battery box suggestions?

[chriscowles]

Help? I'm prepping for dry camping and adding a second battery. The dealer provided a Group 24 in a box that fits exactly. I bought a Group 27 and put it in an Attwood trolling motor box from WalMart, suitable for Group 27-31 batteries. (That gets me connectors I'd have to buy for other purposes, anyway.)

The new box won't fit on the battery rack. The only thing that would fit is another Group 24. Because the rack is welded at the bottom of the A-frame, rather than on top, The batteries have to fit in the space between it. Maybe that's Forest River's way of limiting tongue weight but I need to work around it. The only way I see to do that is to mount something across the top.

I don't have metal fabrication skills or tools. I can drill and cut something with a hacksaw but don't have bending tools and, importantly, can't weld. Taking it elsewhere to have that done professionally would be difficult because I have to work during the day, and it's stored off-site. It would be most practical to do something myself.

That being the case, can someone suggest (or provide a link to) a minimalist rack or box that I can attach with u-bolts, or a similar approach? Being lockable would be nice but cost is a consideration. So, too, is weight. I have no plans to store anything significant in the box because 2 group 27 batteries (when I get another) and 2 propane bottles already adds up to enough.

PS: I posted this in the running gear forum because I regard it as a frame issue, not an electrical issue. If you disagree and have the authority, feel free to move it.

Thanks

[KyDan]

Go to metal super market or any local steel seller. Lowe's Home Debit etc. Purchase 1" angle iron. Lay on top of the frame and bolt in place with self tapping plated screws.
Happy Trails!

[glen1971]

I built mine out of plywood, with a 2x4 base to fit in the existing brackets on the trailer and painted it black..... With the 2x4 it lifted it above the frame and 2 - 27s fit in there perfect.. Oversized the wire entry hole on the front, and one on the side for my solar connection.. Put two lock hasps on it with different spacing and lock one, not that it matters as you'd have to pull the propane tanks to get the batteries out.. The only issue I've found with it is I have to tip it slightly forward to pull the batteries..