Best material for under/ around batteries to prevent chafing? Suggestions?

[John E Davies]

There have been reports of damaged batteries, from straps and the protruding tray rivets. I want to protect my new Victron lithiums, do you have any suggestions? I found this, it is cheap (in this particular size). and the ribs would provide ventilation and moisture drainage if placed facing downwards, to help keep the tray from rusting

https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cal-03_167_W_RC_04-Non-Slip-Outdoor-Rubber/dp/B001AS3YEA/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=neoprene%2Bfloor%2Bmat%2Bribbed%2Bblack%2B1%2F8”&qid=1607966679&sr=8-3&th=1

I would prefer something flexible like this rather than stiff plastic, since I could use the leftover material for all sorts of stuff like lining a storage area. I think the cabinet and rear cargo liners in my Ollie are very similar. And no, I don’t want a horse stall mat ... 😬.... I want to keep it light weight. Got some suggestions that will reduce battery movement and chafing?

Thanks,

John Davies

Spokane WA

[mjrendon]

Had you considered spray or paint on truck bed liner?

Equally as important would be how to best stabilize the batteries from moving...

Edited December 14, 2020 by mjrendon

[mossemi]

I use PVC lumber on the side of the battery tray like the factory did on my 4 lead acid 6v Trojan's.  It comes in a variety of thicknesses.  I also put a rubber pad in the bottom of the tray, but it was something I had in the shop.  The product you posted should work fine.

Mossey

[John E Davies]

mjrendon, Spray on bed liner protects the tray, not the batteries. unless you meant to spray the batteries themselves? My limited experience with an aerosol product was very bad, unlike the professionally applied ones. The stuff out of a can might be OK.

I do intend to make blocks to limit movement. I am looking for material to go directly against the battery surfaces.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Mcb]

Hey there John, I’m not sure if these would work for you, but might be worth considering... They are 24”x24” and lock together like a puzzle. They are about 1/2” thick rubber, and as tough as nails. They are easy to cut with a utility knife. We had hundreds of them to protect finished floors and counter tops on construction sites, and the uses for them seemed endless...I’ve got ten of them with us on the road now.. They had them at HD for a long time , probably still do.. 20 bucks for 4 of them as I recall.....

 

[bhncb]

I've used rigid foam board insulation (polystyrene) for a vibration mat and blocking spacers. The battery weight will create a slight indentation in the foam mat, which tends to cradle the battery and keep them from moving.

[Landrover]

Plastic Battery boxes without the covers might work or not. Not sure if there would be enough wiggle room with the 4 Agms which seem fairly tight already in the battery box. Maybe cut them up in sections to just protect the out side areas.

[mossemi]

This stuff is very tough and thin.  Might do the job you described.

Mossey

[John E Davies]

I am now leaning toward a thicker pad, one with holes molded in. I hope to mount a big computer fan under the box floor to circulate cabin air up through the compartment and out the top. So a firm (NON rubber) layer would be excellent in terms of allowing cooling/ warming air to flow around the bottom of the batteries. I like the “egg crate” design, but want something that is solid through its thickness, not depending on widely spaced little legs to support the weight. Like this, but more heavy duty:

Any ideas about this? Has anybody seen a flat panel of egg crate plastic, that doesn’t have a a recessed bottom or sides?

John Davies

Spokane WA