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Old 01-21-2010, 04:49 PM   #1
M. Morrison
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Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

Pictures of a 19' with dual 6V's on the tongue.
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Old 01-21-2010, 05:05 PM   #2
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Tounge Battery

I like the propane turned, and the hard cover. But, I really don't like the look of the battery boxes. I am one who likes the fact they are inside under the bench too.
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Old 01-21-2010, 07:10 PM   #3
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Tounge Battery

Mike,

Thanks for posting the photos, you must have been reading my mind.

Is this movement of batteries to the tongue the reason for the interest in the metal boxes on the tongue?

I see "exposed" batteries like this on other brands so it appears common, is there an increased risk of theft with the batteries like that, or are batteries not convenient enough or have quick value to make them worth stealing?

I guess being on the outside there is not the need for venting, is it possible to put a cover over the batteries similar to what is on the propane tanks?
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Old 01-21-2010, 07:14 PM   #4
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Tounge Battery

Bob120

What do you think? Do you like the appearance of those batteries?
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Old 01-21-2010, 08:23 PM   #5
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Tounge Battery

Here is a white box

http://www.theresourcestore.ca/prodd...=120176&cat=60

Or is it enough to do as Bob120 says and switch the propane tanks and the batteries, front to back?

Another link to the manufacturer? The should be good they are made in Franksville WI, the sauerkraut capital of the world.

How about alumnium?

http://www.quickcable.com/content.php?content_id=127
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Old 01-22-2010, 08:32 AM   #6
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Tounge Battery

Quote:
Originally Posted by fudge_brownie
Yeow! $149 each. For that price, I think I'd buy some Fusion paint and try painting the cheapo ones first. If that didn't work, maybe step up to the high-priced boxes....
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Old 01-22-2010, 09:42 AM   #7
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Tounge Battery

I agree to your WOW on price. There are some advantages to this unit, it is a dual battery box, it has a bolt down fastener cover which might be modified to make it lockable and it is white. Does that make me want to go out and buy one? Nada

What about your paint recommendation? I am not familiar with what you describe.

The best solution would be a white molded plastic cover that would contain the propane tanks and batteries. It would make that front end of the travel trailer look great. Lockable - probably not? Probably too expensive with tooling costs.
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Old 01-22-2010, 12:52 PM   #8
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Escape 19 Batteries Now On Tongue

I am of the opinion that moving the batteries to the tongue has detracted from the appearance of the 19’ unit. With the move the orientation of the propane tanks changed as well. Instead of elephant style they are now across the tongue. The desire is a smooth rounded fiberglass unit with graceful lines. Suddenly, there are these two square black boxes breaking up the flow. I think visible battery boxes are appropriate on a 13’ where there is limited interior space. I have seen battery boxes on the rear bumper. Personally, I think the visible boxes look tacky, almost like an afterthought. It its present design those clean white lines of the Escape are interrupted.

I can think of four solutions:

1. Return the batteries to the interior
2. Put the batteries into a single white box
3. Cover the batteries like the propane tanks are covered
4. Enclose the tongue in a molded plastic cover

The best solution would be a white molded plastic cover that would contain the propane tanks and batteries. It would make that front end of the travel trailer look great. Lockable - probably not? Do able, probably low because of tooling costs.

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Old 01-22-2010, 01:52 PM   #9
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

I'm glad my dual 6V batteries are inside, for aesthetic and other reasons. Easier for me to check the battery water level inside where it's warm with an overhead light right there. I'd be interested in knowing why they moved them.
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Old 01-22-2010, 02:13 PM   #10
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

I believe Reace moved the batteries on the 19' to the tongue to increase the tongue weight a bit. My preference would be to have the batteries in a single box. I think the ideal solution is a single box on the tongue to house the propane tanks, batteries and act as a rock guard. IMO having the batteries on the tongue makes it a lot easier to check the water level than the location under the dinette seat (Cheryl and Bruce - isn't it always warm outside in California? ), but the current outside location does concern me with the potential for theft.
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Old 01-22-2010, 02:23 PM   #11
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Re: Tounge Battery

Quote:
Originally Posted by fudge_brownie
The best solution would be a white molded plastic cover that would contain the propane tanks and batteries.
As long as it's well ventilated! Little gas, and little spark, and ......... Yahooooooooooo!
I'm glad on the 5.0, both are inside, the batteries and the propane. Nice clean, sleek look. I'm with you fudgie, kind of looks "added on" now, not clean. Your #1 picture above is much cleaner. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Old 01-22-2010, 03:01 PM   #12
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

Hmmm, what is being done nowadays with the battery/batteries of the 17'? Are they still going to be on the rear bumper, or also going up front... Does anybody know?
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Old 01-22-2010, 07:53 PM   #13
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike M.
(Cheryl and Bruce - isn't it always warm outside in California? )
Hi Mike, We identify with Oregon (100 mi north), hence we get their weather.

Cheryl
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Old 01-22-2010, 08:06 PM   #14
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Re: Tounge Battery

Quote:
Originally Posted by fudge_brownie
What about your paint recommendation? I am not familiar with what you describe.
It's a spray paint formulated for (most) plastics:
http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/. A number of trailer people are painting the plastic parts on new trailers to curtail UV damage.
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Old 01-22-2010, 08:10 PM   #15
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Re: Tounge Battery

Quote:
Originally Posted by HokieEscape
As long as it's well ventilated! Little gas, and little spark, and ......... Yahooooooooooo!
Good point! Possibly not the best combination.
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Old 01-22-2010, 08:59 PM   #16
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Re: Tounge Battery


It's a spray paint formulated for (most) plastics:
http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/. A number of trailer people are painting the plastic parts on new trailers to curtail UV damage.
[/quote]

I used this product to paint half a mannequin ( bottom half ). It has been out standing in my garden for more than a year and shows little sign of weather. I painted her lilac and I call her Heather.

Gets my recommendation.

baglo
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Old 01-22-2010, 10:14 PM   #17
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

Hi: gbaglo... I heard you were out standing in your field!!! You got any pic's? Alf
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Old 01-23-2010, 11:40 AM   #18
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

gharms: I got our 17B in December, and had Reace in stall the (vented) battery under the bed on the passenger's (starboard) side. The back bumper seemed like a bad idea because the rain and debris would get into the box, and a little tempting for a thief. It will not be as easy to maintain the battery there because we have the permanent mattress.
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Old 01-23-2010, 01:09 PM   #19
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )

I LIKE the paint! They offer nice peppy colors, and I could get used to the idea of painting the new style gas bottle cover in bright red... I am thinking red decals and red name "Cafe Egg" anyways.

Serendipity, you got a point there with inviting thieves having the battery in the back. However, I personally would like to prevent having batteries on the inside of the trailer. I am wondering whether the 17' comes now standard with batteries up front, like the 19'.
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Old 01-23-2010, 01:21 PM   #20
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Re: Tounge Battery ( Topic has been split/merged )


Hi: gbaglo... I heard you were out standing in your field!!! You got any pic's? Alf

Shirley . . .

BTW, that's Playdoh on the left. . .

baglo
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