Gary
Junior Member
1967 Aristocrat "Kini"
Posts: 76
Likes: 29
1967 Aristocrat LoLiner ST
Currently Offline
|
Post by Gary on Mar 9, 2014 14:35:03 GMT -8
Last week, three trailers in my neighborhood had their batteries stolen in the middle of the night. Thankfully mine survived, probably because the thieves were scared away by an early riser or something. The saying "Locks only keep out honest people" is probably true to some extent, and I realize that a determined thief with bolt cutters and a hacksaw can pretty much get what he wants, but I figured I would at least make him work for mine. If he's too lazy to get a job, hopefully he's too lazy to go to a lot of trouble for some old used batteries. Here's my solution: Battery locking straps to protect against the casual pilferer Straps are hardware-store galvanized steel, painted black hammertone. This is not "plumbers tape." It's 1 3/8" wide and about 1/16" thick. Bought two four-foot pieces. Straps go under the steel tray, which is welded to the tongue. Threw in a taut chain to the wingnut that holds the tanks down, so it can't be unscrewed. The welded chain attaches to the wingnut using one of these repair links. I believe the chain is too tight to allow this link to be pried open without opening the padlock first. -Gary
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Mar 9, 2014 22:27:32 GMT -8
I love this idea! Great pix too. Thanks so much.
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Mar 10, 2014 3:50:30 GMT -8
Sadly, it's a common problem. I really like the battery strap. And you answered another question for me about holding the propane tanks down.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,825
Likes: 3,752
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 10, 2014 7:32:32 GMT -8
For about the last couple of years now I have been putting the batteries INSIDE the trailer. That's right you heard me right. Inside the trailers. I'm using sealed dry batteries from Harbor Freight that need no ventilation and can also be run down completely dead without being harmed. These batteries have been working out great and everything is locked up inside the trailer. Out of sight, out of mind. It also opens up some room on the tongue for things like a spare tire.
|
|
Gary
Junior Member
1967 Aristocrat "Kini"
Posts: 76
Likes: 29
1967 Aristocrat LoLiner ST
Currently Offline
|
Post by Gary on Mar 10, 2014 9:22:00 GMT -8
Hey Mobil,
Where is that we're looking at? Almost looks like it's under the floor..? Good point about the ventless batteries. We wouldn't want regular batteries inside.
-Gary
|
|
65callie
Active Member
Posts: 232
Likes: 90
Currently Offline
|
Post by 65callie on Mar 10, 2014 12:12:53 GMT -8
Golf cart batteries are getting stolen too. My MIL, who lives in a senior park in Hemet, had all 6 of her batteries stolen out of her golf cart, 3 of her neighbors had the same thing happen. Nobody heard a thing. Expensive to replace. One more thing we have to lock up.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 577
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Mar 10, 2014 12:28:04 GMT -8
The core charge on a lead acid battery is now $15.00 per battery, and they don't ask questions like they do when you recycle scrap aluminum, and copper wire.
I hate thieves.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 577
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Mar 10, 2014 12:35:42 GMT -8
Hey Mobil, Where is that we're looking at? Almost looks like it's under the floor..? Good point about the ventless batteries. We wouldn't want regular batteries inside. -Gary Gary, I run common lead acid deep cycle batteries "inside the trailer", just mount inside a sealed battery box, and vent it to outside air. I also run a 110 volt battery maintainer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and still have no smell inside the trailer.
The single most important safety thing with any type of battery is make NO SPARKS around the battery. Disconnect the ground wire "away from the battery first".
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,825
Likes: 3,752
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 10, 2014 14:56:19 GMT -8
Hey Mobil, Where is that we're looking at? Almost looks like it's under the floor..? Good point about the ventless batteries. We wouldn't want regular batteries inside. -Gary Gary, I run common lead acid deep cycle batteries "inside the trailer", just mount inside a sealed battery box, and vent it to outside air. I also run a 110 volt battery maintainer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and still have no smell inside the trailer.
The single most important safety thing with any type of battery is make NO SPARKS around the battery. Disconnect the ground wire "away from the battery first".
Yep... Done that too but this way you don't have to listen to the exhaust fan going 24/7. And without an exhaust fan the vent really doesn't do a very good job for what it is intended for. And the fan itself can cause an explosion if it isn't a sealed fan. These new sealed dry batteries are the cat's pajamas ...
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,825
Likes: 3,752
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 10, 2014 14:58:43 GMT -8
Hey Mobil, Where is that we're looking at? Almost looks like it's under the floor..? Good point about the ventless batteries. We wouldn't want regular batteries inside. -Gary Gary you are looking straight down on the rear goucho in the 59 Terry. The stuff is mounted under that. The rest of the goucho is out of the trailer during this installation of course. Otherwise you couldn't see it. I pulled 6 of those slats to do this and then put them back. I also ended up removing the oven and the Ice Box and all the drawers and cabinet doors. Just much easier that way.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 577
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Mar 10, 2014 18:45:01 GMT -8
Gary, I run common lead acid deep cycle batteries "inside the trailer", just mount inside a sealed battery box, and vent it to outside air. I also run a 110 volt battery maintainer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and still have no smell inside the trailer.
The single most important safety thing with any type of battery is make NO SPARKS around the battery. Disconnect the ground wire "away from the battery first".
Yep... Done that too but this way you don't have to listen to the exhaust fan going 24/7. And without an exhaust fan the vent really doesn't do a very good job for what it is intended for. And the fan itself can cause an explosion if it isn't a sealed fan. These new sealed dry batteries are the cat's pajamas ... I build or wire about three to four trailers per year with "no fans", and it works "just fine" for me.
The term "sealed battery" is one that is over used for many different kinds of batteries. Many of these so called "sealed batteries" are nothing more than AGM which is nothing more than a standard acid/lead battery with a gel like board to soak up the acid. They still gas off, which is why you need to be careful with sparks to prevent a hydrogen explosion when connecting or dis-connecting battery cables.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,825
Likes: 3,752
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 10, 2014 19:47:25 GMT -8
You're right about "many" of the so called sealed batteries but not these. Check them out.
I'm sure just a vent with no fan works just fine for you. But then again you aren't the one sleeping in the trailer with them LOL.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 577
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Mar 10, 2014 20:33:59 GMT -8
I'm sure just a vent with no fan works just fine for you. But then again you aren't the one sleeping in the trailer with them LOL.
I just spent the last "four days" camping, and sleeping on my battery!
Might be better to come inspect my work first, LOL.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Mar 11, 2014 5:03:20 GMT -8
The batteries that are rated for taking on an airplane such as those used in handicap equipment are sealed and do not cause an a risk in a closed area but the do cost more.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,825
Likes: 3,752
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 11, 2014 20:21:42 GMT -8
I'm sure just a vent with no fan works just fine for you. But then again you aren't the one sleeping in the trailer with them LOL.
I just spent the last "four days" camping, and sleeping on my battery!
Might be better to come inspect my work first, LOL.
I hear your work is beautiful John... I'd like to see some of it some time.
|
|