Tool Box Mod complete. Pics attached.

villain2000 · 04-18-2011, 06:47 PM

FINALLY got the weather and the time to do this. Turned out great. Attached with square bottom u-bolts. Battery fitts easily into battery box. Unfortunately, the top wont fit, but I am goimg to find some terminal covers to take care of that. Finally, all my towing things where they should be....

Terry · 04-18-2011, 07:50 PM

Looks nice! Do you have a way to vent the battery?

villain2000 · 04-18-2011, 08:39 PM

Thanks. The box has two slots on each side that were meant to be used to mount the box to a truck bed. They are about a half an inch wide by about 4 inches long. I figured they would allow enough venting.

clutch · 04-19-2011, 12:03 AM

You might check out the battery box tops for some 5th wheel trailers. They have a vent hose comming out of the top that you could use if you cut a 2in hole in the back side of the box. That way there will be no corrosive fumes in your box to destroy things.

villain2000 · 04-19-2011, 06:40 AM

I'm pretty sure that batteries only produce fumes when they are being charged. So i guess the only time the battery would be charging is when I am towing or plugged in? Unfortunatley, thats not as often as I would like. I will definately keep an eye on this and if it seems to be causing a problem, I will go to plan "B" (whatever that is!). But, seriously, thanks for the vented top idea. I will look into it.

Rustic Eagle · 09-06-2011, 07:47 PM

Villain2000,

Nice storage box mod.., room for all kinds of stuff!

Bob

RoyBraddy · 10-22-2011, 06:25 AM

I like the idea as well... I'm wanting to install two GP-27 batteries in a JAYCO X213 when I get it this spring... I have looked at the vent covers in the 5th wheel inside battery mounts and i think that is what I will probably do. The X213 has a bunkbed room just on the other side of the front wall with a nice 10" ledge that runs the whole the length of the trailer front. This is another possible place if I install my batteries inside the trailer. I am already working up mods to use have the bunkbed room for an radio/computer/office area. Only two of us using the tailer and dont need the the two bunk beds at all...

Nice job on installing the tool box - just what I had in mind. I'm guessing you did not have to move the propane tanks up any... I saw several of these boxes on display at PEPBOY the other day...

Yamaha314 · 11-03-2011, 09:12 PM

I found a Better Built box like the Kobalt Villain 2000 used for his mod at home depot for $80 (that is their new price all the time) and am going to mount similar to Villain's. Waiting on a buddy who can build a drop bracket to lower my batteries under the upper edge of the frame rail, then cut a trap door into the bottom of the toolbox to access the batteries for maintenance. Can't wait to get it done to move my outside equipment outside.

Thanks for the mod idea!

mcfarmall · 11-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Those feet that are supporting the trailer tongue in the first picture are interesting, where did you get them, Camping World?

RoyBraddy · 11-05-2011, 12:52 PM

I'm guessing you had to move the box out just a tad so it will open enough to slip the heavy batteries into place. Looks like the curve of the trailer front almost is in the way for the lid to open up all the way... I definately want to mount at least two T105s in a box like this on my X213 I'm planning on getting this spring...

Dirtballx2 · 11-17-2011, 07:12 PM

Hmm do I do this mod or make mods to my motorcycle over the winter? Too many choices. LOL I do like this mod. It gives you more storage for items such as blocks for the jacks, a place to store the WD and sway bars plus a small tool bag. Great mod and thanks for sharing it.

Lady Fitzgerald · 11-18-2011, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtballx2

Hmm do I do this mod or make mods to my motorcycle over the winter? Too many choices. LOL I do like this mod. It gives you more storage for items such as blocks for the jacks, a place to store the WD and sway bars plus a small tool bag. Great mod and thanks for sharing it.

Why agonize over it? Do both.

clutch · 11-18-2011, 09:27 PM

I would love to do this but our trailer has a different front cap and there is NO room at all. I am moving to the rear.

stevencina · 12-15-2011, 08:05 AM

This looks like a good site, prices seen lower and a large selection of sizes...
http://pickupspecialties.3dcartstore...X_p_21435.html

villain2000 · 12-23-2011, 08:12 AM

So, i see one of my older post has been resurrected. Mcfarmall, I looked that pic and I was thinking, I don't remember buying any feet......too funny! That's my helper. He's 6 and loves to camp. So I used the box mod this past season and was quite pleased with the results. I keep all of my wdh stuff on one side of the battery and all of my Leveling blocks on the other. I was keeping my tools in there instead of the blocks, but it just seemed to make more sense to have the blocks (something use at every setup obviously) than the tools. The tools I now just keep in my outside storage area. I can't tell you how nice it is to have all the wdh stuff right there at the hitch where you need it. As far as mounting the box itself, I didn't have to do any modifications to the tt at all. For some reason jayco builds the 19 bh with an extra long tounge. I was able to position the box so that the lid opens up pretty far. Never a problem getting the battery in and out. In fact the battery is hooked up to a brand new tender in my garage as we speak. If you have a way to do this, I highly recommend it. You will love it.

tlhdoc · 12-23-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

Those feet that are supporting the trailer tongue in the first picture are interesting, where did you get them, Camping World?

I don't think Camping World carries them...I think they are "homemade".:hihi:

villain2000 · 12-27-2011, 06:08 PM

Homemade! Lol! That'd be about right!

clutch · 12-27-2011, 08:18 PM

I never noticed those feet before. Not everyone can hide behind a propane tank.

pjsl01 · 09-03-2012, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villain2000

I'm pretty sure that batteries only produce fumes when they are being charged. So i guess the only time the battery would be charging is when I am towing or plugged in? Unfortunatley, thats not as often as I would like. I will definately keep an eye on this and if it seems to be causing a problem, I will go to plan "B" (whatever that is!). But, seriously, thanks for the vented top idea. I will look into it.

Hey Villain, I just purchased the same box for my camper and I plan to put it on next weekend. Have you had any issues with corrosion? Did you add any additional venting or did the 4 slots do enough? Great mod, I look forward to the extra space.

RoyBraddy · 09-03-2012, 03:31 PM

One caution I ran into doing something similar like this. If you plan on sharing the toolbox with other compartments to store tools etc keep in mind the battery fumes are very corrosive and will eat them up if they are metal. Be sure to seal off the other compartments from the battery compartment. Wood or plastic barriers will work fine.

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