Do Trailer Break Away Batteries Need to Be Installed Right Side Up

Updated 03/30/2016 | Published 03/28/2016

Question:

Can a breakaway kit battery box be mounted horizontally? Most all pictures show the battery box mounted on the vertical side of the A-frame. For my situation, I am looking at mounting it to the triangular shaped horizontal platform atop the A-frame covering the tongue, such that the mounting surface of the box will be horizontal instead of vertical. I realize the battery is sealed, but if it is a lead-acid battery, most are designed internally to be mounted in only one position as opposed to gel or glass-mat batteries which can be mounted in any orientation. OR If the battery should only be mounted vertically, can it be repositioned within the box to allow the battery to be vertical with the box horizontal? If the battery MUST be mounted vertically, I can always make brackets to position the box similar to the A-frame side mounting. I prefer not to drill holes in the A-frame aluminum.

asked by: Jody

Expert Reply:

We offer break away systems from Hopkins and Tekonsha. Tekonsha uses glass mat batteries, while Hopkins uses gel filled batteries. Both types of batteries are sealed, and both manufacturers tell me that the batteries can be installed in any orientation you wish.

For more information on trailer break away systems, click the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L