battery lock and Group 24 battery box repositioning?

Mellow_Yellow · February 2021

First I got a fancy new lithium battery that fits perfectly in the existing Group 24 battery box.
But I'd love to have it under lock and key.
So I found a great bracket lock: http://www.b-drvbatterylock.com/balocl.html
NOTE: be careful on that website which uses paypal. I got phished bad but let them know.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/fa/m33hrnxql2y5.jpg

But sadly, there is no clearance to get the bracket around the battery box. I got the left side around by removing the propane tank, but there's no way to get right side through the tiny gap. And of course, the battery tray is welded in place.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/c2/b9ppkiqi05zc.jpg

Is there a way of adding a 2nd group 24 tray, raised above the existing one, but turned 90 degrees so that the battery sits slightly above the lower rim of the existing yellow tub? If it's just a welding job, it shouldn't be too big a deal, right?
Thoughts? How big of a risk is battery theft in more rural locations? If they have the time and the tools, they'll take what they want, anyway, including and up to the whole trailer. Should I just try to find a bike cable lock of the right length as a deterrent and sell the lock to someone with a bigger RV?

Marceline · February 2021

Mellow_Yellow said:

So Should I just try to find a bike cable lock of the right length as a deterrent and sell the lock to someone with a bigger RV?

You don’t need to find a cable the right length. Figure out the length of cable that you’ll need to get around the box as snugly as possible, with eyes at each end for a lock. You want it short enough that the lid can’t be lifted. Go to a real hardware store that sells steel cable and chain by the foot. They will be able to cut the cable and swage the ends into eyes. Vinyl covered cable would be nice if they have it. Of course it’s not foolproof, but it would prevent a would-be thief from recognizing that you have a lithium battery without cutting the cable, so with any luck they’d move on to some other unfortunate camper.

jimrj · February 2021

This one on Amazon might work for you:

Master Lock 8417D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 Ft. Long, Black.

ScottG · February 2021

Mellow_Yellow said:

...
Is there a way of adding a 2nd group 24 tray, raised above the existing one, but turned 90 degrees so that the battery sits slightly above the lower rim of the existing yellow tub? If it's just a welding job, it shouldn't be too big a deal, right?
...

Several owners (me included) have built new platforms on top of the old--mostly for the purpose of adding a larger battery box that would only fit at an angle in the standard tubs. You could certainly do the same with a group 24 box--and build it up as far as you want--though I'm not sure if you'll have the room to turn it a full 90 degrees.

I made mine with scrap lumber and angle iron bolted to the original frame. No welding required. Here's a couple photos--if you hunt around here you can probably find other examples.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/7k/cks3lhvy2um3.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/r9/yxc7bfts75n2.jpg

pthomas745 · February 2021

Lithium batteries can be placed in any configuration, even upside down. An AGM battery can be placed in any configuration, just not upside down. I'm not sure how it measures out, but try it on its side or standing on a short end, etc. It seems the old "lay it longways with the posts up" is not needed any longer.

And...I have a lock on my front box. It is more slight deterrent than anything. With all the focus on locks for every other space on the trailer, but none on the most expensive and crucial parts of the trailer, makes no sense to me.

And, yes, I know....all the "propane box lock" threads.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk01T474u4C8OIm3uJe8jIdErTTrWVQ:1613746387941&ei=09AvYNr2OJLM-gTT7YeYCQ&q=propane+box+lock+site:+https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&oq=propane+box+lock+site:+https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6BwgjELADECc6BAgjECc6BggAEAcQHjoICAAQBxAKEB5QhBhYg0lgoU9oAXAAeACAAbABiAGHIZIBBTI2LjE4mAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpesgBAcABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwiarNfhmfbuAhUSpp4KHdP2AZMQ4dUDCAw&uact=5

Slackers · February 2021

Also check out YouTube for DIY 12 volt battery box locks. Here's one that's simple to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE6oexCGUUk

Marceline · February 2021

pthomas745 said:

Lithium batteries can be placed in any configuration, even upside down. An AGM battery can be placed in any configuration, just not upside down. I'm not sure how it measures out, but try it on its side or standing on a short end, etc. It seems the old "lay it longways with the posts up" is not needed any longer.

And...I have a lock on my front box. It is more slight deterrent than anything. With all the focus on locks for every other space on the trailer, but none on the most expensive and crucial parts of the trailer, makes no sense to me.

And, yes, I know....all the "propane box lock" threads.

I bought a lock for the tub keyed to match my door lock but then decided not to go that route.

It might also be helpful to recognize that a lithium battery doesn’t need to go into a traditional vented battery box. You can find/make any weatherproof box with ports for the wiring. I was tempted use a beat up Rubbermaid tub and label it “sewer supplies.”

Mellow_Yellow · March 2021

For the time being, I have a 'Kryptonite' cable and padlock wrapped around the box. Still deciding what to do...

Mellow_Yellow · April 2021

jimrj said:

This one on Amazon might work for you:
Master Lock 8417D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 Ft. Long, Black.

Thanks @jimrj - this worked perfectly!

jimrj · April 2021

Wonderful. Glad it worked!

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battery lock and Group 24 battery box repositioning?

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Master Lock 8417D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 Ft. Long, Black.

Master Lock 8417D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 Ft. Long, Black.