When you think about your vehicle’s electrical system, the focus often goes straight to the battery itself. But an often-overlooked component—the battery tray—plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability, safety, and functionality of that system. So, what exactly is a battery tray, and why is it important?
In this guide, we’ll explore the purpose of a battery tray, the benefits of using a quality one, and how to choose the right tray for your setup—especially if you’re outfitting a 4WD, camper, or dual battery system.
A battery tray is a physical mounting platform designed to hold and secure a battery within a vehicle, boat, trailer, or off-grid power setup. Made from materials like steel, aluminium, or corrosion-resistant plastic, it provides a stable base and typically includes mounting brackets, clamps, or straps to prevent battery movement.
It’s not just a place to “sit” your battery—it’s an engineered support system that ensures your battery performs optimally under various conditions.
Here are the key functions and benefits of a battery tray:
The primary job of a battery tray is to secure the battery in place, preventing it from moving or vibrating during vehicle operation. In 4WDs and off-road vehicles, this is especially important, as uneven terrain and harsh vibrations can damage the battery and its connections.
A high-quality tray minimises:
Cable wear and terminal loosening
Internal battery damage
Potential electrical shorts
A loose or shifting battery can cause:
Short circuits if terminals come into contact with metal
Battery acid leaks due to movement or damage
Sparks or fires if the casing cracks or cables fray
A properly mounted battery in a purpose-built tray reduces these risks significantly. It also ensures that the battery stays upright, which is critical for flooded lead-acid types that contain liquid electrolyte.
Battery trays make it easier to install and manage your vehicle’s battery—especially in dual battery systems or custom power setups in caravans and campers. Many trays are designed with universal mounts, pre-cut holes, and bolt-on compatibility for common vehicles.
They also allow extra clearance around the battery, making it easier to:
Route cables cleanly
Fit battery isolators or DC-DC chargers
Mount fuses or terminals nearby
Batteries are exposed to extreme conditions—heat from the engine, road debris, dust, and water ingress. Many trays include anti-corrosion coatings, drain holes, and heat shields to help protect both the battery and surrounding components.
Stainless steel or powder-coated steel trays are especially popular for off-road and marine applications due to their durability and resistance to rust.
In modern touring vehicles, custom 12V setups are becoming the norm. A battery tray gives you flexibility to:
Install an auxiliary battery in the engine bay or tub
Mount a deep cycle or lithium battery in your canopy or toolbox
Safely store batteries in confined or remote areas
For example, if you’re adding a dual battery system to your ute tray, a heavy-duty battery tray will allow you to safely mount your second battery with all necessary clearances and tie-downs.
Depending on your setup, you may need:
Ideal for under-bonnet or chassis-mount applications. These are bolted in and provide a permanent base for your battery.
Perfect for campervans or 4WD setups. These allow you to slide the battery out for easy maintenance or charging.
Useful for fitting different battery sizes in tight or irregular spaces. These offer flexibility during installation.
To select the right tray, consider the following:
Battery size and weight: Match the tray to your specific battery dimensions and ensure it can handle the load.
Vehicle compatibility: Some trays are made specifically for certain models (e.g. Hilux, Ranger, LandCruiser).
Material quality: Steel trays offer strength, aluminium trays reduce weight, and composite trays are corrosion-resistant.
Mounting method: Check whether it fits in your engine bay, canopy, or drawer system.
Accessories: Some trays include clamps, bolt kits, isolator mounts, or anti-vibration padding.
At All 12 Volt, we stock a range of high-quality battery trays to suit a wide variety of vehicles, batteries, and applications. Whether you’re building out a dual battery setup, upgrading your off-road rig, or setting up a power system in your trailer or caravan, we have the right solution for you.
We offer:
Steel and alloy trays
Vehicle-specific mounting kits
Vibration-resistant clamps
Tray kits with tie-downs and mounting bolts
Advice for DIY or professional installs
It’s easy to overlook the humble battery tray, but this small component is essential for protecting your vehicle’s power system. It keeps your battery secure, protects it from damage, and ensures a tidy, reliable installation—especially in rough terrain or high-vibration environments.
Whether you’re upgrading to a dual battery setup, adding solar integration, or simply replacing a tired old tray, the right product will help keep your power flowing wherever you roam.
Need help choosing the right tray for your build? Contact the expert team at All 12 Volt today!
Need help or have questions?
Email: sales@all12volt.com.au
Phone: 02 4656 4643
Facebook: facebook.com/all12volt
Instagram: instagram.com/all12volt
Who does not love the outdoors and camping? It's a great adventure and opens up new destinations and often unexplored places. But you need to be well equipped with the safe and durable caravan and camping accessories for these outdoor activities. It is undoubtedly thrilling and exciting, but unless you take good care of what you need to do and what you should avoid, there's always a chance of an unpleasant experience. It pays to take sound advice from a 4WD specialist when going on a camping trip.