Homemade Battery Box

[themanfromvan]

I am curious if anyone here has ever made their own battery box? If so, what did you construct it out of? Wood? Metal?

And, yes, I am fully aware that I can go to WalMart and get a plastic battery box for 15 bucks. I've already been through about three of those pieces of junk.

Pictures - if you have 'em - are appreciated. Thanks in advance !!

 

[tombiasi]

What could be happening to the battery boxes?

 

[joet]

I have had several boxes from Wally's and never had any problems. I can't build one for $15

 

[kitphantom]

We've not had issues with the plastic battery boxes. When we switched to the dual 6v batteries, it would have been handy to change to the diamond plate double (& locking) box we found, but it didn't fit on our TT.
If we had to make one of our own for some reason, I think we'd probably use diamond plate. Wood would need a lot of treatment to protect it not only from the weather, but from any possible water and battery spills.We once found water 2" up on the battery in one box, after a heavy rain. Turned out the runoff from the camper drained directly into the vent on the lid.

 

[Pozi]

Here is a fella that built a battery box.
http://www.popupportal.com/threads/built-a-battery-box.117675

If you build one, be sure to include ventilation.

 

[mstrbill]

I've already been through about three of those pieces of junk.

What's breaking them? Rocks kicked up by the TV? I had a Walmart one on my Bayport. 12 years later when I sold the Bayport, the box still unbroken.

You probably get a Marine one at West Marine or use something like an Rubber Maid action packer.

 

[themanfromvan]

The strap that holds the lids on is inferior and I keep loosing lids.

 

[mstrbill]

Yes, the sun does cause deterioration of the strap. Replacements are readily available, or you make your own from webbing and a buckle. I take my off and store it when home.

 

[Fbird]

Bungee cords work wonders to hold the top on.just change the bungee when the weather has taken it's toll.

 

[SteveP]

The strap that holds the lids on is inferior and I keep loosing lids.

NRS 1.5" HD Tie-Down Straps
Use the 4 ft length. The one holding my battery down is 9 years old. I'll probably replace it next year. My box is not bolted down.

 

[nineoaks2004]

I have Wally World boxes in my boat, MH and TT, never had any problems with any of them.
As stated if the straps go bad a bungee works well too. Come to think about it I have never had a strap break. Good Luck and Happy Camping