The batteries like to be around room temperature.
The controller should be close to the batteries, so if you move the batteries, move the controller too. If it is temperature compensated, they should all be in the same temperature.
A few more feet of wire between the panels and batteries is fine if the connections are good and solid, and the wire is heavy enough.
It is common to place the batteries in an enclosure, vented to the outside.
(They can be bought, so finding a photo is easy, then one can be built locally, saving a ton on shipping costs. Just a thought.)
But I would sure get something between the batteries and the floor, fast!
Two cents
G-