Portable Power box for my Expedition RTT Trailer

[robuilt]

im in the process of building a portable power box for my trailer (which is a build in progress).
I didn't want to mount it on the trailer so I can use it around the campsite or different camping applications. its basically a battery box that I will using a sealed gel Optima Marine battery. My plan is to mount weather resistant 12V and USB ports as well as an 800w inverter mounted inside the battery box with the battery. (see pics)

my concern is the inverter mounted inside with the battery. I would prefer to have it mounted inside to keep it shielded from the basic weather elements plus it looks nicer in my opinion. I will be using a sealed gel battery because I have heard they don't emit the same fumes (I believe hydrogen but am not sure at all) while charging or in use. my box will still be vented but am I running any risk of the inverter and battery being mounted in such a close and sealed confined box?

 

[oldnslow]

There is some (small) danger of having the inverter in the same box as a sealed battery like the Optima. It is a big danger with a flooded battery.

A bigger problem is running the inverter in that small, confined space. It will overheat with any appreciable load.

You could build a wall between the 2 sections and vent the inverter side. That would kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

The other option is to ALWAYS open the cover when running the inverter.

I think the wall idea would be the better option.

 

[bmacguyver]

i would mount a battery bank on the trailer and run extension cords for 12 vdc and 110 vac to where they need to be, an 800 watt inverter will suck down a small battery in short order.

hth

mac

 

[grogie]

I also have an Optima blue top currently inside my trailer. An Optima should be okay unless it's being overcharged. I've put several safety measures in place to prevent that.

First I have installed a trailer battery charging module. Not only will it isolate the trailer and vehicle batteries when not charging, but it also won't start charging the trailer's battery until the vehicle's battery is fully charged, and then it will cut off charging the trailer's battery once it's fully charged. (I mounted it on the side of the battery box.) The TBCM-40A can be ordered from the manufacturer directly. I think it was $70 with shipping. Not cheap, but I had it recommended by travel trailer guys to yes keep the battery from overcharging should something go wrong. Atkinson Electronics, Inc. at 801-261-3600.

UPDATE: Link to module: http://www.atkinsonelectronics.com/manufacturing/products/TBCM-40A.asp

Secondly, I had a battery switch that I had bought sometime ago for my Jeep that I never installed. The above module of course should do it's job, but I decided to go ahead and also install this switch on my trailer as just a backup to manually isolate the batteries. (It's mounted on top of the battery box.)

This winter I'm going to work on a metal tongue box to put both the battery and the inverter there. I also want to put an outdoor power outlet on the box to easily hook up the inverter. I'll also go ahead and insert some vents on the back of the box to help with airflow, especially during the summer.

 

[robuilt]

That's perfect! Thanks