Battery Storage

[PigPen]

I can't quite figure out the best way to approach a battery compartment for a couple of house batteries. We'll likely have 2 max and our plan is for cheapo lead acid ones considering our planned usage (fan, pump, charging).

The two options are under the bus and inside vented. I have questions for both.

If the compartment is inside, does the vent need to have a fan or is a regular vent good enough? How sealed does it need to be?

I'd prefer to mount it underneath though, mainly because we have a ton of space. I've been looking through how other people have done theirs, but I can't find a prebuilt box that fits nice. I don't have the tools to make a custom box, and would rather not pay.

Is it possible to do it w/ marine grade plywood? If it's underneath the bus, do they need to be enclosed or could I just do a platform?

Suggestions or links to good build threads w/ this type of work are both appreciated.

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by PigPen

I can't quite figure out the best way to approach a battery compartment for a couple of house batteries. We'll likely have 2 max and our plan is for cheapo lead acid ones considering our planned usage (fan, pump, charging).

The two options are under the bus and inside vented. I have questions for both.

If the compartment is inside, does the vent need to have a fan or is a regular vent good enough? How sealed does it need to be?

I'd prefer to mount it underneath though, mainly because we have a ton of space. I've been looking through how other people have done theirs, but I can't find a prebuilt box that fits nice. I don't have the tools to make a custom box, and would rather not pay.

Is it possible to do it w/ marine grade plywood? If it's underneath the bus, do they need to be enclosed or could I just do a platform?

Suggestions or links to good build threads w/ this type of work are both appreciated.

Building a wooden box could work...do you have access to a truck salvage yard? Might find a sweet box on the cheap...

[Iceni John]

I made pull-out drawers under the bus for the start and house batteries, but they're open to the road below. This, along with some ventilation louvers for the house batteries, ensures good ventilation, and if anything leaks or spills it will just drip harmlessly to the ground.

John

[Dave in Tucson]

Look for some plastic storage bins at Wally world or local discount stores. Cheap, will contain any leak, and can easily be cut to desired height.

[Dapplecreek]

Originally Posted by Dave in Tucson

Look for some plastic storage bins at Wally world or local discount stores. Cheap, will contain any leak, and can easily be cut to desired height.

Look for some cheap STOUT plastic storage bins... and be sure they're properly supported.

[cadillackid]

you could also go to a junkyard and cut the battery box off of another bus.. on my bus the battery box appears to just be spot-welded to the body ribs and skirt.. drill out the spot welds and it would be outta there.. could be bolted or welded to anbother bus..
-Christopher

[Tango]

Just for the record...

[jjhwick119]

Does anyone know any specific builds that documented their battery mounting and building battery box? Trying to figure out how to secure everything underneath and I'm a visual kind of guy so pictures help a lot

[dan-fox]

Originally Posted by Tango

Just for the record...

Da good stuff!

Are you an A&P? You know too much.

[IWC Bus]

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

Does anyone know any specific builds that documented their battery mounting and building battery box? Trying to figure out how to secure everything underneath and I'm a visual kind of guy so pictures help a lot

You can try Dlzfreek on YouTube there is a video when he rebuilds his battery box.

[Whatthefak]

Originally Posted by Tango

Just for the record...

I worked a metal coating plant that did vehicles for the military all their trucks get a similar coating in their battery boxes, it's fantastic stuff