FEELER: Undercarriage Battery relocation tray. (2-3) Grp 27 batteries capacity.

I have a small metal shop that can laser and fabricate various gauge cold form metal sheets. I'm thinking up making a heavy-duty battery relocation tray that spans between the ladder frame (approx. underneath the rear passenger seats.) It can take up to two to three group size 27 batteries (weight about 70#/ea.) It should tuck nicely up there away from rocks, give overlanders plenty of juice and distribute the weight away from the front.

Any interests in such design?

 

In to see what you come up with

 

I'll draw something up, maybe a 3ds visual. It will be a hang-and-bolt style so no drilling into the frame. Compromising the rust protection. All these are pre-galv so it can take lots of abuses.

 

I’d be interested for sure.

 

@xola3que, I'm interested.
Have you mocked up anything?
I'm adding a 1 or 2 extra batteries in the next couple weeks.

 

Something on the frame or thicker metal instead of 1/16" sheet metal would be best.

 

Are we talking about toyota frames here?

EDIT: That was a joke because toyota has horse shit rust protection

 

@ovrlndkull

 

I'm definitely interested especially if it's got a skid of sorts mine being a DCLB I'd like to tuck it up where the kickup of the frame is.

 

Just thinking out loud. Would water/puddles be cause of concern with aforementioned setup?

 

My engine bay and battery already get exposed to mud water and muck so as long as it's somewhat shielded it should be good

 

So just to clarify a few things:
1. Cold formed battery pan will be 10Ga galv. There will be drain holes for shedding water/mud.

2. Tray will be hung between the ladder frame, (Yes between the Tacoma’s frame) with no drilling. Just bolt and go and can easily be reversible.

Although this is heavy gage galv metal part and it can take lots of abuses, it will not be considered as a skid guard dues to the nature of its purpose. Rest assure it will be up and high enough above the rocks but if you do wade water, the batteries might be submerged. However there’s sealed plastics battery containers made for such purposes if that’s a concern.

I already have a mock up made. I’m still developing the appropriate hanging connectors. I will upload what I have in a few coming days.

 

What I meant by skid was just something strong enough to take some hits from like a branch dragging underneath or gravel and such getting slung up and hitting it.

 

Oh yeah. No doubt. It’s like a C14 channel beam with the front flange bent upward at a 45 degree so it will glide over things instead of catching it. You can access to the batteries and maintaining thru the rear.

 

I'm definitely interested and if your mock up truck is the DCSB/AC frame if I need to modify some mounts and stuff for the DCLB I'll work with you on getting it all set up

 

Did this idea die? I'm looking to relocate my duel battery setup to along the frame or under the bed in the spare location.

 

I’m interested

 

Who can’t use an extra battery, two or three when they are out in the middle of nowhere. Best keep this super quiet or we will than have to make a battery shield to prevent theft.

 

It’s an interesting idea if done correctly with water proof connections and good armor for the battery and cables. I already have three batteries- two in the engine compartment and one portable one in the bed and a solar panel so would probably not really need one.

 

Probably finding there isn't enough room. The fuel tank extends below the rear seat. Also the battery tray will hang below the frame, so it'll have the truck's weight on it when you crest a sharp hill.