Second Battery 2012 Tundra double cab trouble

[SameGuy]

I've been wanting a second battery to power my ARB fridge since I bought my Tundra. Unfortunately there isn't any space under the hood without relocating the washer fluid and power steering reservoirs which look like more of a PITA than I want to deal with, although that option isn't totally off the table. I was crawling around underneath today and spotted a couple spots that would work but the only mounting option is directly to the underside of the pickup box sheet metal. I haven't had much luck sourcing a box or bracket that mounts underneath and I don't see any place to mount it on a vertical plane (frame rail, etc). What is the collective brain trusts opinion on mounting directly to the bottom of the truck bed? My concern is sheet metal fatigue with such a heavy item mounted in such a small place.

 

[surlydiesel]

I would move this over to the Toyota forum. You'll most likely get a faster response and can look at build threads for Tundras there.

Cheers,
Jorge

 

[32vsnake]

Can't answer your question about mounting under the truck. On my 08 I mounted my second battery in a different fashion since I don't run it full time.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

I have an '08 Tundra CrewMax and have not found a good place to mount a second battery. Best spot so far seems to be inside the right/rear fender, behind the tire with a box bolted to the frame. I have not done anything yet because I'm not real excited about having to fab the box and mounts. Somebody must make a dual battery kit or mount for these trucks, but I have not found it.

 

[rayra]

Easiest solution is a 'backing plate', in the bed, with the battery box suspended under the bed, beneath. The plate will spread the load and prevent any tearout. Make the plate a few inches larger than the footprint of the battery. That ought to hold for anything short of frequent hammering on washboard roads. But it would be better with a support tray welded to the frame rail instead, with some design elements that makes it easier to access or remove the battery when needed.