Question on Battery placement for my trailer.

[Badcoder]

All,

I have two batteries are currently mounted in plastic battery boxes on the front of my trailer. There is enough room to move them to my aluminum tongue box. I am concerned that putting the two batteries in with the electronics might be a bad idea. Also am not sure I if I should get a battery tray, or if just using a battery strap will be sufficient. Adding pictures as I think that might clear up what I am asking.

 

[Martyinco]

If you have room, throw them in the box and strap them down, call it a day.

 

[Badcoder]

Thanks, Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't have a problem later.

 

[old_man]

Being an electrical engineer, I can see possible issues with putting them in the same box if the box isn't vented well. I recommend an AGM battery. A classic wet cell battery can get jostled and leak. The acid fumes can cause corrosion over time, especially with aluminum. The other thing is that if you charge a battery, you generate hydrogen gas. If you get sufficient fumes and a spark.... boom.

Ever wonder why the plate under the battery gets all corroded?
Ever wonder why they sell those plastic battery boxes.

 

[Martyinco]

^ Good point, I did not consider if it was a sealed battery you were putting in the box or if it was vented.

 

[Badcoder]

ok, that is good info. So once I upgrade to sealed batteries, then they can be moved into the box.

 

[Badcoder]

that still leaves me with my original issue my batteries being mounted outside on the front of the trailer in one of those plastic boxes you talked about. Although, if they did get stolen, I would be able to upgrade quicker.

 

[Badcoder]

I imagine that there is some ventilation, I did want to create some separation with wood, even planning on using the space between the battery and lid of the enclosure as a shallow shelf. Not sure if that would be enough ventilation though.

 

[Badcoder]

thanks for the help.. It is appreciated.

 

[Rutdigger]

Old-man has a point on hydrogen gas and spark; however, it is lighter than helium, so you would practically have to do something to cause a spark inside the box with the lid closed in order to be that much of an issue. It also dissolves very fast. Literally as soon as you open the lid the danger is gone with those levels. But, he is right. Hydrogen and spark are bad...

 

[old_man]

For your info, an AGM battery is not sealed. It will outgas when charged just like any battery. The reason it does not leak is that the electrolyte is about like peanut butter and mixed into a fiberglass mat between the plates.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

I made a tray up front, planned for 3 batteries, currently running 2, but only have a pic on hand with 1. I've got them up as much up front as I can to help with my weight distribution.