RE: Battery Installation

Carl M. Floyd · Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM

Just made the mistake of buying a Marine deep discharge battery so I guess I ll take it back. What is the best way to mount the battery to the trailer tongue? I bought a battery box but the two plastic screw down parts that hold the strap seem too flimsy to ensure the battery will stay put. I have a Coleman Cheyenne, new last winter, that has yet to see it s first trip.

cavman · Mar 29, 2003, 04:10 PM

Carl M. FloydCarl,

Welcome aboard the POPUP community. I m sure you ll enjoy your Cheyenne.

As to the battery, mine is held in place with a strap which encircles the angle iron and box. If you have space next to the Propane tank, it may sit there with the strap holding it in place. So far, I haven t had any problems. However, I do plan to make a more permanent installation.

Good luck with your first outing. I ll be leaving for my first one this year in 12 days.

tlhdoc · Mar 29, 2003, 11:06 PM

Carl M. Floyd

QuoteORIGINAL: Carl M. Floyd

Just made the mistake of buying a Marine deep discharge battery

What is wrong with a deep discharge battery. The deep cycle battery (sounds like what you have) is what you want. You don t want a starting battery or one that mentions cold cranking power. I didn t like or trust the nylon strap so I keep my battery in place with several bungee cords. I keep all of my extra bungee cords there, so when I need one I know where to find one.[

]

USNRET · Mar 30, 2003, 06:45 AM

Carl M. FloydCarl: My Pop-up (01-Utah-CP) came with an " Interstate Deep Cycle" Battery. I also have one in my bass boat that is starting its 5th season. Don t forget to keep the water in the battery topped off.

jaycocamprs · Mar 30, 2003, 07:47 AM

Carl M. FloydAs previously mentioned you want a " Deep Discharge-Deep Cycle" battery. As to the hold down brackets. The battery box sits over them in such a way that they prevent the battery from sliding sideways. The nylon strap then just holds every thing down so it doesn t bounce. We bought this type of box in 99 and still use it. The nylon strap lasted 2 years, and we have been using a rubber bungee strap since. I feel that if it hasn t slipped yet, it s not going to.

Phillips · Mar 30, 2003, 10:01 PM

Carl M. FloydI just mounted a deep cycle battery on the tongue of my Coleman Niagara. I went to Home Depot and bought a 3 piece of aluminum (1" L) " L" . Came home, measured it, cut it, drilled it and the trailer tongue, painted it black and mounted it. I even mounted the new plastic battery box to the aluminum. It works great and saved me a bundle over the Coleman kit made for this.

Bill and Pam

AustinBoston · Mar 31, 2003, 08:00 AM

tlhdoc

QuoteORIGINAL: tlhdoc

QuoteORIGINAL: Carl M. Floyd

Just made the mistake of buying a Marine deep discharge battery

What is wrong with a deep discharge battery. The deep cycle battery (sounds like what you have) is what you want. You don t want a starting battery or one that mentions cold cranking power. I didn t like or trust the nylon strap so I keep my battery in place with several bungee cords. I keep all of my extra bungee cords there, so when I need one I know where to find one.[]

There is a big difference between a " Marine deep discharge battery" and a " deep discharge battery" . If it says " Marine" then it is also a starting battery and has all the compromises of any other dual-purpose starting/deep cycle battery. As long as you aren t spending more than a day or two at a time doing dry camping, then it should be fine, but anything longer than that and you want a true deep-cycle battery.

Austin

wynot · Mar 31, 2003, 10:05 AM

tlhdoc

QuoteI keep all of my extra bungee cords there, so when I need one I know where to find one.

Tracy,

Not to rain on your parade, but you do know the sun eats bungee cords for supper...

Sucks the life right out of them.

Carl M. Floyd · Mar 31, 2003, 01:50 PM

Carl M. FloydThanks for all the input. I bought the battery (since returned) before I read some posts about not getting a battery used for starting as well and other things. It pays to do some looking before you leap!

tlhdoc · Mar 31, 2003, 07:23 PM

wynot

QuoteORIGINAL: wynot

QuoteI keep all of my extra bungee cords there, so when I need one I know where to find one.

Tracy,

Not to rain on your parade, but you do know the sun eats bungee cords for supper... Sucks the life right out of them.

When we camp they are covered by the bunk and when we are at home it is in the neighbors garage. The only direct sunlight they get is when we are towing.

wynot · Apr 01, 2003, 09:03 AM

Carl M. FloydTracy,

Forgot you stored the Nevada in a garage. Anyhow, I m sure you re doing this, but I d hate for you to find you bungees are dearly departed when a 50 lb battery takes a leap on a bumpy road...not to mention those hooks hurt like h*** when then they go flying.

K.

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