Second Battery Location

[HawkX66]

I'm installing a second battery in my Expy. It'll be dual purpose. One is for camping and the second is for my car trailer. I'm setting it up so I can add an Anderson connector to my trailer so it will plug in below my rear bumper. I'll have a 750w inverter connected to it also with three plugs.
I'd love to fit it behind the plastics in the rear cargo area, but the rear a/c makes that not possible on the passenger side. I don't know if I can move things around enough on the driver side. Under the cup holders appears to be a pretty good sized space.
I know I'm not the only one, so where have you put your second battery? I think it would be best in the rear of the truck. I think under the hood is out because of the turbo plumbing. I could see building a box that would fit up under my front bumper if I can't find the room out back. In the wheel or next to it maybe? I'd need to make a water proof box if I went that direction.

Please no, "use a jump pack" comments. That's not what I want to do.

I already have an ML ACR and my alternator is 250 amps.

Here are the specs of the battery I bought. She's a bit of a tank, but for the price, I don't think you can beat an Interstate battery.

SRM-27 Marine/RV Deep Cycle
CCA 600
"Marine" CCA 750
Reserve Cap 160
Amp Hrs 88

LxWxH - (12.75"x6.75"x9.5")
50 lbs



Thanks.

 

[bobmbx]

I recommend you read up on installing batteries of different design and capacity in the same electrical circuit. It can be done safely; just a tip for your consideration.

Can't help with the location, though.

 

[Plati]

Used to be a guy on here … Habbibie
who said he put one in the spare tire
not exactly sure how that worked but ????

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/dual-battery-ecoboost-i-have-the-2016-el.37277/#post-320584

 

[HawkX66]

I remember that. I just don't think it would be enough room for this big a battery. I need to start taking some measurements. I'm now kind of leaning towards a frame mounted set-up. Something like this:

 

[scottdm]

Any chance you could modify your cold air intake and find real estate on the driver's side under the hood? My father in law has an F450 PowerStroke box truck with batteries mounted on the frame rails, and he's had issues with the salt spray that's kicked up from the tires corroding everything in that location.

 

[HawkX66]

Any chance you could modify your cold air intake and find real estate on the driver's side under the hood? My father in law has an F450 PowerStroke box truck with batteries mounted on the frame rails, and he's had issues with the salt spray that's kicked up from the tires corroding everything in that location.

Coming from Mass originally, I know exactly what your FIL is talking about and you're right. I'm down in VA now so the salt isn't as much of an issue. The airbox is part of the rad fluid overflow, so there's not much I can do there without major surgery I think.

 

[Don Hall]

deleted

 

[Don Hall]

hawkx66: "I don't think you can beat an Interstate battery."


No harm in expressing your loyalty. Just be advised that Interstate is just a marketing company. They don't make a battery. Most batteries are made by Johnson Controls and their affiliates.

Also, Costco now just carries Interstate batteries. You might check their prices.

 

[HawkX66]

This is true. I'm not usually a brand loyalist, but whatever specs Interstate is giving Johnson Controls, they've worked well for me. I have one in my 69 Camaro also.

 

[Aspen03]

Whomever makes interstate, good job. I've only owned 2 of theirs but I've never been let down, got a solid 7 years out of one before the car was totaled out. Still worked fwiw. I have 1 now and buying another for a vehicle I just picked up. Costco has killer prices too, paid $85+tax. Autozone and the like were all over $110 for same specs/warranty.

You can find battery boxes pretty easily. Very common in the racing industry, check out Jegs. Not necessarily for the best prices but they have a lot to offer and give you ideas should you choose to build one. They are all over the place price wise. Theres $20 ones and $300 ones depending on size and how fancy the materials are.

You're likely not going to be able to fit that inside the panels in the back, I was going to be pushing it with a different amp for a new sub and a small 800w sine output inverter and that was with me cutting some things. Keep in mind you want some vent space since it's not a sealed battery, last thing you want is a buildup of hydrogen in there and have something set that off...

 

[Munkiebunz3]

I too have been heavily researching this. Fwiw nothing good can really be put in the side panels. I've removed them and taken measurements. If you have a Sony sound system, the subwoofer has the control box mounted to it so you need a special bracket if you delete the sub. The filler & Liftgate motor block the nice space that would be there.
If you buy a battery that needs a vent please drill a hole in the floor and grommet it so that you don't die from the gasses.
I removed the right side 3rd row seat & that has a very nice space available for even a group 31 battery. Looked at a bunch of different battery configurations and can't really put a dual setup there (for a dual auxiliary battery for more Amp hours). If you don't want to remove that seat then consider a odyssey pc 1800 ft. 5 inches thin & can be mounted on the side. You would just need to fab a new false floor that's a tad higher than stock. That is actually my plan but I ran out of money. Those batteries are expensive but they are very energy dense.

 

[HawkX66]

I too have been heavily researching this. Fwiw nothing good can really be put in the side panels. I've removed them and taken measurements. If you have a Sony sound system, the subwoofer has the control box mounted to it so you need a special bracket if you delete the sub. The filler & Liftgate motor block the nice space that would be there.
If you buy a battery that needs a vent please drill a hole in the floor and grommet it so that you don't die from the gasses.
I removed the right side 3rd row seat & that has a very nice space available for even a group 31 battery. Looked at a bunch of different battery configurations and can't really put a dual setup there (for a dual auxiliary battery for more Amp hours). If you don't want to remove that seat then consider a odyssey pc 1800 ft. 5 inches thin & can be mounted on the side. You would just need to fab a new false floor that's a tad higher than stock. That is actually my plan but I ran out of money. Those batteries are expensive but they are very energy dense.

Thanks for the info. I thought that might be the case for the sides of the cargo area. That just pushes me towards the frame mount that I was thinking about. E350 vans had a pretty beefy set up like the pic I posted above. I'm going to start exploring that a little closer.

 

[JasonH]

I'm confused...why isn't this battery going on the trailer? Mine has a rack up front with space for two.

 

[HawkX66]

I'm confused...why isn't this battery going on the trailer? Mine has a rack up front with space for two.

I want it for the Expy. Not just the trailer. I won't always be towing the trailer when I need it.



So it's a done deal. You have a few companies that are charging crazy prices for battery box and mounts. The factory one for the Econoline is perfect. It fits a group 65 battery which is 12.1"x7.5"x7.6" My battery that I'm mounting is a group 27 12.1"x6.8"x8.9". So the only issue will be the height which is easily manageable. Here is what I bought for $45:

 

[Trev]

If you buy a battery that needs a vent please drill a hole in the floor and grommet it so that you don't die from the gasses.

I was getting ready to post exactly this. Only required if battery is to be placed within the cabin.

 

[TobyU]

I was getting ready to post exactly this. Only required if battery is to be placed within the cabin.

This is proper procedure but lots don't and really not a big deal if you don't.
Some batts are consider non gassing or have special caps and don't need a battery box if inside pass compartment.
I have also seen a lot of boxes with special stereo batteries or Optima batteries.

 

[CodyWS]

Any chance you could share the part #s for the box and hardware. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Now if I can just find a good spot for my 4KW inverter. TY

 

[Okgearhead]

There’s a lot of room behind the drivers side rear tire, I plan on putting an air tank in that location.

 

[HawkX66]

Any chance you could share the part #s for the box and hardware. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Now if I can just find a good spot for my 4KW inverter. TY

Best bet is to hit up eBay. Look for item # 382509679479. Seller seanb69fsu. His are like brand new and complete. He lists the measurements also.
I suspect there might be enough room in front of the subwoofer for an inverter. It's pretty tight everywhere back there though.