Vented Battery Box

[Neophyte]

Our '68 Tradewind has the battery in the original location: under the midship bed. We have been to several RV and boat stores looking for a sealed and vented battery box with zero success. Any ideas where to find one and, if there is one, perhaps one with an aluminum shell-side termination fitting?

Thanks in advance . . . these forums are a great source of information, knowledge and humor. I could spend hours reading through some that have nothing to do with our current "projects"; in fact, I do.

By the way, what's with the rivets? Are they earned, bought, bartered for or granted by a Higher Authority?

[Darol Ingalls]

Your original battery holder probably had a plastic cap affair with a vent hose that was supposed to vent the fumes outside through a small, screened fitting. Those caps usually broke after a few years and were discarded. I've made battery boxes of plywood and vented them outside on some trailers, but I've since discovered sealed batteries, either gell-cell or the glass matt absorbtion type. These can be placed anywhere inside and don't need to be vented. Much easier than trying to install a battery box and make it waterproof to the exterior of the shell. They may cost a little more, but compared to the cost of a new box and the limitations of placement, I think they are the best bet. As for the "Rivits", they are a mystry. Darol

[Neophyte]

Thanks for the prompt response.

But if the "Rivits" are a mystery, how'd you get three of them?

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Neophyte

Thanks for the prompt response.

But if the "Rivits" are a mystery, how'd you get three of them?

Neophyte,

The rivits are given based upon the number of posts. The formula is somewhere on the forum.

Bill

[scottanlily]

Hello neophyte,

Summit racing products sells a special battery box that is designed to be closed with a lid ,comes with it ,made of heavy polypropelene plastic material.
it has vent hoses as well .Its made by MOROSO ,you can go to SUMMIT RACING online to locate it .Only problem is that it is expensive.

Scott

[Pick]

Any boat or marine store such as West Marine or Bass Pro Shops will have them. Check a local dealer that sells boats, too.

[Neophyte]

Pick,

Those were my two stops on my first time out searching; Bass Pro & West Marine are across the parking lot from each other in a strip mall 10 minutes from the house. No luck so far but thanks.

Beginning to look like home-made or gell-cells. Too bad I have a brand new battery to replace.

[markdoane]

Here's one:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...xes-vented.htm

and here are some more:

http://www.alliedbattery.com/boxes.htm

Allied has more sizes, but you need to add hoses.

[Neophyte]

Mark,

You're the MAN!

Thanks. It is people like you that make these forums great.

I tried a variety of google searches and didn't find what you sent me. Thanks.

[Neophyte]

Mark, the smilie that got posted was NOT the one I selected - honest. I was trying for "punk". (so much for trying to be cute)

[Pick]

Ah, I see what you are looking for, now. Most battery boxes are "vented" but not to the outside of the coach.

[aztlanco]

You might try the R.V. salvage yards also. Some of the older trailers had sealed poly boxes that had an access door to the outside that had louvers or vent holes.
Ernie
1958 "Traveler" 18ft.

[Neophyte]

Azlantco,

That is one sweet AS! What's the frequency between buff-outs?

[aztlanco]

Originally Posted by Neophyte

Azlantco,

That is one sweet AS! What's the frequency between buff-outs?

Thanks Mick,,,
Gets buffed once a year. Its not hard to keep up the polish after the initial 1st time.

[Neophyte]

You know . . . on these forums . . . with devotees as fervent as they may be . . . "not too long" can have many meanings.

I long for a buffed-out, near-mirror finish, 24' hunka rollin' aluminium but hesitate to start down another road that leads me to being put in shackles and chained to the wall for interminable periods.

Please allow me a couple of questions:
Do you garage your A/S?
How long is "not too long"? 10 hours, 20 hours, 40 . . . 160 . . . 320 . . . .?

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mick (of Mick & Judy)

[aztlanco]

Mick;
I do NOT keep my trailer in a garage but it does stay in the shade of a metal awnning.
The first time I polished my trailer it took me approx. 47 hours (and 18 hours by a friend "pitching-in") to polish my trailer completly. Bear in mind that it did not have a clear coat, but the aluminum was highly oxydized, the trailer is a 1958 and had never been polished.
Now I just wash it with soap and water before going camping and wax it once a year ( approx. 5 hours ).
Hope that answers your questions,,,, Good luck in whatever you decide.
Ernie
1958 Traveler, 18ft.

[Neophyte]

Ernie,

Thanks for your response. Not as harrowing an ordeal as I fear. Now if I can persuade the other half . . . .

Mick