Adding aux batteries...
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Walkersville, Maryland
Adding aux batteries...
I'm trying to come up with a way to add 2 or 3 deep cycle batteries to the truck to run an inverter. I'm thinking I'd like the batteries frame mounted between the frame and the bed (outboard), but the problem is getting access to them for cables, maintenance, etc. I have found this, but I wonder if any of you fabrication geniuses out there have found other solutions. Thanks in advance!
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From: Oceanside, ca
I took some 1.5" 1/4" angle and made a tray with some support braces, then welded it to the frame. Couple feet in front of the p/s rear tire. I think there would be room for two or maybe even three yellow tops if you squeezed them in. If your going to run a high watt inverter, I would recommend running a battery isolator also. So you wouldn't strain your engine batteries at all. If you do everything right and use a good battery protective, I don't see the need for any maintenance. I bought the batteries with the wing nuts on them, so I wouldn't have to deal with using a wrench up in there.
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From: Walkersville, Maryland
Roger that on the isolator. I intend to use one, along with some 1/0 cable to the alternator. I upgraded the alternator to a 200 amp heavy duty big case job so I have plenty of juice. Also have the BCP hooked up to the upfitter switch. I will use Romex from the inverter to a weather proof (GFCI?) box in the bed. Could I just bolt it up instead of welding? With my luck I'd weld it then have to grind it back out for some reason. I could assemble the batteries, inverter and cables on the ground then jack it into position and bolt it in. Thoughts?
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From: Oceanside, ca
It would be good if you have the battery box welded together, then maybe use some 1/2" bolts and snug it to the frame, plus I guess you won't have to deal with removing the frame undercoating to weld on it. That was a mess. I do prefer welding myself, because then you know it's not going anywhere, and you'll have quite a bit of weight under there. To get three batteries in there, I think they'll have to be mounted with the short sides against the frame.
What kind of use is this outlet going to get? How many amps? I've been looking at making a setup like this to try and run some 10 amp stuff of it on another guys truck.
What kind of use is this outlet going to get? How many amps? I've been looking at making a setup like this to try and run some 10 amp stuff of it on another guys truck.
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From: Covington, Ga.
by the time you buy 3 deep cycle bats IMO you may as well go ahead and get a generator and mount it in the bed, then you can run anything you want. My 5500w Generac will even run my 220v Lincoln Mig. and that is a lot of juice. Is there a reason you would prefer extra batteries over generated power?
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From: Walkersville, Maryland
That's true about the generator, but my whole idea is to get stuff out of the bed. If I don't bite the bullet and upgrade to a TowBoss, I may put a 5er hitch in, and that takes a lot of room in the short bed. I also have an idea to mount a continuous duty rated 12v air compressor and 5 gal volume tank frame mounted on the other side, with a quick connect mounted in the bed, again with the idea of getting stuff out of the bed. My purpose is to just be able to run power tools, air tools, etc. while on the road or boondocking. No huge loads.
Edit - Yes, I didn't complete my thought about bolting it up, buy I did intend to weld up the tray with flanges against the frame to hopefully utilize existing holes to bolt to the frame.
Edit - Yes, I didn't complete my thought about bolting it up, buy I did intend to weld up the tray with flanges against the frame to hopefully utilize existing holes to bolt to the frame.
Last edited by DeepDoc1; Aug 19, 2007 at 07:34 PM.
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From: Cave Springs, AR
I think it may have been rwilimo.. he modified a Ford E350 battery box to mount to his F-series.. The E350 box is very similar to the one you posted the link to and retails for $50 from Ford. I added one to an E350 that I owned years ago(direct bolt on) and it was real nice. adding that to the truck would be pretty sweet.
-Jay
Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...dual+batteries
-Jay
Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...dual+batteries
Last edited by CyberJay; Aug 19, 2007 at 07:41 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Staten Island, NY
If you're going to use Optima batteries, you can mount them on their sides. This makes it easier to tuck them up closer to the floor pan and still get to the terminals.
Where are you going to mount the inverter? The big ones generate a bit of heat and generally have built in cooling fans so you need to consider where you're going to mount it.
Where are you going to mount the inverter? The big ones generate a bit of heat and generally have built in cooling fans so you need to consider where you're going to mount it.
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From: Walkersville, Maryland
Optimas or other gel cell batteries with side posts are my preference.
The plan is to weld inverter mount points right to the battery frame. I'm thinking of a small plastic tool box or such to keep it dry, or a sheet metal shroud, and add some vent holes as needed. I'll most likely use a 2 or 3kw inverter. I could even get fancy and put a digital ac/dv volt meter in the outlet box.
The plan is to weld inverter mount points right to the battery frame. I'm thinking of a small plastic tool box or such to keep it dry, or a sheet metal shroud, and add some vent holes as needed. I'll most likely use a 2 or 3kw inverter. I could even get fancy and put a digital ac/dv volt meter in the outlet box.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Walkersville, Maryland
Originally Posted by CyberJay
I think it may have been rwilimo.. he modified a Ford E350 battery box to mount to his F-series.. The E350 box is very similar to the one you posted the link to and retails for $50 from Ford. I added one to an E350 that I owned years ago(direct bolt on) and it was real nice. adding that to the truck would be pretty sweet.
-Jay
Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...dual+batteries
-Jay
Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...dual+batteries
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
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From: Staten Island, NY
Originally Posted by DeepDoc1
Optimas or other gel cell batteries with side posts are my preference.
The plan is to weld inverter mount points right to the battery frame. I'm thinking of a small plastic tool box or such to keep it dry, or a sheet metal shroud, and add some vent holes as needed. I'll most likely use a 2 or 3kw inverter. I could even get fancy and put a digital ac/dv volt meter in the outlet box.
The plan is to weld inverter mount points right to the battery frame. I'm thinking of a small plastic tool box or such to keep it dry, or a sheet metal shroud, and add some vent holes as needed. I'll most likely use a 2 or 3kw inverter. I could even get fancy and put a digital ac/dv volt meter in the outlet box.