Battery/Tool Box Installation?

**reubenray** · 03-17-2024, 10:22 AM

I have an industrial grade 35" Rubbermaid tool chest that I want to use as a lockable box for my battery plus a few tools in it. It will be mounted on the tongue. It is big enough for adding more batteries also if I choose to do so.

My electrical question is how do I track down the battery cables into my compartment in case they are not long enough?

**alias100** · 03-17-2024, 04:10 PM

We have a different trailer but when I moved our battery from the tongue into the pass through I had to drop the coroplast to access and reroute the cables. It was easier than I expected to drop and reattach.
Good luck with the project, and when you have it mounted please post a picture. I have been thinking of adding a box there for tools, chocks, etc.

**reubenray** · 03-17-2024, 05:18 PM

Would I be able to use battery cable extenders and shrink wrap the connections?

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Coppe...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

**reubenray** · 03-18-2024, 09:13 AM

I wasted my time thinking about doing this. There is no room between my propane tanks and the trailer. I could add another battery or two, but that is all. I do need to find some way to lock my current battery box.

**bridgway** · 03-18-2024, 10:29 AM

I have a 22MLE and used the RVLOCKBOX https://www.rvlockbox.com/shop/27-al...ox-d9cbm-9gtjb. sits on top of the frame so welded some angle iron to it to secure it. fits 2 100ah battle born batteries easily.

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**reubenray** · 03-18-2024, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by bridgway

I have a 22MLE and used the RVLOCKBOX https://www.rvlockbox.com/shop/27-al...ox-d9cbm-9gtjb. sits on top of the frame so welded some angle iron to it to secure it. fits 2 100ah battle born batteries easily.

Those look nice, but they are not waterproof. Also the lid configurations may not work on my trailer. But I will need to check.

Thanks!

**retired_engineer** · 03-18-2024, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by bridgway

I have a 22MLE and used the RVLOCKBOX https://www.rvlockbox.com/shop/27-al...ox-d9cbm-9gtjb. sits on top of the frame so welded some angle iron to it to secure it. fits 2 100ah battle born batteries easily.

How did you handle cold weather charging?

**bridgway** · 03-18-2024, 09:59 PM

I have the heated battleborn batteries. They work great even in cold weather.
https://battlebornbatteries.com/prod...d-battery-kit/

**reubenray** · 03-19-2024, 05:25 AM

For now I will be installing an adjustable cable lock around my current battery and case. I leave in a few weeks for my first trip and I don't want to mess up anything. Being I keep my trailer in storage I can't spend as much time planning on what type of box to get. In between trips or at the end of camping season I will measure more to see what I can install. I would like to get a combination type of box that could hold a few things along with the battery or batteries.

My current setup is a single AGM battery. The way it is installed it is a PITA to remove. My trailer hangs over the case so I have to drag it forward to get it out. Having the battery weigh 50 pounds does not help any. The battery case is screwed into the "L" brackets which are welded down low between the two frames. But if I move it forward the battery cables may not be long enough.

**reubenray** · 03-22-2024, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by bridgway

I have a 22MLE and used the RVLOCKBOX https://www.rvlockbox.com/shop/27-al...ox-d9cbm-9gtjb. sits on top of the frame so welded some angle iron to it to secure it. fits 2 100ah battle born batteries easily.

I may be able to use one of these models after all. The overhang of my trailer is different from yours's. I would have get one where the top slides out to the front instead of the side. Have you had any issues with water getting in?