Loomis

First off I'm not sure if this is the right section it has to do with welding and fabing so I'm assuming this is right

I just got done doing the battery air intake swap and I don't like the look of the battery on the drivers side all of the wires are to messy. (I know with some more effort they could look better) but i think it would be nice to just but the battery under the bed. Weld up a custom battery box maybe get a battery with the terminals on the side not the top. I have a flat bed so I could mount it pretty much anywhere this would also make it Easter for dual battery's. I'm curious how many people have done this and if they have ideas or thoughts on a battery box. Pics of the battery box and the engine compartment with no batter or wiring would be nice.

xxxtreme22r

sub'd. I wanna see how this goes. Give's me an idea.

Loomis

It might take me awhile to get going but I think it would be well worth it. I'm sure my positive battery cable is long enough already. Im thinking of making a tool/batter box below the bed right behind the cab

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Here is what I did on my '85 4Runner:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Installation

Loomis

Looks nice I read your write up (well so
E of it) looks like alot of wiring and a pain. It must be hard to work on with it in the middle of your bed. I think I would want mine on the side so I could just pull them from the box or what ever.
Is there any issues with having a battery in a inclosed space (small box)

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

With a good high quality battery, I really never have to work on it. Have only been there one time since installing them in the late '90s when I replaced the batteries a few years ago.

If the battery is not totally sealed, you would need be be sure and use a vented box to let out any hydrogen gas that the battery may release.

Loomis

I've been wanting to practice welding so I'm contemplating doing this or making a hood scoop. Hood scoop would be funner to build I think. but moveing the battery would free up alot of space in the engine compartment and alot less wireing under the hood.

Is there any down sides that you know of for puting battery under bed.
I need to start looking into hinges and latches if I'm going to move the battery. I would like to make one box with two compartments. One for. Battery one for what ever and then eventually another tool box on the other side.

If you notice any wierd spelling or words it becuase I'm typeing on my phone

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Limited access is the main down side, so use a good battery and I like some sort of disconnect plug so I never have to get back to the battery if I need to disconect the cables or something.

Other issue is the cable length. Longer cable = bigger cable to minimize voltage drop. I used 1/0 welding cable on mine. I get less drop than stock and the starter cranks over faster than it used to, at least with the 2nd battery in parallel. I can easily start in 1st gear, high range, where before it would only do that in low range.

Loomis

I already upgraded wire size I bought a chunk and the other chunk was used to start a big marien Volvo diesel so I think it should be big enough.

I'm not sure of the size I would say it is atleast twice as big. Do you just run a small fuse box or so
Something under the hood for hooking up small stuff?
Light, stereo,

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I have a small 6-circuit fuse block under the hood:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...werPoint.shtml



You can get a nicer system from Blue Sea, they make nice switched and unswitched marine grade fuse blocks.

Loomis

Yeah I don't really even have that much electrical on my truck (yet) I'd like to wire up
Some back up lights under the bed. A 6 circuit would be more then enough have you ever thought of mounting a small solar panel charger Top of your rig for camping and stuff obviously this would only work during the day and I don't know how fast a solar panel can charge on a hot day.