Aluminess Galley Box To Store Batteries?

[cortttt]

Aluminess makes a cargo box that can attach to the back of a van (or pickup or other vehicle). (The one shown is the larger size). 

http://www.aluminess.com/accessories/boxes/

Given my worries about my chemical sensitivities I wonder about using it to store two golf cart batteries. I was thinking of winding the wires from the solar panels into the van and then into the box from the rear. 

The box looks pretty robust and I've emailed Aluminess about the weight carrying capacity. I'm not sure what that door can handle though - or if it would be just too heavy to move with 2 batteries in it.

Any thoughts?

 

[29chico]

I just spoke with Aluminess about the carrying capacity of the swing out racks.  I was told the capacity was 120# but that included the box.  the small box is 27-30# and the large is 38-40#.  So it would probably carry what I was thinking of fine but a couple of gc2's will exceed the allowed weight.

The golf cart batteries are  a good solid way to go.  I suppose a fully sealed box with a vent that went up and then out of the van would work for you.

 

[Almost There]

Head on over to https://www.stowaway2.com/

I bought the swing a way style so that I could access the back doors without unloading the carrier.

It works great, I love it.

I bought just the frame and added my own tote box. Depending on the hitch you have, how much weight you can carry. With my class 3 hitch I have a 250 lb weight limit.

For my purposes I chose a Husky Tradesman tote box from Home Depot that was $65.00. A couple of minor modifications and it's mounted on the carrier just fine. If I was doing it over, I would probably choose a diamond plate box that I found in Tractor Supply after I already had the Husky one installed...

 

[MrNoodly]

Given my worries about my chemical sensitivities I wonder about using it to store two golf cart batteries.

Rather than complicate things with an external box, how about going with sealed AGM batteries instead?

 

[29chico]

I just spoke with Aluminess about the carrying capacity of the swing out racks.  I was told the capacity was 120# but that included the box.  the small box is 27-30# and the large is 38-40#.  So it would probably carry what I was thinking of fine but a couple of gc2's will exceed the allowed weight.

The golf cart batteries are  a good solid way to go.  I suppose a fully  sealed box with a vent that went up and then out of the van would work for you.

Hmm, I think that I did not state the Aluminess weight issue.  You have to deduct the weight of the box from the 120# rating of the swing out racks to find what you can safely carry in the box.

 

[cortttt]

I just spoke with Aluminess about the carrying capacity of the swing out racks.  I was told the capacity was 120# but that included the box.  the small box is 27-30# and the large is 38-40#.  So it would probably carry what I was thinking of fine but a couple of gc2's will exceed the allowed weight.

The golf cart batteries are  a good solid way to go.  I suppose a fully  sealed box with a vent that went up and then out of the van would work for you.

Thanks...Aluminess just replied and said that on the Chevy van the box can hold about 150 lbs...I will check out the vent idea. That might be the cheapest and easiest way to go.

 

[cortttt]

Head on over to https://www.stowaway2.com/

I bought the swing a way style so that I could access the back doors without unloading the carrier.

It works great, I love it.

I bought just the frame and added my own tote box. Depending on the hitch you have, how much weight you can carry. With my class 3 hitch I have a 250 lb weight limit.

For my purposes I chose a Husky Tradesman tote box from Home Depot that was $65.00. A couple of minor modifications and it's mounted on the carrier just fine. If I was doing it over, I would probably choose a diamond plate box that I found in Tractor Supply after I already had the Husky one installed...

Thanks for the idea. I like the swing away style.. It's such a long van (extended Chevy) that I'm a little worried about putting anything on hitch but it's on my list of options....

 

[cortttt]

Rather than complicate things with an external box, how about going with sealed AGM batteries instead?

That's definitely a possibility...checking out all the options now.

 

[highdesertranger]

the van in the picture has a swing out tire carrier and bumper combo. they must be talking about the carrying capacity of the box, not the whole carrier. I would agree with trying to keep the batteries inside. this will make the wire runs shorter and you won't need to run the cables though the body. highdesertranger