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lkrobbins
Newbie
Joined: 05 May 2021
Location: Salem, OR
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2
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Topic: Battery tray Posted: 06 May 2021 at 9:17am |
Great idea jato about cutting out an access to the lock in the propane cover. I just ordered a black plastic vent cover to put over the vent hole I drilled out in the back of the box. I plan to upgrade to two golf cart batteries next. I have already measured and the HF box should be able to easily accommodate their extra height compared to a standard size battery. My last upgrade will be to install a solar controller inside the box and add a solar hookup plug to the side. I'll take more pics and do an updated post when completed.
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Keith
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3258
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Posted: 05 May 2021 at 4:02pm |
Keith, that is the same box I purchased from HF 4 years ago and it is holding up well. Holds a pair of 12v group size 24 deep cycle batteries that are 10 years old. What I did on the 2 tank propane cover was to cut a 2" hole directly in front of the locking mechanism on the HF box to access the lock. Pretty easy to reach in the top of the propane cover and unlock the box. Also, I did cut four 1" holes in the HF box for venting the batteries. 1 along the top of the vertical on each side and 2 on the base. They were all covered inside the box with a small enough mesh to keep bees and wasps out.
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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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lkrobbins
Newbie
Joined: 05 May 2021
Location: Salem, OR
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2
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Posted: 05 May 2021 at 9:25am |
Newbee to the forum and have learned lots of great info from here, so I thought I would share my solution for a secure battery box for my Rpod.
Like some of the other Rpod posters on the forum, I decided to go with the HAUL-MASTER 2.31 Cu. Ft. Steel Trailer Tongue Box (https://www.harborfreight.com/231-cu-ft-steel-trailer-tongue-box-61602.html)
I had to make some minor modifications to make it fit by turning the propane tank around and making a small cut at the bottom of the propane cover. I have to remove the propane cover in order to access the lock on front of the box, but it fits snug between the propane tank and front of the trailer.
The construction of the box is a lightweight steel and the lock is a cheap cam lock mechanism. I would not trust the security of this box by putting expensive equipment in it such as lithium ion batteries. However, I am using less expensive deep cycle lead batteries. I estimate I could get 3 batteries into the box, although I currently just have one. I also added a bettery cut off switch to the box itself.
Overall, an affordable option that does the job at a fraction of the cost of other secure boxes I looked at ($100 vs $300 plus). I give it 2 out of 5 stars on durability, but it does fit nicely on the Rpod trailer tongue.
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Keith
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Motor7
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2019
Location: E. TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 196
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Posted: 16 Apr 2019 at 6:55am |
Here ya go GG:
It fits on the original tray holder, but you will need some kind of strap to go around the whole thing and keep the lid down. I used a small ratchet strap.
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2016 R-Pod 176T
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GlueGuy
Senior Member
Joined: 15 May 2017
Location: N. California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2660
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Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 6:50pm |
Motor7, Who makes that battery box, and where'd you get it?
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Motor7
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2019
Location: E. TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 196
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Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 6:31pm |
There are two 6v's in there..............
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2016 R-Pod 176T
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Motor7
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2019
Location: E. TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 196
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Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 6:30pm |
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2016 R-Pod 176T
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1081
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Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 8:55pm |
I have a metal battery box just like the picture in Texman's post above. It came on my 179 when I bought it. I can't use it and removed it. I will give it away if you pay shipping or come and get it. Vann
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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lostagain
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2016
Location: Quaker Hill, CT
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2595
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Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 7:11pm |
Just added a metal box on the tongue. Got it from Harbor Freight for $72 plus tax, license, and dealer prep. I had to get a couple other things that added to the cost of installation, such as a rubber grommet for the battery cables, self tapping screws, & eyebolts for the battery tie-downs. I recycled the old plastic battery boxes into little trays under the batteries and cut out the switch from the top and attached it to the inside of the box. All and all, it is a pretty functional box and cost under $80 to install.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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geewizard
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2017
Location: Spokane
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 347
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Posted: 11 Apr 2019 at 9:26am |
I installed this battery box between the front wall and the propane tank and have been quite happy with it.
Added treated wood blocks to existing battery tray.
Attached battery box with large U bolts around tongue frame in front of box and one single carriage bolt through the wood block and into the box in the back of the box.
Installed original Group 27 batteries, battery cutoff switch, shunt for battery monitor, and MPPT solar controller. Made a clear plastic cover for all the above as shown below.
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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC
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