a thin spacer between the batteries and the bottom of the battery box?

[DJW]

Hi, Pulled by old batteries yesterday. Have new ones ready to go in, but will clean, de-rust, and paint the inside of the battery box first.

The batteries (2 ea group 24's) sit in a very shallow plastic tray, which sits on the bottom of the battery box. Between the plastic and the metal box, water remains trapped, causing corrosion.

Is there something (needs to be very thin) to raise the plastic tray just a tad and allow some ventilation? Thinking some stainless steel or galvanized vent screen? Or some plastic product??

Thanks,

Don

[vinstream]

I never understood why Airstream and SOB's use the battery boxes they do. The best solution is to place 1" rubber washers at each corner with HVB tape so that the battery can breath between the bottom and metal and do away with plastic tray.

[Protagonist]

Remove the plastic tray. Drill drain holes in the bottom of the box if it doesn't have drain holes already. Replace the tray, with rubber washers propping up each corner of the tray as vinstream suggests. Not only will you create an air space, but someplace for any liquids to get out.

[eubank]

Rather than rubber, how about cutting some sections out of one of the acid neutralizing mats?
Amazon.com: Acid Neutralizing Mat: Automotive
Lynn

[vinstream]

Drilling holes is not always the solution because you are yes letting water out but also letting it in. The battery compartment has a seal on it to not allow water to get in, but moister also comes from the warmth of the battery and outside lower outside temps creating condensation. That is why rubber washers is a good choice to also act as a thermal barrier to prevent condensation. The neutralizing mats work good in engine compartments however the ones that I have sean hold water causing even more rust. I have also sean these battery compartments sprayed with bed liner with all four corners raised.

[DJW]

Follow up- Looked at the battery box last night- it already has 6 large (3/4") holes. We live in a pretty dry and unfortunately) rain free area, so the moisture that caused the rust is probably accumulated condensation.

I'll raise the batteries with the rubber washers. I assume the 1" folks suggest is the diameter? Not the height?

Thanks,

Don