What Would be Needed to Relocate RV Battery from Tongue of Trailer to Inside RV

Published 10/14/2019

Question:

Hi. I have a 25 ft 5,000# fully loaded travel trailer I am towing with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland: 5.7l Hemi V-8. The rig is outfitted with a Weight Distribution hitch. The Jeep is great at moving the trailer, but the payload isnt as great. I want to get the tongue weight to 600#. After making numerous adjustments, I am looking at getting the battery off the tongue, Ive come up with two ways to proceed: appreciate your help evaluating and suggesting parts/kits to accomplish the task. • Option #1 — move the standard marine deep cycle battery inside the trailer, close or behind the axle. Possible locations: inside a bathroom cabinet lowers tongue wt to 600# goal, or under the bed in the rear s tongue wt to 575#. I see differing options in online forums on the advisability of inside location, advocates for venting if one does so. Appreciate your take on feasibility and parts. • Option #2 — install a new, dedicated breakaway battery, allowing the main 12v battery to be disconnected while actively towing. In this case, stow the main battery as cargo inside, keeping breakaway brake function operational, while main battery is off-line. Thanks for your time in reviewing and providing a Point Of View.

asked by: Bill S

Expert Reply:

Moving the battery to the inside of the camper will get your tongue weight lower like you are wanting but it does require venting the battery box whether it's connected or not. You normally have to build an enclosure where you want it but we do have vent setups specifically for this with the Valterra Battery Box Cone Vent and Louvered Cover # A10-3300BK-05. This would install on the wall of the RV where you build the enclosure which will allow it to vent to outside as it's in use.

Now where you build the enclosure really depends on how much weight you need to get off of the tongue as well as what area is available in your camper's interior.

expert reply by: Jameson C