Instalng a Battery Box

[BudMan]

We just bought our first trailer, a JayCo hybre (Ex-port 17c)

The trailer didn't come with a battery or box (the dealer says they don't provide them because you don't really need them????? When I said, "how about powering the emergency brake all I got was "huh?")

Anyways, we ent to otrJayco dealer and bought a battery box. There is no way to mount it to the frame. I sincerely hope that you are not supposed to just strap it on with the provided strap.

Does the box frame on the trailer expand contract? There are two bolt holes on the battery box frame but they are blocked by the "A" frame under neath. It looks like the frame will expand (but right now they are covered in ice). The battery box I bought does not have any holes in the base of it but drilling them is no problem but again, the holes in the frame are blocked by the "A" frame below.

We are not real impressed with customer service by both our JayCo dealer and the second one where we bought the battery box.

[Crabman]

I was provided with a battery and a battery box as well as an RV starter kit, with hoses, adapters etc in it. I think most dealers do provide these things, and it is my understanding that you do need a battery hooked up to operate the breakaway brake. I have used the strap provided with the box with no problems to strap it down. But they do tend to sun rot over time. IMHO the dealer is being cheap and should not let the unit leave the lot without a battery on board and should provide one.. -Lee

[Tanker42]

The setup on my camper is 2 pieces of angle iron welded on top of the frame. The battery box sits on the angle iron. Then a web strap holds the battery and box in place. Like Crabman, I too was provided a RV starter kit. Hope this helps.

[Duran1]

Most A frames have just the right width for a battery box. I also hated it strapping the box down all the time. I bought a Noco battery box like the one below. It has a snap -top lid and then drilled it into the A-frame . Tight as could be. No more straps.
Hope this helps

http://www.amazon.com/Noco-Heavy-Dut...6082479&sr=8-5

[Spike99]

Originally Posted by Tanker42

The setup on my camper is 2 pieces of angle iron welded on top of the frame. The battery box sits on the angle iron. Then a web strap holds the battery and box in place. Like Crabman, I too was provided a RV starter kit. Hope this helps.

I agree with this battery box mounting method. For pictures, surf:

http://www.title-3.com/images/Tray.jpg

http://www.title-3.com/images/12vGrp24.jpg

In the bottom of the battery box, I also place 1/2" thick plywood sheet. Thus, creating some softness on road bumps. Also, I heard many times that batteries should sit on wood. Especially when in storage.

Hope this pictures help...

.

[29BHS ECO]

Budman-- If I were you , I would put in a call to Jayco to find out if you need that battery for the em brake, and then explain that your dealer did not provide, nor know that one was needed. Ask Jayco to call the dealer and tell him provide you with that battery in a mounted box on your trailer if it is required . I would then try to find another Jayco dealer in your area to deal with. Like Crabman says you dealer is just being cheap.

[Crabman]

Here`s a pic of my battery box mounted on the bracket behind the propane tanks. There is enough room on the bracket for two batteries if desired. I installed a disconnect switch on the box.


http://www.jaycoowners.com/attachmen...1&d=1296177752

[musclecarman]

Drill a couple of holes in the bottom of the battery box for drainage. They WILL fill with water in a heavy rain.

[Bob Landry]

I'm not familiar with that partucular trailer, but assuming that it has electric brakes and a break-away switch to lock up the brakes, without a battery, how would the electric brakes work in the event the trailer broke away from the TV?

[Albertaguy]

I am not familiar with your trailer, but does it not have any interior lights? If it does then you will need a battery in case you do not have hook-ups.

[Spike99]

Originally Posted by musclecarman

Drill a couple of holes in the bottom of the battery box for drainage. They WILL fill with water in a heavy rain.

Agree. I had to drill 4 x small holes in bottom my TT's battery's box as well. 1 x small hole in each inner corner. My TT has has a battery disconnect switch.

[Camping AZ]

Wow Budman! That's a problem. They should not have let you off the lot without a working battery. It is needed to operate your rig's electric brakes in the event of a separation, and in most states is a DOT mandate. First, get a decent deep cycle battery on there. The mount may not be the best, but it works and is there for a reason. Second, reach out to Jayco and tell them about this dealer. They ain't just cheap, they're causing a safety hazard to you and the rest of us. I'm sure Jayco would not want the reputational risk (and liability) if something were to happen.

[clutch]

I agree with Camping Az. If the trailer has brakes it has to have a battery.

[Seann45]

The dealer was irresponsible to let you off the lot without a battery to power the breakaway switch... You should post his name here so we can all avoid him.