Protect Your Surroundings From Accidental Leakages By Using The Best Battery Box
The Maxim, “better to be safe than sorry,” applies in the case of batteries. During the operation, these batteries give out chemical gases which are harmful not only to the passengers aboard but also to the environment at large. That is the reason that it has become mandatory to have a battery box on board a vehicle. The best battery box prevents spilling out of battery acid and protects you from the toxic fumes generated thereof. Another reason for this product becoming popular nowadays is that it is designed with various useful features and outlets for charging you innumerable gadgets when you are out camping, fishing or hunting.
To find out which is the best battery box for your vehicle, read on.
1- MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
[Editor Top Pick]
Do not mistake this Minnkota power Center for a battery for it looks so sleek and compact. It is constructed from durable plastic and will be able to withstand some bangs and accidental drops while also protecting the battery.
It is ideal for small boats that do not have a separate battery compartment. It keeps the battery securely in place. The box is convenient to use without opening it each time; the terminals and the charger have individual orifices through which the leads can pass through.
You can keep track of the battery charge and status from the built-in charge display meter. This is a useful feature when you want to make sure you have sufficient charge to return to base. Another important feature is the sturdy handles that make transporting the battery a breeze.
The box can accommodate batteries between the size of 24 and 27 or smaller in size. It is best for 12-volt batteries.
The box also comes with 2 manual reset circuit breakers for trolling motor and accessories.
The box is well built and has clean interiors due to the plastic cover that conceals the internal wiring. Its thoughtful design has made it a crowd favorite.
2- NOCO HM408 4D Commercial Grade Battery Box
This commercial grade battery box is suitable for all kinds of vehicles. This rugged piece is manufactured from low-density polyethylene plastic and hence it is prepared for all eventualities like accidental spills, gas, oil and any other contaminants. In fact, it remains stable and functional at temperatures as low as -40 Fahrenheit.
The UV stabilizers in the box protect it from fading and cracking when left unattended to for a long period of time in the sun. It is no surprise that this 4D NOCO is one of the best battery boxes around.
The box is easy to install as it is equipped with large orifices for cables to enter and exit; it is well ventilated to allow transmission of battery gasses. The lid is solidly held in place by the fastening in the four corners.
There is a large battery acid reservoir which will protect your battery from failure should any accidental spills occur. Besides this, the box also prevents water from entering the battery and makes sure that the battery terminals are safe.
This NOCO is in tune with all the safety regulations required of battery boxes.
3- Camco 55373 Large Battery Box
Spacious, roomy and durable are the words that describe this large battery box from Camco. Built from polypropylene, the box is lightweight but durable and corrosion resistant – ideal for boats though it has been successfully used in campers, trailers and even to house solar panels.
You can use the box to secure and protect batteries of size 27,30 and 31. The box can be tightly secured by an included strap which probably is not of the best quality. but it does its job.
The mounting screws are made of rust -resistant stainless-steel screws. The lid can be lifted easily. The box meets the ABYC specifications and is safe to use anywhere.
Overall it is a durable box that does the job; the only bone of contention according to several customer reviews being the poor-quality strap.
4- Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box
With smart gadgets proliferating in all fields, there are now Smart battery boxes like this Newport Vessels product which looks less like a battery box and more like a hi-fi scientific equipment used in space centers.
What is unique about this product is that it has a USB charger and a 12 DC power outlet that can be used to charge any of your other gadgets when you are on the fly or amid a lake happily fishing.
You will know exactly what is the status of your battery when you look it up in the LED battery meter that comes built in with the box. The dual circuit breakers display waterproof nature and ensure that your motor and all other accessories are well protected.
Since the box is smart it stays in place and doesn’t slide with movement due to the presence of rubber feet that are slid resistant.
This smart box is modern, stylish practical and a complete package for all small and inflatables and those with trolling motors because it not only protects the batteries but also gives you easy access to all the cables and can charge your phone and other gadgets should the need arise.
5- Attwood Standard Battery Box
[Best Battery Box For Price]
The 90821 battery box is probably one of the cheapest on this list. This is a simple no-frills box that does what it is supposed to do namely protect your battery.
The box is ideal for small batteries typically used in jet skies and garden equipment like the power lawn mower. The strap requires some getting used to but is sturdy and is claimed to withstand 350 pounds.
The box is constructed of durable polypropylene material and is believed to withstand accidental drops and temperatures ranging between -20 and 120 Fahrenheit.
6- Moroso 74051 Sealed Battery Box
This is the first fully sealed battery box on this list. It is a heavy-duty product is durable and conforms to the standard rules and regulations governing battery boxes. There are no vents in the box and you should open the box to release all the gases. This specific design allows you to relocate your battery to the trunk from the front of the car.
The box can accommodate group 24 batteries. It is best suited for top terminal batteries as the box is a tight fit with minimum space around the battery once it is installed.
This is not a very popular choice for most people because of the difficulty in installing it.
7- Universal Power Group UPG 40790 Black Marine Smart Box
Durability, practicality, and ease of use are combined in this one piece from UPG. For those who are on a tight budget, the UPG 40790 smart box’s price will be cheap. Don’t let the cost define the quality in this case though.
Suitable for carrying your battery for hunting fishing etc. this box can also be used to charge any electronics in the middle of nowhere due to the presence of a 12V plug. The body is made of industrial grade polypropylene and is resistant to shocks. There is a pair of heavy duty straps that hold the box down.
You can always be in control when your battery is ensconced in this box as the LED indicator atop the box gives you real time status of your battery.
The only drawback for this promising piece is that it is not waterproof and can’t handle extreme temperatures.
8- Quickbox 120170 Battery Box
The Quickbox is practical in its design. It is ideal for small garden batteries from the Group U1. Made from polycarbonate, it can fit all sealed batteries with size 34. It protects your battery from the elements, dust, UV exposure, moisture, acids, gases and other chemical solvents. The box is stable even at 200F and has great impact resistance up to -30 F.
The box can be safely secured with the sensible mounting holes or you can use the J hooks,L hooks or threaded rods.
It has an easy off and on lid. You can lock the lid quite effortlessly with the help of the two groves on either side of the box. Removal is also simple by just pressing the tab and pulling it up. Further, the lid can be held in place with the durable strap provided.
There are large cable ports to easily access the cables while the side handles aid portability. The box meets all the regulations of the US Coast Guard.
This box is so popular because it is compatible not only with the U1 group batteries but other brand high-performance batteries including spiral cells. With so many things going for this model, the only hitch is that the vent holes need to be sealed should the box be exposed to rain.
9- Stealth Cam 12V Battery Box
If looks could inspire confidence then this battery box from Stealth Cam does that. It is one of the top products in this group. This weatherproof box can withstand extreme temperatures, rain and other elements of nature while keeping your battery safe. It is a must-have for those who love to monitor the woods; the box is known to handle not only rain but also nor’easter.
A lightweight portable and compact box, this Stealth Cam 12 V battery box is built for the exteriors; it comes with tree grip ridges, has an integrated cord wrap to prevent the extra cord from dangling dangerously (incidentally the cable is 10 feet long) and is compatible with solar panels.
There is an external power jack suitable for wildlife digital cameras.
Though you might need to work a tad bit to plug the wires it is well worth the effort. Overall a great box that extends the life of your battery.
Use them successfully for trail cameras and even fish finders. Only note that they are not sold in Catalina Island.
10- Taylor Cable 48100 Aluminum Battery Box
This aluminum battery box from Taylor Cable is one of the most expensive boxes on this list and one of the most popular. This one-piece battery hold down complies with NHRA rules and is built to be a workhorse. Known for its quality, this Taylor Cable box is well worth the cost.
The box is compatible with all batteries and is quite convenient to use; the battery is easily accessible from within the box. The box comes with its own set of mounting hardware. It is most suitable for racing though you can use it for other vehicles too.
Overall a great product which must be installed and assembled according to the given instructions to be of optimum use.
Guide To Choosing The Best Battery Box For Your Vehicle
With the need to be more comfortable on the rise when you are boating, traveling or camping you want to be able to access some basic appliances like the refrigerator and the TV. A battery box becomes a necessary addition is such cases as it protects the battery used to run these appliances while also extending the battery life by helping you charge them.
But do you know what to look for in a battery box? There are several models with varying features.You can choose from a basic model to more complex ones replete with a battery management system, or dual battery accommodation and some even include a mini power station and battery charger. Let us look at the key factors that must be considered to buy an affordable battery box.
- Material: The ideal material is polypropylene with at least 4-5mm thickness. This is resistant to corrosion and is durable. Industrial grade plastic is a good option.
- LED Indicator: It is important that you know how much charge is left on your battery without opening the box. Look for a model that has a LED indicator which tells you the status of the battery always.
- Straps: There should be high quality woven wide straps to keep the lid closed and firmly in place. In fact, there should be tie-down straps or foot clamp to keep the box securely in place.
- Durability: Verify if the box can withstand extreme temperature and is impact resistant.
- Design: A good battery box will have multiple internal ribs on the side, top and even the bottom to provide maximum support to the battery.
- Circuit breakers: If you are considering battery boxes with internal power connections or looking at power packs, circuit breakers are a must to protect all your accessories.
Conclusion
Go through several reviews to find out any drawbacks faced by other users before you purchase a model of your choice. Remember what is best for your neighbor need not be for you; keep your needs in mind and the guidelines provided above to purchase a product that will make your camping trip pleasurable and long lasting.
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Resources
- http://inflatable-fishing-boats.com/minn-kota-trolling-motor-power-center-review/
- http://www.trollingbatteryguides.com/marine-battery-box/
- http://www.discountmarinebatteries.com/why-use-a-marine-battery-box/
- http://www.trollingbatterycenter.com/best-marine-battery-box-reviews/
- https://ceautoelectricsupply.com/product/taylor-aluminum-battery-box-kit/