Battery Box, for Total Power

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled machine to the limit on the dunes or through the rugged trails of the desert, the last thing you want is a loose battery causing an electrical fire or a total power failure. The Latest Rage Weld-On Battery Box is engineered specifically for Total Power batteries, providing a rock-solid mounting solution that ensures your power source stays exactly where it belongs. Designed for high-vibration environments, this side-mount box is a favorite among sand rail builders and Baja Bug enthusiasts who demand more security than a standard plastic tray or a flimsy strap can provide. By welding this heavy-duty steel cage directly to your chassis or roll cage, you eliminate the risk of mounting hardware vibrating loose over time, creating a permanent, race-ready foundation for your electrical system.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that custom builds require precision components that can handle the abuse of off-road racing. This battery box isn''t just a piece of bent metal; it is a calculated fit for the Total Power series, ensuring a snug clearance that prevents the battery from shifting during hard landings or high-G cornering. Whether you are building a ground-up tube chassis sand rail, a Manx-style street buggy, or a hardcore off-road Beetle, this box provides the professional finish and structural integrity required for serious performance. The side-mount configuration offers versatile installation options, allowing you to tuck the battery into tight spaces while maintaining easy access for charging or maintenance. When you invest in a high-output Total Power battery, protecting that investment with a dedicated Latest Rage box is the only logical choice for the serious VW enthusiast.

FITMENT

This is a universal weld-on component designed for custom air-cooled VW applications and off-road chassis. It is specifically sized for Total Power brand batteries but fits many other compact high-performance racing batteries. Common applications include:

• Sand Rails & Tube Chassis: All makes and models with 1-1/2 inch or 1-3/4 inch tubing.
• Volkswagen Dune Buggies: Meyer''s Manx, EMPI Imp, Berrien, and other fiberglass body styles.
• Baja Bugs: Custom rear-engine builds or interior-mount race setups.
• VW Drag Racers: Perfect for Type 1 or Type 3 strip cars needing a secure, rear-mounted battery.
• Custom Off-Road Vehicles: Any 4x4 or UTV utilizing a Total Power series battery.

SPECS

• Product Type: Weld-on Battery Box (Side Mount).
• Material: Heavy-duty cold-rolled steel for maximum weldability and strength.
• Outer Height: 7 3/8 inches.
• Outer Length: 7 7/8 inches.
• Outer Width: 6 5/8 inches.
• Internal Height: 6 15/16 inches.
• Internal Length: 7 3/4 inches.
• Internal Width: 5 3/16 inches.
• Weight: 3.3 lbs.
• Finish: Raw steel (Requires painting or powder coating after welding to prevent rust).

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Weld Surface and Grounding

Before welding this box to your chassis, ensure you have ground down the mounting area to bare, shiny metal. Because this is a side-mount weld-on unit, the quality of your penetration is vital for safety. Once the welding is complete and the box has cooled, we highly recommend painting or powder coating the box immediately. Raw steel will flash rust within hours in humid environments. Furthermore, always ensure your battery ground strap is connected to the main chassis and not just the battery box itself, as the weld joints can sometimes create a point of electrical resistance if they aren''t perfectly clean.

2. Add Vibration Dampening for Longevity

Even though this box provides a precision fit for Total Power batteries, off-road environments subject your electrical components to extreme harmonic vibrations. We recommend lining the bottom and sides of the box with a thin layer of high-density rubber matting or adhesive-backed foam. This small addition acts as a shock absorber for the battery''s internal plates, significantly extending the life of your battery. Just be sure to account for the thickness of the padding (usually 1/8 inch is plenty) when verifying your final internal clearance.

3. Plan Your Cable Routing Carefully

When positioning the weld-on box, always mock up your battery cables before striking an arc. Ensure that the positive terminal has ample clearance from the steel edges of the box and any nearby chassis tubes. Use high-quality rubber grommets or "firewall boots" if your cables are passing through any sheet metal nearby. In a VW-based buggy, keeping the cables short reduces voltage drop, but you must leave enough slack to prevent the cables from being pulled tight as the chassis flexes or as the engine moves on its mounts.