battery storage and tarps
Submitted: Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 13:40
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skipp
i have a new camper trailer with two 115 amp deep cycle batteries.when i go away i store them in the trailer which takes up room and time loading and unloading etc... i would like to make a storage place on either side of trailer behind wheel arch so they stay there for good.
my question been, do the batteries have to be in a box or can they be exposed to the weather?if they can be exposed how do i stop anything shorting out the battery. wanting to have a couple of 12v plugs at back of trailer so when i
camp i just plug in the fridge/lights/shower when needed, hope this all makes sense.
also took camper away at xmas and it got very hot inside, i have an annex but did not put up tarp.should i not take my annex and just put up a big tarp over camper and out the side to keep me cool or would it be better to keep annex on and put tarp over the lot???if so how do i keep tarp of canvas ..i do have spreader bars but they seem to sag over this distance..hope this all make sense once agian
cheers skipp
Reply By: MartyB - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 17:16
Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 17:16
Skipp,
You don't need to protect the batteries from the weather, the one under your bonnet is not protected. But the simplest mounting method is to buy the standard black battery boxes. They are available from any auto accessory, boat or caravan outlet. These boxes come in different sizes so if the first store you look at does not have the right size try another store. Behind the
wheels is a good mounting spot. Another good idea is to cable them so they can connect to the vehicle alternator so they charge while travelling to site.
What I do in the heat is a tarp over the whole camper & annex. I use 3 poles plus ropes & pegs down each size. The idea is to keep an air gap between the tarp & canvas. My method has the tarp touching in the highest point (down the centre) but keeps an air gap over the rest of the camper. Also keeps the camper canvas cleaner.
Marty.
AnswerID:
217924
Follow Up By: skipp - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:00
Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:00
cheers marty
with the tarp i will try what you do.i wasnt sure if tarp could touch canvas.
as for batteries i bought a good charger CTEK which i will charge batteries up a couple of days before,thanks
FollowupID:
478350
Reply By: itsdave - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 20:20
Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 20:20
I have 2 batteries mounted in the back of my camper trailer (Aussie Swag) connected to a 3 stage charger thats also mounted in the camper so that when i get home it's only a matter of plugging into a 240 volt supply and then forget it till the next trip. Also have it connected to the alternator via a duel battery system so that it charges while driving. Hope this is of help.
Cheers Dave
AnswerID:
217943
Follow Up By: skipp - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 06:48
Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 06:48
g;day dave,what sought of money am i looking at to get trailer and car wired up like yours(charge of alternator) are your batteries inside your trailer? how do you secure them in there?if they are on the ouitside are they in a box?? ,.....thanks.....wanting to make it as easy as possible like yourself so when i get home i just plug her in.
p.s i have an engel fridge which i put inside the trailer ,some people say not to put them in there only in your car...what do you do?
cheers skipp
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Follow Up By: itsdave - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 17:16
Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 17:16
Hi Skip
Not sure of the cost as it was included in the price at time of purchase. The batteries are mounted in a cradle in the rear of the camper with the charger (Truecharge 10) mounted along side it which is then connected to a 240 volt inlet ( same as the caravans use) The power from the alternator is though a duel battery system which charges a second battery in the vehicle to run a 60 litre engel and then also the 2 batteries in the trailer. the following link may help with the way its set up www.aussieswag.com.au/6.html
Hope this helps
cheers Dave
FollowupID:
478498
Follow Up By: skipp - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 19:07
Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 19:07
thanks dave i will check out web site
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478524
Reply By: shakey 69 - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:10
Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 15:10
Hi ya skipp, With the hot camper problem,put a good quality Silver with the BLACK lining over the trailer,I had the same Issues as you with trying to keep tarp off the canvas,what i came up with was some plastic storm pipe 90mm cut to just the length you need slide it in between and tension down tarp!!!Perfect!!!I,ve actually a peice off 90 &100mm slide inside of each other when not in use and i strap them on the boat rack!! Hope it helps ya!!! Shakey!!!
AnswerID:
218031