Prelim Report On 1st Trip with Solar

[tzalmaves]

What does your battery box look like, and where is it on your trailer? I have an XLite 26BH, and have been trying to figure out where to put a battery box.

[Fire Instructor]

I replaced my factory battery box with a 12" wide pick-up truck tool-box, Kobalt brand, from Lowe's. I currenly have two batteries, four sets of Linx Levelers, some homemade stabilizer jack pads, a couple of pieces of 4x4, and some other "stuff" in there. I've only gotten into the third Linx kit once, so likely I'll "loose" two of those next season, and that will give me more than enough room for two more batteries.

I had to move the propane tanks forward anout 1.5" for everythning to fit.

[tzalmaves]

Originally Posted by Fire Instructor

I replaced my factory battery box with a 12" wide pick-up truck tool-box, Kobalt brand, from Lowe's. I currenly have two batteries, four sets of Linx Levelers, some homemade stabilizer jack pads, a couple of pieces of 4x4, and some other "stuff" in there. I've only gotten into the third Linx kit once, so likely I'll "loose" two of those next season, and that will give me more than enough room for two more batteries.

I had to move the propane tanks forward anout 1.5" for everythning to fit.

I'm looking at doing the same thing, but I think the box will cover the weight distribution chain receivers on the RV. Do you have a photograph of the box installed? -TM

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by tzalmaves

I'm looking at doing the same thing, but I think the box will cover the weight distribution chain receivers on the RV. Do you have a photograph of the box installed? -TM

Mine would have also been partially in the way of the WD chain clamps, but what I did was to support the entire box with two pieces of 4' long, 1" Uni-strut channel (also from Lowe's). This gave the box support beyond the trailer A-frame, plus it raised it enough that the chain clamps are partially under the box. It's all a tight fit, but it all fits!

My only problem was backing in my driveway, it's such a sharp cut, that the corner of the bumper hit the box, and put a slight dent in the box. I've learned not to cut quite so sharp when backing.

Sorry, no pics of that, and the TT is winterized, covered, and the batteries are in the basement. Nudge me in the Spring and I'll shoot you a pic, if you still need it.

[tzalmaves]

Originally Posted by Fire Instructor

Mine would have also been partially in the way of the WD chain clamps, but what I did was to support the entire box with two pieces of 4' long, 1" Uni-strut channel (also from Lowe's). This gave the box support beyond the trailer A-frame, plus it raised it enough that the chain clamps are partially under the box. It's all a tight fit, but it all fits!

My only problem was backing in my driveway, it's such a sharp cut, that the corner of the bumper hit the box, and put a slight dent in the box. I've learned not to cut quite so sharp when backing.

Is yours this side truck box (4' long and wider at the top)? http://tinyurl.com/cytpss5

What does the cross section of Uni-strut look like?

[Fire Instructor]

No, I believe that it's this box: Shop Kobalt Slim Line Full Size 12" Truck Box at Lowes.com

Uni-strut is the U-shaped channel, usually bolted to walls or the underside of roof trusses in commercial buildings, ised to clamp electrical conduit to. Here's what it looks like: 01052011_Unistrut_US

I used the P1000, available at most big-box building materials stores. I just used it as a spacer/stiffener under the aluminum box.

Hope that this helps!