Battery location.

**Homestar** · 20th September 2015, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by drivesafe

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

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.

Hi mate, I've now got 2 x 100 AH Fullriver deep cycle batteries mounted right over the axle, under the seat - the seat cavity is vented to the outside of the van. The seat box is hardly what you would call sealed either, the van itself is not well sealed and on a windy day is quite breezy inside with all the windows and doors closed - kind of like a Defender...

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 20th September 2015, 02:24 PM

2x100?
next it'll be a real Engal,,

**Homestar** · 20th September 2015, 07:39 PM

Yes, I think one of those will be on the shopping list eventually. The old gas fridge is fine for most of the year, but just can't keep the beer cold I the summer like the Engel can although I often drag the 38 litre unit around in the tow vehicle like I did at Melrose.

What sort of power consumption does that big banger have?

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 21st September 2015, 10:53 AM

3.5 max,,

mines the freezer model, comes with the bigger motor

. The inside shelving is the same?

**DoubleChevron** · 21st September 2015, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

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.

You will need to put a lockable lid over it it

You see I think your batteries will constantly go "walk-a-bout" on you if there visible like that

seeya,
shane L.

**loanrangie** · 21st September 2015, 04:29 PM

You didnt read it properly Shane, i'm building a cabinet that will cover both and be lockable

.
That was a test fit to see how much space i had.

**Redback** · 23rd September 2015, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

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.

I have an inclosed box for ours also, doubles as storage as well, if you have the room, make the box as big as you can, that way you have room for things related to the battery(ie) charger, connections for solar panels and so on.

All the other wiring goes into the camper for plugs and lights and so on, fridge, wiring for charging while travelling.

**loanrangie** · 23rd September 2015, 12:16 PM

Thats the plan Baz , will have a shelf above battery for electrics.

**rangieman** · 23rd September 2015, 04:17 PM

I did the same as Baz but the box i had made is slightly longer and taller ,wider than the battery ,
I got one of the sealed electrical seal junction box`s roughly 4"x6" and fitted a marine fuse panel . Everthing is connected with 50 amp anderson plugs which doubles as a isolator

I think the box cost about $100.00 to get made

**Jimmy93** · 23rd September 2015, 09:58 PM

I saw this on ebay a while back for anyone that is interested:

AGM Deep Cycle Battery FOR Caravan AND Motorhome AND Solar 12 Volt 200 AMP in VIC | eBay

200AH batteries for $189 that have been well maintained and full refund offered.

I would already have one if only it would fit under the seat in the defender!!

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