Is is a good or bad idea to insulate the inside of the aluminium dual battery box that is under the nose of my LQ trailer? Can the insulation remain year 'round?
Posted 2013-11-01 5:13 AM (#155629 - in reply to #155623) Subject: RE: Insulate Battery Boxes
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Watertown, TN
I believe the question is about "thermal" insulation. The data sheet you refer to, Paul, appears to be for approved electrical insulation materials. I can't see why you would want to insulate the battery box on your trailer any more than the one in your truck. Especially in TX. If the charge is maintained on the batteries, there is very little chance of freezing. Insulation only slows the transfer of heat, so even with insulation, a dead battery will eventually freeze if it gets cold enough. Keeping a trickle charger on them will generate enough chemical reaction heat to keep them from freezing except in the most extreme conditions. When we install generators up North we will usually have heating pads under the batteries as well as block heater. That is because they are supposed to start and be on line running 100% in less than 10 seconds though.
Posted 2013-11-01 8:52 AM (#155630 - in reply to #155623) Subject: RE: Insulate Battery Boxes
Regular
Posts: 53 Location: Tomball, TX
Thank you Paul and Arieldouglas for your replies. Guess I should have indicated that foamboard was a consideration. My thoughts were that if the insulation could be left in 365 days then it might help with cutting down on some of the heat in summer, plus keep out the mud dobber bugs! Would I use a contact or carpet cement to hold the foamboard in place?
Posted 2013-11-01 9:17 AM (#155631 - in reply to #155623) Subject: RE: Insulate Battery Boxes
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If you live in an unusually warm climate, you would not want to insulate the battery box. If you are using a heavy load or have a rapid charging, the battery will heat up quickly. If it is allowed to get too warm, the plates can warp and the battery would be rendered useless.
Polyurethane construction adhesive is available in tubes at most hardware and big box stores. It bonds well with many dissimilar materials.
Posted 2013-11-01 10:42 AM (#155632 - in reply to #155623) Subject: RE: Insulate Battery Boxes
Regular
Posts: 53 Location: Tomball, TX
Am in Houston...guess with our heat and humidity and what you just wrote insulating would not be a good idea. I keep my trailer plugged in when not traveling...have a converter so presume the batteries get trickle charged.
Insulate Battery Boxes
