Battery Behind Bench Seat?

[epon]

Cant seem to find anyone having done this a standard cab truck. Looks to be just barely enough room to fit a optima group 78 battery in behind a bench seat. Steel battery hold down going long ways so it doesnt add extra width and cables exiting the floor. Seat back will probably rest agianst the side and corner of the top of the battery.

Has anyone done this? Would the seat back sitting against the battery cause problems?

Trying to get as many mechanicals topside while having the engine bay and bed clean.

thanks in advance

[willett]

What about hiding it in one of the saddle tank spots? I wouldn't be comfortable with a battery right behind my a$$. Battery's need ventilation to some degree

[y5mgisi]

I would do it.

[donut]

Like willett mentioned, batteries need ventilation.
There is a reason for the "no smoking" symbol on them. I'd have to look up the particulars on "outgassing", but I believe when a battery is charging, hydrogen gas is released.

May just be if it's overcharged, but either way, think "Hindenburg".

I may be off, this was from my high school auto class and I'm now pushing close to 50.

[Rubble]

Also if you ever happen to be in a roll over,there's a good chance of the battery leaking all over you.I drove a Western Star truck years ago that had the batteries under passenger seat,never liked the idea then & still don't.But hey, it's your truck!!

[bigblock73]

I put a drop down box in mine

[epon]

Thanks for the replies ....

My thinking is I want as many mechanicals topside as possible so in case I have troubles and the truck is on the ground I'll have more access to components.

With the optima batteries being 'sealed' I'm not sure there's much cause for concern unless the battery case were to be broken on impact. Even though they're 'sealed' I've seen mention of needing vented for overcharging scenerios which looks to be a small hose and elbow that attaches to the side of the battery and goes out to a hole in the floor.

Seems like surely this would have been done before if it fits. I'm a bit worried I'll run out of room and the back of the bench seatback touching the battery will pose problems long term.

[cool68]

place battery under truck - add heavy duty kill switch and remote battery jumper terminals. or could place under bed floor with a section that opens for access. if determined to have in cab run bucket seats with console - battery at rear of console, fully covered with vent tube to be on the safe side even with sealed battery.

[nekkidhillbilly]

Originally Posted by willett

What about hiding it in one of the saddle tank spots? I wouldn't be comfortable with a battery right behind my a$$. Battery's need ventilation to some degree

there under the back seat in newer lesabres lucernes and bonnevilles.

[J Knight]

You can install some remote leads to your battery like these I took off my Peterbilt. That way you can access it even when its on the ground.

[nekkidhillbilly]

in a batt box idk if it would be a problem

[epon]

Originally Posted by cool68

add heavy duty kill switch

Regardless where the battery goes I'll be adding one of these, was wondering what folks are using. I initially spec'd out an Amr. Autowire 500712 good for 180 amps. I dont plan to do anything crazy with the stereo so seems like enough without actually having to do any maths.


I think I'll mock up the battery behind the seat with my current battery to see how close it all is. Really hoping to avoid having the battery under the bed.

[KQQL IT]

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/sum-830051

[epon]

Any reason in particular I should go to a 250 amp unit instead of the 180?

[cool68]

the 180 will be plenty but, the one that KQQL IT gave link to allows you easy access to operate. my wife has a Hot Rod '50 Chevy PU that has a drop down battery holder. so, installed a standard heavy duty kill switch and remote battery jumper terminals. it sits very low and I have to get down very low to be able to reach the kill switch. an extended handle would be nice. that said, when truck is not going to be used for a long time I turn the switch off and even after months the truck fires right up - no need for a trickle charge set up.

[S10Fan]

Not a C-10 but a 50 3100. My battery is mounted under the bed floor, with remote charging posts on the firewall where the original battery would have been mounted. I used HD stranded welding cable for battery cables. Welding cable (at least around here) can be found reasonably priced at swap meets/yard sales.

My C-10 battery is in the stock location, but again, I still use welding cable for the main ground and hot lead to the starter. Starters like getting good solid amperage, makes them last longer.

[86swb]

Some of the older cars (like the 30's) had battery under the floor board under your left foot. Had a 31 Ford two door that had the battery there. Floors were wood back then. MY Grandfather bought the car new in 31 and my Dad left it to me and I gave it to my Grandson. It was a Ford but a really nice car. Been completely restored. Fun to drive.

[franken]

I'm sure the 31 Ford didn't have a sealed cab so the hydrogen from the battery could build up in it.
Sure it's unlikely, but there are reasons car parts are where and what they they are. The Hindenburg. The Pinto. Tempered glass, whatever windshield glass is. No seat belts.

Early cars used window glass. Do some research on beheadings due to people going through the windshield in an accident.

Think before undoing what 100 years of experience taught the auto industry...

[cory d]

beetles have it under the back seat. have some on sitting over it, hit some bumbs and burn the seat

[Flatpat]

The battery is in the cabin of my Vette and it has a vent tube. Even with the "sealed" batteries it was highly suggested I still use the vent tube.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by cory d

beetles have it under the back seat. have some on sitting over it, hit some bumbs and burn the seat

Agree

seventy eight gazillion Volkswagens drove 181.3 metric kabillion miles with the battery under the seat. Not vented through the floor, not contained in a box. And they weren't even sealed batteries like the Optima that the OP is gonna run.

[donut]

True on the VW, though on some cold mornings, the burning seat was the only heat.

The OP can do/try whatever he likes, I only stated my opinion.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by donut

True on the VW, though on some cold mornings, the burning seat was the only heat.

The OP can do/try whatever he likes, I only stated my opinion.

No offense intended toward you. I had hoped with all of us giving the full spectrum of opinions, the original poster would have plenty of material to mull over and form his final decision either way.

[jeff mcleod]

We had a 2007 GMC Acadia, The battery was under the bach seat floor on the right side, it had a tube running off it for ventilation.

[mooseknuckles]

just my opinion, but I wouldn't do it.....ever see a battery blow up?