I think nearly every servo we stopped at had a gas exchange cage.

I think 4 is the new 4.5 , the 3.7 has a 3/8 fitting.

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**drivesafe** · 19th September 2015, 08:15 PM

I know this thread was started a while back, but better to be safe.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

If you mount it inside the trailer you should use a sealed battery like an AGM, not a lead-acid battery which will vent fumes, unless you run a vent to the outside.

Hi Mick and this is an error.

Lots of so called EXPERTS say you have to use "SEALED" batteries in enclosed or confounded mounting locations.

There is no such thing as a sealed lead acid battery.

The label "SEALED" simply means the battery will not spill electrolyte, but all lead acid batteries can be caused to gas, which is what most people think can't happen if the battery is a SEALED type.

Loanranger, that location is ideal and mounting the battery in a plastic box is the best and safest way to fit a battery in a camper trailer or caravan.

Hi bacicat, is your battery under the seat in an open area?

Lots of people make the mistake of sealing the area around the battery ( including many caravan manufacturers ) but the battery is only safe if the area under a seat or bed, is an open area.

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