Car & Truck Battery Accessories

Car and Truck Battery Trays

Car and truck battery trays are specially designed structures that hold car or truck batteries in place and mount them to the vehicle. Battery trays also help keep battery terminal connections stable and play an important role in battery safety.

Car and truck models have unique battery and space requirements, so trays are designed to fit those specifications. As a result, they come in many different sizes and materials. However, most have the same basic structure, including a foundation that holds the battery, an adjustable bracket or strap to facilitate battery fastening and removal, and a means to attach the tray to the vehicle.

• Specialized plastic: This is commonly used in cars due to its thermal properties, light weight, and resistance to corrosion. Trays are supported by the vehicles structure, ensuring strength.
• Steel: This material is commonly used for truck battery trays. Truck batteries are larger and require a stronger and more durable housing.
• Aluminum: Battery trays that require strength, lighter weight, and corrosion resistance use this material.

• Cracking: This occurs most commonly in plastic car battery trays. Age, fatigue, and improper bolting may cause cracks. All trays should be inspected for cracks whenever a battery is changed.
• Corrosion: Metal may rust or corrode in other ways due to environmental factors, such as moisture and temperature. Corrosion threatens the designed strength of battery trays. Although this is most common with metal trays, all types should be inspected for corrosion.
• Lack of structural integrity: If you find your tray is bent, chipped, or broken in any other manner, you should replace it since those conditions could lead to further breakdown of the structure.

In most cases, replacement is a simple task since there are no mechanical components involved. Although specific installation instructions must be followed for each model, the following are general steps to take.

• Battery removal: Disconnect the car or truck battery per the manufacturer’s instructions. All brackets that hold the battery in place should be fully loosened using the proper tools. Carefully remove the battery and place it in a safe area.
• Tray removal: Remove the bolts that hold the tray in place, and carefully lift it from the car or truck and set aside. Note that some truck trays are welded onto the frame and require special removal.
• New tray installation: Safely attach the new tray using the manufacturer’s instructions.