There are several things to consider when buying an "approved" battery box for an RV.
First: An "approved RV battery box" may be something as simple as the one you find at WalMart in the automotive section. If you're going to install a battery on the tongue of a travel trailer (RV) then it's probably an "approved box". HOWEVER, if you're going to install it inside the RV, in a compartment, that kind isn't approved for use.
Second: All lead/acid batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging. Hydrogen is explosive and is lighter than air (will rise). If you think about the front compartment of most fifth wheels, there is an "exposed electric motor" at the top of the compartment. It operates the front landing gear. Any "lighter than air explosive" would accumulate around that motor. Hit the switch after parking for the night and if there's any large accumulation of hydrogen... "BOOM". Will it happen? maybe not... Could it happen? Yes, definitely it can. Is it worth the risk? Only you can decide that answer.
Third: Battery boxes "approved" for "enclosed compartment use" in RV's are vented top and bottom. This provides for air flow to allow the "convection current" necessary for evacuation of the box (think wood burning fireplace chimney). Without the convection, the hydrogen gasses would continue to be produced, cause pressure inside the box and possibly escape through any small leaks in the box. This could allow hydrogen to escape the box, flow into the closed compartment and accumulate there.
Fourth: In "normal charging" there is very little hydrogen gas produced. That is not the big danger. We've all read about the WFCO converter/charger that "stuck in high charge" or otherwise failed. The vented battery box is intended to protect the RV from accumulated hydrogen in those types of situations. When and how much "warning" do we get about a malfunction in the charging system? The vents are the "safety link" in that situation just as a circuit breaker is the "safety link" in electrical systems.
Fifth: Keystone ships all fifth wheels with enclosed battery compartment with a battery box vented "top and bottom" with both venting to the outside. On the Cougar XLite series, the battery compartment on the curb side, front of the RV is completely open on bottom and is vented out the front of the RV through a 2" hose on top of the battery box. There is still the "double vented battery box" even with this type of compartment.
Many dealers will "just add another box from WalMart" if you insist on a "dual battery setup". If they do that, they aren't doing you any favors and are setting you up for a possible dangerous situation.
Any battery box used in an enclosed area should be installed with two vents, one on top and one on bottom to provide for proper ventilation to the outside.
Don't confuse "RV APPROVED" with "FIFTH WHEEL APPROVED" when considering battery boxes. One is intended for use "in the open on an RV tongue" and that kind isn't intended for use with batteries "stored in an enclosed compartment" as is typically the situation on a fifth wheel.
They are "two different animals" !!!
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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