Side opening battery box

SteveHall · 21 May 2013, 19:24

I have been to remove my batteries today as I think they are past their best. On the Ballistic these are in the middle of the lower console, and a right PITA!

Well, a simple job turned into a right pain, had nothing on the batteries to lift, and tried with screwdrivers, mole grips, pliers you name it. Due to the location you can't get above and lift them, I ended up breaking the battery box

Well, got me thinking, as I am going to have to replace it I want one with a removable top and side - has anyone seen one before?

Starovich · 21 May 2013, 21:16

Do you need a box as it is inside? or do you need a fixing device kind of like the on on the oil tank in the picture or Durite Battery Hold Down Clamp / Retaining Bar | eBay?

Nos4r2 · 21 May 2013, 21:56

Don't know if you can see how I've done the batteries on my Ballistic on the build thread, but they were originally the same sort of idea and in the bottom of the console. It wasn't well designed.

I've cut a pair of plastic battery box bottoms down into trays and the batteries are held down using a couple of webbing bridges and straps. They arent' going anywhere.

SteveHall · 22 May 2013, 08:01

Nos, I cant seem to find it?. I can see the original post where the battery boxes have been cut to create what I am after, but they don't look the best.

Starovich, I want a box for them, so they are tidy - out of the way - and safe.

Nos4r2 · 22 May 2013, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Nos, I cant seem to find it?. I can see the original post where the battery boxes have been cut to create what I am after, but they don't look the best.

I thought I'd posted one, looks like I didnt even take one though.

They were hideous. I cut them right down to about 1.5" high so they're just a tray to stop the battery sliding around,screwed them to the deck then strapped the batteries down into them.

They look tidy (though the batteries are fully visible when you look inside the console)and they aren't going anywhere.

SteveHall · 22 May 2013, 08:49

Hmm, there must be a battery box with a removable side and top out there? I liked the idea of looking in and it all being white and clean.

I might use your idea of a tray and then make a cover to go around / slide over the top.

The other problem is my main batt switch is fixed to the battery box

dougcrock · 22 May 2013, 08:59

think i go these from unipart marine will try to check

SteveHall · 22 May 2013, 09:16

Thinking more about my problem, I have the current box, although its a little smashed up.

So my plan is to cut this all the way round to create a tray, that's 2" or so and strap the batteries into the tray. Then make a sleeve that can slide over the batteries to hide them, and I have my current lid that I can put over the top.

I am still undecided if I should cut all 4 sides off, or leave the side with the battery switch - this would also make it easier / neater to route the cables.

SteveHall · 03 June 2013, 20:06

Started the work to modify my battery box

Don't know if I should leave it like this, or add a cover round the 3 open sides.

Nos4r2 · 03 June 2013, 23:59

Looks quite neat

Give it a small drain hole if you leave it open, and radius the 2 internal 90 degree cuts or it may start to crack there.

SteveHall · 04 June 2013, 07:45

Yes suppose in hindsight I should have left the sides at 45deg

I am going to strap the batteries in, and the one side left has the battery switch - so I hope that the side left won't have much stress on it.

Any ideas on what to make a cover out of? I have access to stainless steel, but not sure if I like the idea of that on the batteries, other than that it will be anything from b&q and similar.

Nos4r2 · 04 June 2013, 08:00

I'd just file a radius there now.It';ll be an internal radius, but it'll be better than leaving it as a sharp corner.

Don't use metal for a cover, thats a quick way to a fire if the battery comes loose.

B&Q don't sell anything that'll last for the job (I looked there several times for plastic for stuff like that and they just don't sell anything like it).

You could try polycarbonate, glued together.

SteveHall · 04 June 2013, 08:37

Looks like it will be staying open for now...

Nos4r2 · 04 June 2013, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Looks like it will be staying open for now...

It's how I've done it-just make sure the terminal caps are secure.

I'd far rather be able to access the batteries in an emergency if I need to.

SteveHall · 04 June 2013, 13:53

Terminal caps will be secure, batteries will be strapped in and the original lid on the top!

Nos4r2 · 04 June 2013, 18:37

That works!