Custom Battery Box - Fiberglass RV
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Old 05-22-2013, 08:35 PM   #1
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Name: M
Trailer: Influx
Usa
Posts: 145
Custom Battery Box

It seemed appropriate to branch off the ("Smoking Batteries") post. To sum, following a learning experience where we had an unexpected issues related to our batteries, we are exploring a possible modification to the power compartment in our 2012 Parkliner. Essentially, we wanted a solution to address enclosing and externally venting our batteries, and adding extra safety precautions in general in the power center.

This post is in the interest of sharing with others, and to acknowledge and thank the wonderful community here who have generously given advise, caution, input and ideas. Many members commented on the original thread and the response was positively overwhelming. Special thanks and acknowledgement to Thom who kindly shared his approach to the mod (a 2013 Parkliner for Thom & Cari :)) which served as a launch pad for ours.
It is an interesting project to undertake and given we consider ourselves very lucky not to had had more serious impact, it has been a good learning experience. But other alternatives are on the table if not, such as relocating the battery(ies) altogether.

We are enthusiastic about our trailer and connecting with others on this forum and hope that our experience can be of some use to others. We are no where near experts, and all well intentioned feedback is welcome.

Supplies
  • Custom built battery box built around two sealed AGM batteries. We were unable to find battery boxes to fit the space. The unconventional configuration is due to space constraints within the compartment.
  • High Heat (2000F) Spray paint to coat the surfaces of the box to reduce reactivity of wood material to any venting/outgassing
  • Fire barrier caulking to make seams airtight
  • Rubber feet for circulation/venting within box
  • Weather stripping as a seal for top lid
  • ¾" braided vinyl tubing, elbow tube and exhaust coupling,
  • Digital Volt meter
  • Fuse box with expansion capability if necessary
  • 50 AMP master Kill Switch
  • Supplemental Fire and smoke detector to be mounted within the under seat compartment

We have constructed the box, but will need to disassemble to paint the surfaces. We will then reassemble it within the compartment, add the seal for the lid and drill the holes in the box, as well as in the FG shell, caulk the seams. We will also install a volt meter and fuse box to make it easier to monitor batteries, and have a fuse switch at the battery. And in addition have a dedicated fire/smoke detector mounted within this under seat compartment for earlier detection. In a way, it feels we are going overboard. In a way, it makes me feel better to feel we are going overboard.

Here is our material laid out. Tomorrow we will bring the trailer out of storage to do attempt the installation.
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Old 05-22-2013, 08:37 PM   #2
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For some reason my pic didn't attach. Second attempt.
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Old 05-22-2013, 08:54 PM   #3
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Looking forward to seeing your ideas!
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All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.... J.R.R. Tolkien
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Old 05-24-2013, 09:57 PM   #4
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It seems we have chosen quite an ambitious project for our first ever trailer mod. Last week, we thought we could be done by the weekend. This weekend, we were project a Thursday completion, and here we are at Friday and there is still more work. But there is good progress to report!

We painted the box surfaces and sealed the seams. We did have to move the jetflow water pump over to accommodate this box. And in order to get the box into the opening past the converter, we had to remove the converter, which was riveted into the fiberglass. We also put in the exhaust tube, drilled an exhaust hole out the back through the fiberglass shell. It was very beneficial for us to have seen Thom's mod and know it could be done.

We'll reconnect the batteries and put the lid and seal up the box tomorrow. Then connect our fuse box, switch, and voltage monitor which we've put on a panel that we plan to install behind the adjoining door. I will take pictures then when it's light outside.
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Old 05-25-2013, 07:38 PM   #5
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Progress update

All right, just wanted to share an update on our little project, which is mostly done, with just a couple of very minor loose ends to tie up.

Attached picture shows the custom made box, painted with high heat paint, sealed with fire barrier caulk. It definitely would have been easier to use purchased battery box, but we were not able to locate ones that fit our battery and that would fit the compartment. So, the box was cut to measure, fitting precisely to fit into the available space, basically working around the water tank, and the constraint of the opening of the compartment. There is not a whole lot of room to work with, but it's possible!

Then the batteries were fitted in. The exhaust hole drilled, sealed, and attached to the tube, about 6" max that vents to the outside offset from the back light. We did have to move the Jet Flow pump over a tad, but that only involved four screws and remounting it on a little wooden platform, just next to it's original spot. That was the easiest part! Once the wires were reconnected, the outlets too were sealed with the caulking, weatherstripping applied to the rim, and the lid was attached. We then had to remount the converter and got whip out the riveting tool for the first time! And essentially the core work is now done.

We have a screen vent cover that is suppose to be delivered to Home Depot shortly that will attach to the external vent hole. The new 'control center' includes a voltage monitor, fuse switch, and an expandable fuse box should we desire later down the line. This control center will be housed behind the door adjacent to where the converter is mounted. A supplemental smoke detector will also be mounted within this compartment. And we also install a battery operated gas detector so we can utilize the kill switch to eliminate the phantom draw off the 12v batteries during storage.

So I also want to say it was our choice to implement this modification ourselves since we don't live close to the factory, with a level of urgency, based on that our unique experience (partly due to lack of experience, ) and our specific individual very low risk tolerance (due to our responsibility to safeguard little ones). And the project was very satisfying to undertake, we learned so much, and now, that we've put in the work, this egg really feel more like our own.

None of this we could have done, even attempted to do, or have been inspired to do if it hadn't been the tremendous support, information sharing, and many other comments we received in this forum. This is really a great community, and hopefully, can pay it forward some where down the line, and hopefully see you all on the road sometime .

Of course, I'm always enthusiastic to come across fellow Parkliner owners on the board and look forward to seeing more on the road for years to come!

Thanks for reading! Be safe and have fun out there!
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Old 05-26-2013, 08:57 PM   #6
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And our first camp out post mod has been a wonderful success. No issues and we love being able to keep a watch on our battery now. Happy campers we are!!
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Old 05-26-2013, 08:59 PM   #7
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Looks Great Mimi! Best of Luck! I contacted Chandler and am waiting for him to get back about what their plans are with this problem.
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Old 05-26-2013, 10:01 PM   #8
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Thanks Deryk!

Good you reached out to Chandler. When I see the places where the wood was charred I really worry about what could have happened. I'm interested to know how he will address for you/others.
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Old 05-27-2013, 06:10 AM   #9
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Nice job Mimi, thanks for posting.
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Old 05-27-2013, 06:34 AM   #10
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Call Boeing, I think that you could get a job there in their battery containment department.

Nice work.
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Old 05-27-2013, 09:02 PM   #11
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Thanks Tim, Tom. It was a collaborative team effort!

And Tom, too funny! It was MamaBear vs Batteries. We've come a long way in two weeks for sure!
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Old 10-15-2013, 07:28 AM   #12
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Hi Mimi,

Well its been almost 5 months how is your new battery box working for you?

Im still getting no response from Chandler...Ive left several calls and emails. Typical of them.
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