DIY Battery Tray plans

Lewy · Post by **Lewy** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 5:03 pm

Nope sorry I haven't got any but wonder if anyone has? Being a real tight-wad trying to save a few quid - I reckon wouldn't be too hard to knock one up using my origami and tin snip skills?

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 6:04 pm

You could buy one on ebay then copy it, but that kind of defeats the object (and would not be very nice for the person you copied).

As the fixing points(4) are already there, if you have basic metalworking skills then you should be able to fabricate one quite easily without the need for plans. Alternatively, take your main one out and reverse it for a copy!

A cheaper option to a mazda factory fit is to buy one from gel1952holidays on ebay. I have bought several from them (£40) and supplied with all fixings. They all fitted easily, just need a lick of paint before fitting.

Vanmanerik · Post by **Vanmanerik** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 8:08 pm

I know it sounds silly but make (fabricate) one using cardboard or stiff paper, a stapler, glue etc. Its easy to cut and assemble and then transfer it to 16g metal sheet for the actual tray.

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 9:14 pm

Doesnt sound silly at all - quickest way to make sure the metal one fits.

Lewy · Post by **Lewy** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:38 pm

I know it sounds silly but make (fabricate) one using cardboard or stiff paper, a stapler, glue etc.

Great idea - its my next project for sure

HJ-LGRA · Post by **HJ-LGRA** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:45 pm

Shopfitters and carpenters use the same technique. 30mm strips of 4mm ply or MDF and a hot-glue gun, quick and it works every time, you can break them to length by hand; a must for wobbly Victorian houses, or Bongo kitchens.

antique · Post by **antique** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:06 am

hi any body tryed a boat battery box, i have them in my boat compleate with top cover less than a £10 ? ebay item no 120079472051 £9 49p

Indigo · Post by **Indigo** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:54 am

i bought a 'normal' battery tray from a scrapped bongo, a few adjustments later (as it was turned around) it's fine! all for the pricely sum of £20 ^^

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 2:29 pm

The boat battery box would only be suitable if you are installing the battery inside the van, but that has its own safety issues.
Also anything that is going to secure a battery from bouncing around and moving or spilling should be fairly solid - so a steel one is really the only way to go.
There was someone selling stainless ones on ebay, but I havent seen them recently.

antique · Post by **antique** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 2:52 pm

hi madmile i have two boxes in my boat what is the safety issues,my boat bounces around over waves ? boxes dont move ?

antique · Post by **antique** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:03 pm

hi lewy just looked under my bonnet , the holes are all there ready to bolt the tray and bracket on ? try bell hill he breaks bongos or ebay ? looks simple if you can get tray and bracket .

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:20 pm

Hi Antique.
In your boat they are probably well ventilated so any escaped gas will vent safely to open air.
Whilst they may bounce around in a boat they are not subject to the sort of force emergency braking would put on a weight such as a battery. Or the sudden stop that happens in a crash.
I have a similar set up in my boat. The only time my battery box moves is when I tow the boat.
In a campervan you need a method of retaining the battery that gives a similar secure set up to what the manufacturer deemed sensible for the main battery. Anything less and you are asking for problems.

antique · Post by **antique** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:41 pm

hi mad mile yes for mot battery has to be secured my boxes have vent pipes on lids ,and are in engine bay, come down to hayling will take you over chichester bar in a force 6 they dont move ? [bring you own rod ] i still think the easy way is to get tray and bracket out of a breaker take 10mins to fit.

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 4:10 pm

I agree, winter battery tray from a breaker is the easy option (depends on price), but can you find one when you need it.
I managed to get one on ebay for £18 plus p&p. Bit tatty, but OK.