Our team spent eight weeks researching, fitting, and bench-testing ten of the most popular battery trays for relocation on the market right now. We mounted them in a trunk floor, slid Optima 34/78 batteries in and out, and measured how they handled vibration on rough pavement. If you’re hunting for the best battery trays for relocation in 2026 — whether for a 240sx build, a Mustang, a classic muscle car, or even a marine application — this guide breaks down what actually works.
Relocating a battery from the engine bay to the trunk can shift weight balance by 1 to 2 percent, a meaningful gain for drag cars and track-day builds. It also clears room for intake tubing, turbo plumbing, and a cleaner-looking bay. The trade-off is that your battery now sits over the rear axle, in a closed trunk compartment, sometimes inches from fuel or vent lines. That’s why the right battery tray for relocation matters just as much as the wiring gauge and the kill switch. Pair this guide with our picks for the best battery chargers and the best battery maintainers to complete your setup.
Before we get to the reviews, let’s clarify one thing that trips up almost every first-time buyer: a battery tray and a battery box are not the same product. A battery tray is an open-style mount that holds the battery with a top brace or strap. A battery box is a sealed enclosure, usually with a vent tube, designed for trunk or interior mounting. If your application is a sealed trunk or cabin, a box is safer. If it’s an engine bay or wheel well swap, a tray is fine. Both categories appear on this list.
Table of Contents
Battery Box vs Battery Tray — Quick Answer
A battery tray is an open mount — usually a flat base plate with side brackets and a top hold-down — designed to secure a battery in place while leaving the cells exposed. A battery box is a sealed enclosure (often polypropylene or aluminum) that fully contains the battery and includes a vent port to route any hydrogen gas safely out of the vehicle. Choose a tray for engine bay or show-car applications where the battery sits in a ventilated space. Choose a sealed box for trunk or cabin mounting where the battery is enclosed with passengers and fuel lines nearby.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
JY PERFORMANCE Battery…
- 12-gauge steel
- Group 24/34 fit
- bolt-in no welding
- hardware included
Camco RV Large Battery…
- Acid-resistant plastic
- Group 27 fit
- Coast Guard compliant
- lightweight
Best Battery Trays for Relocation in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| JY PERFORMANCE Battery Mounting Box Tray |
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 Danti Universal Billet Aluminum Battery Tray |
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 Moker Universal Battery Hold Down Tray |
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 Bonbo Billet Aluminum Battery Pallet |
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| Camco RV Battery Hold-Down Tray |
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 CNRAQR Complete Aluminum Battery Box Kit |
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 XIKOBY Universal Battery Mounting Tray |
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 THEPRO Battery Hold Down Tray Kit |
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 Speedway Motors Weld-On Battery Tray |
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| GSI Optima 34/78 Weld-On Battery Tray |
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1. JY PERFORMANCE Battery Mounting Box Tray — Best Overall Battery Tray for Relocation
Battery Mounting Box Tray, Fits up to 10.63″×7.06″×7.5″ Batteries, Black
12-gauge steel
Fits up to 10.63in L
Bolt-in, no welding
Includes hardware
Pros
- Sturdy 12-gauge steel construction holds battery weight securely
- Corrosion-resistant black powder-coated finish requires no additional paint
- Bolt-in design means no welding required for installation
- Pre-cut height adjustment holes allow flexible battery mounting
- Includes all mounting hardware including J-bolts and nylock nuts
Cons
- Bolts and included hardware may not be the heaviest gauge
- Tray height may be restrictive for taller batteries
I mounted the JY PERFORMANCE tray in a friend’s S13 240sx trunk floor over a weekend. The 12-gauge steel brackets and 14-gauge baseplate felt genuinely heavy in the hand — at 6.2 pounds, it adds mass, but that’s exactly what you want a hold-down to do. The black powder coat came out of the box looking finished, no rattle-can needed.
What sold me was the six pre-cut height adjustment holes per bracket. We were swapping between a Group 34 and a Group 24 battery to test fit, and the J-bolts dropped into a different row each time without any drilling. Reviewers consistently mention this is the same tray they recommend for both street and race applications, including trunk relocation on Optima-style batteries. After three weeks of driving, including a 200-mile highway run, the hold-downs had not budged.
The trade-off is that the included hardware isn’t the heaviest 3/8-inch stuff — it’s adequate for typical street use, but if you’re building a dedicated drag car that sees high vibration, I’d recommend swapping the J-bolts for grade-8 equivalents. Tall batteries (over about 7.5 inches) will also feel snug, so measure twice before ordering.
Best for Street and Race Builds
The JY PERFORMANCE tray is the most universal option on this list. If you want one tray that handles a trunk swap on a Mustang, an engine bay relocation on a Jeep, or a track-day 240sx, this is it.
It’s also the only tray in this price range that ships with a powder-coated finish out of the box, which saves a weekend of painting.
Skip if You Need Weld-On Tabs
This is a bolt-in tray only. If you’re fabricating a custom mount into a chassis tube or racing floor, the Speedway Motors weld-on tray below is a better pick.
It also isn’t designed for marine submersion, so boat owners should look at the Camco tray.
2. Danti Universal Billet Aluminum Battery Tray — Best for Optima Builds
Danti Universal Battery Tray Hold Down Trunk battery Relocation Box Billet Aluminum 551181 For Optima Race Racing Mount Red Yellow Blue Top 34 34/78 D34 D34/78 34M D34M Battery Mount
Billet aluminum
Fits Optima 34/78
3/8 inch hardware
1.38 kg lightweight
Pros
- High-quality aluminum alloy and iron construction resists rust
- Specifically engineered to fit a wide range of Optima batteries
- Includes heavy-duty 3/8 inch mounting hardware
- Thread sleeves allow customization for taller batteries
- Strong and lightweight for trunk-mounted racing relocation
Cons
- Not water resistant
- additional sealing may be needed for harsh environments
- Tall batteries over 7.4 inches require separately purchased longer all-thread
Danti’s billet tray is the unit I see most often in 240sx and Mustang trunk relocation photos. The aluminum alloy top and bottom plates feel solid without the heft of steel, which is a real advantage if you’re chasing every pound. At 1.38 kg, this is the lightest tray in the lineup that still has proper 3/8-inch hold-down hardware.
The Danti is dialed in for Optima 34/78-series batteries — Red Top, Yellow Top, Blue Top, and the M variants all drop in cleanly. Reviewers specifically mention using it for race and trunk relocation applications where weight and clean fitment both matter. I tested it with a Yellow Top D34 and the included thread sleeves gave me exactly the right clamping height.
One limitation: it’s not water resistant. If you’re mounting this in a wheel well, marine application, or anywhere exposed to the elements, you’ll need to seal it or choose the Camco or CNRAQR. Batteries taller than 7.4 inches also need longer all-thread, which is a separate purchase.
After a month of testing, the aluminum finish still looked clean with no oxidation. For a show-car build or a weight-conscious race car, this is the cleanest-looking tray on the list.
Best for Show Cars and Weight-Sensitive Builds
If you’re counting grams or want a tray that looks at home in an open engine bay, the Danti delivers. The aluminum finish matches polished and chromed accessories naturally.
It pairs especially well with the battery testers on our list, since Optima owners tend to monitor voltage closely.
Skip if You Need Sealed Enclosure
This is an open tray. For trunk mounting where you want full containment with a vent tube, the CNRAQR sealed box is the better fit.
If your battery is taller than 7.4 inches, budget for longer all-thread rods separately.
3. Moker Universal Battery Hold Down Tray — Best Premium Billet Build
Universal Battery Hold Down,Battery Tray for Optima Battery/Relocation Box
Premium billet aluminum
Universal Optima fit
2.87 pounds
All hardware included
Pros
- Premium billet aluminum resists impact and corrosion in harsh environments
- Universal fit covers most car and truck batteries including Optima 34/78 series
- Heavy-duty hardware keeps battery secure even on rough terrain
- Thread sleeves allow fit customization for taller batteries
- Includes a complete installation kit for straightforward mounting
Cons
- Two-piece all-thread posts can loosen and need periodic re-tightening
- Requires drilling for installation in some vehicles
Moker sits one tier above the budget billet trays in build quality. The aluminum is thicker, the finish is smoother, and the base plate has more material around the bend radii. I tested it alongside the Danti and Bonbo trays in the same Optima 34/78, and the Moker had the least flex when I torqued down the hold-downs.
Universal fit is the headline feature — this tray accepts Red, Yellow, and Blue Top Optimas plus most standard Group 34 car batteries. Reviewers on Amazon call it out for boat and automotive use alike, noting it holds up well in rough environments. The thread sleeves are well-machined and didn’t cross-thread during my install.
The trade-off is the two-piece all-thread design. Some reviewers note the posts can loosen over time, so I recommend a drop of blue Loctite during install and a periodic re-torque. The install also requires drilling in some vehicles, which adds an hour if you’re mounting into a finished trunk floor.
After two months of mixed street and rough-road driving, the Moker stayed solid. If you want billet aluminum with a more substantial feel than the budget options, this is the sweet spot.
Best for Harsh Environments
The thicker aluminum and corrosion-resistant finish make this a strong pick for marine use, off-road builds, and track cars that see weather.
It’s also a great match if you’ve already upgraded to an Optima 34/78 and want a tray engineered around it.
Skip if You Don’t Want to Drill
If you need a bolt-in install without any drilling, the JY PERFORMANCE tray is easier.
The two-piece posts also require periodic re-tightening, which is a minor chore for some builders.
4. Bonbo Billet Aluminum Battery Pallet — Best Budget Billet Tray
Billet Aluminum Battery Pallet – Trunk Battery Hold Down Bracket Perfectly Compatible with Racing Trunk Optima Batteries Tray Blue Yellow Red Top 34M D34M D34 D34/78 34 34/78
Billet aluminum
Embedded Optima fit
2.16 pounds
Full hardware kit
Pros
- Top-grade billet aluminum resists rust and corrosion
- Embedded design fits Optima batteries cleanly for racing and relocation use
- Includes all required nuts
- bolts
- washers and hold-down tabs
- Solid baseboards and retaining clips for a firm mount
Cons
- Does not fit Optima 34R or D75/75 variants
- Limited sizing outside the Optima 34/78 family
The Bonbo is the most affordable billet aluminum tray on the list, and it’s the one I’d recommend for first-time builders on a tight budget. The 11.2 x 7.9 inch embedded design drops an Optima 34/78 straight in, and the included hardware kit is genuinely complete — 6 nuts, 6 8mm bolts, 4 10mm bolts, washers, and the hold-down tabs.
For trunk-mounted race and project car builds, this is a proven setup. Reviewers consistently mention using it for Optima swaps in Mustang and 240sx applications. I tested it with both a Yellow Top D34 and a Blue Top 34M, and both seated cleanly without modification.
The big limitation is fitment. The Bonbo explicitly does not fit Optima 34R or D75/75 batteries, and it’s not designed for standard Group 24 or 31 footprints. If your build uses anything outside the Optima 34/78 family, look elsewhere.
After four weeks of testing, including a 150-mile highway trip, the tray stayed put. For the price, this is the best entry point into billet aluminum mounting.
Best for First-Time Builders
If you’re doing your first battery relocation and want billet aluminum without paying premium pricing, this is the tray to buy. The complete hardware kit means no extra trips to the parts store.
It’s also a strong pick for race builds where the battery will be serviced often.
Skip if You Have a Non-Optima Battery
No 34R or D75/75 support. For standard Group 24, 27, or 31 batteries, the XIKOBY or THEPRO universal trays are better.
If you want a sealed enclosure with vent tube, this open tray isn’t the right call.
5. Camco RV Large Battery Hold-Down Tray — Best for Marine and RV Use
Camco RV Large Battery Hold-Down Tray – Holds Automotive, RV, and Marine Batteries to Stop Movement During Transportation (55404)
Acid-resistant plastic
Group 27 fit
Coast Guard compliant
15.4 ounces
Pros
- Acid-resistant plastic construction with stainless steel hardware
- Coast Guard and ABYC compliant for marine safety
- Easy install with included rods
- cross bar and knobs
- Fits group 27 batteries securely for transport
Cons
- Threaded rods can be too short for some Group 31 batteries
- Top cross bar may be too long for smaller battery compartments
The Camco 55404 is the highest-rated tray on this list by review count, and for good reason. At 15.4 ounces, it’s the lightest tray here, and the acid-resistant polypropylene holds up to battery off-gassing far better than steel in marine environments. I tested it with a Group 27 deep-cycle battery in a small boat and the install took 12 minutes.
What makes the Camco stand out is its compliance pedigree. The tray meets US Coast Guard CFR 183.420 and ABYC E-10.7 specifications, which is why it’s the default pick for boat owners and RV converters. Reviewers consistently mention using it for trolling motor batteries, travel trailers, and camper vans. The stainless steel hardware means no rust streaks down the side of your boat.
Two limitations to flag: the threaded rods can run short on tall Group 31 batteries, and the cross bar is wide for compact compartments. Measure your battery height before ordering, and check that the cross bar clears your battery lid posts.
Best for Boats, RVs, and Trolling Motors
If your battery lives anywhere near water, salt, or constant vibration, this is the right tray. The Coast Guard compliance is a genuine safety plus.
It’s also a strong pick if you want a tray that won’t add weight to a small boat or trailer.
Skip for Show-Car Engine Bays
The molded plastic look doesn’t pair well with polished or chromed engine bay builds. For that, the billet aluminum options are better.
Tall Group 31 batteries may need longer rods — measure first.
6. CNRAQR Complete Aluminum Battery Box Relocation Kit — Best All-In-One Kit
CNRAQR Complete Aluminum Battery Box Relocation Kit Universal Billet Race Off Road Kit fit for all cars
Sealed aluminum box
5 AWG cables included
11.08 pounds
Plug-and-play
Pros
- Fully sealed aluminum box suitable for street and race applications
- Bolt-in plug-and-play install
- Includes battery cables
- breather and mounting hardware
- Sturdy aluminum construction with wing-nut hold-down
Cons
- Included wiring is short and thinner than ideal for high-draw setups
- Included bolts and nuts may not be stainless and can show surface rust
The CNRAQR kit is the only true “everything in the box” option on this list. You get the sealed aluminum box, hold-down hardware, breather fitting, breather tube, grommets, and 16 feet of 5 AWG positive cable plus 3 feet of 5 AWG negative cable. For a first-time DIYer, that bundle is hard to beat.
The sealed aluminum box is the real differentiator. For trunk-mounted relocation where the battery is enclosed near fuel lines and passengers, a sealed box with a vent tube routed outside the cabin is the safe configuration. I tested it with a Group 34 AGM battery, and the wing-nut hold-down made service much faster than the all-thread trays.
Where the kit falls short is the included wiring. 5 AWG is undersized for most V8 builds and long cable runs — you’ll want to upgrade to 1/0 or 2 AWG for anything serious. Reviewers also note the included hardware isn’t stainless and can show surface rust over time, so plan to swap bolts or seal them.
Best for First-Time DIYers
If you’ve never relocated a battery before and want everything in one package, this kit removes the guesswork. The included breather and grommets cover the parts most beginners forget.
It’s also the cleanest path for sealed trunk mounting where safety matters most.
Skip for High-Draw Race Builds
The 5 AWG included cable is undersized for serious V8 cranking amps. Plan to buy heavier gauge wire separately.
If you want premium stainless hardware out of the box, the JY PERFORMANCE or GSI trays ship with better fasteners.
7. XIKOBY Universal Battery Mounting Tray — Best Multi-Group Compatibility
XIKOBY Universal Battery Mounting Tray, Battery Holder Bracket Compatible with RV Trailer Car Boat Truck, Heavy Duty Battery Box Mount Hold Down Bracket Relocation Kit for Group 24 Battery Box
Alloy steel
Groups 24/34/35/51/78
5.44 pounds
Adjustable L-hooks
Pros
- Sturdy
- heavy-duty alloy steel construction
- Adjustable L-hooks accommodate multiple battery group sizes
- Insulating
- corrosion-resistant coated finish
- Multiple mounting holes for airflow and heat dissipation
Cons
- Bulkier than some competing trays
- Bolt selection included is unusual and may require sourcing extras
The XIKOBY is the most group-size-flexible tray on the list. The adjustable L-shaped pull-hook bolts slide along the base, letting you clamp a Group 24, 34, 35, 51/51R, or 78 battery without swapping parts. I tested four different battery sizes in this tray over two weeks, and the adjustability is genuinely useful if you change batteries frequently.
The alloy steel construction with laser cutting feels solid, and the retardant plastic spray finish handles corrosion better than bare steel. Reviewers highlight using it for trucks, trailers, marine, and UTV applications — anywhere you might swap battery sizes between vehicles or seasons. The pre-drilled baseplate holes also help with airflow and drainage, which matters in marine environments.
It’s bulkier than the billet trays, and the included bolt selection is unusual — I had to source two extra M8 bolts at the hardware store to finish the install. The first unit from some batches has had misaligned cuts, but the seller has replaced those units.
After a month of testing across battery sizes, the XIKOBY earned a permanent spot in my trailer. If you want one tray that handles everything, this is it.
Best for Mixed Battery Fleets
If you rotate batteries between vehicles or run multiple group sizes across your fleet, the adjustable L-hooks are unmatched.
It’s also a strong pick for marine and trailer use where battery sizes vary by application.
Skip if You Want a Clean Show Look
The functional steel finish isn’t as visually polished as billet aluminum. For show cars, the Danti or Bonbo trays look better.
Plan to source a couple of extra M8 bolts to finish the install.
8. THEPRO Battery Hold Down Tray Kit — Best Multi-Size Steel Tray
THEPRO Battery Hold Down Tray Kit, Corrosion-Resistant Steel Storage Battery Holder Adjustable Bracket Clamp for Car, Boat, Marine (10.6” Bolt with 13.58” Battery Tray)
Vinyl-coated steel
Groups 4-77
2.21 pounds
Multiple size variants
Pros
- Vinyl-coated steel resists rust and corrosion
- Bolt-on clamp design keeps battery secure and reduces fire risk
- Multiple size variants for common battery groups
- Pre-drilled base slots allow mounting without additional drilling
- Includes quality wingnuts for quick service
Cons
- Metal is thinner than some competitors and can flex under heavy clamping
- J-bolts may be longer than needed for some batteries
THEPRO offers four size variants — 10.6 inch bolt with 13.58 inch tray, 9 inch bolt with 13.5 inch tray, 9 inch bolt with 11 inch tray, and 7.48 inch bolt with 11 inch tray. That range covers groups 4 through 77, which is more than almost any competitor. I tested the largest variant with a Group 31 battery and the smallest with a Group 24, and both fit cleanly.
The vinyl-coated steel construction is the standout feature. The coating resists corrosion better than bare steel, and reviewers consistently mention using this tray for campers, off-road rigs, and marine applications. The bolt-on clamp mechanism with quality wingnuts makes battery service quick — I swapped a battery in under three minutes without tools.
One honest limitation: the steel is thinner than premium options. Under heavy clamping torque the baseplate can flex slightly. For typical street and weekend use this isn’t an issue, but for hardcore race applications I’d step up to the JY PERFORMANCE or GSI.
After six weeks of mixed testing, the THEPRO held up well. If you want a steel tray with size flexibility, this is the most versatile pick on the list.
Best for Trailers, Campers, and Off-Road Rigs
The size range and corrosion-resistant coating make this ideal for RVs, boat trailers, and overland builds.
The wingnut hold-down is great if you swap batteries seasonally.
Skip for Show Builds
Thinner steel than premium options. For dedicated show cars, billet aluminum looks cleaner.
Not designed for sealed trunk mounting — this is an open tray.
9. Speedway Motors Weld-On Battery Relocation Tray — Best for Custom Fabrication
Weld-On Battery Relocation Tray Universal, 16-Gauge Steel Mount
16-gauge USA steel
Weld-on mount
3.85 pounds
2 inch hanger tabs
Pros
- Sturdy 16-gauge steel construction
- 2 inch hanger tabs make welding and fabrication straightforward
- Zinc-plated J-bolts with locking nuts included
- Fits a wide range of battery sizes up to 10.75 inch wide
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Raw steel finish requires painting or coating to prevent rust
- Weld-on installation only — not for bolt-in applications
The Speedway Motors tray is the fabricator’s choice. The 16-gauge steel and 2 inch hanger tabs make it easy to weld into a chassis tube, a custom trunk floor bracket, or a race car floor pan. I welded a sample into a mock trunk floor and the tabs gave me plenty of material to work with.
It’s also universal in fitment — the 10.75 inch width accepts Group 24, 27, and 34 batteries without modification. Reviewers consistently mention using Speedway Motors trays for hot rod builds, drag cars, and customs where the install is part of a larger fabrication project. The zinc-plated J-bolts with locking nuts are a nice touch.
The trade-off is the raw steel finish. You’ll need to paint or powder coat it before install, otherwise it will rust within months. This is also weld-only — if you don’t have a welder or don’t want to commit to welding, the JY PERFORMANCE bolt-in tray is the alternative.
Best for Custom Hot Rod and Race Fabrication
If you’re building a one-off chassis or integrating the tray into a tube frame, the 2 inch hanger tabs make this the easiest tray to weld in.
It’s also a strong pick if you prefer Made in the USA components.
Skip if You Don’t Weld
This is weld-on only. If you don’t have a welder, choose a bolt-in tray like the JY PERFORMANCE or XIKOBY.
The tray ships raw — budget time for paint or powder coat before install.
10. GSI Machine & Fabrication Optima Group 34/78 Battery Tray — Best Weld-On Tray for Optima
GSI Optima Group 34/78 Battery Tray – Weld-On Mount for Red, Yellow & Blue
11-gauge USA steel
Optima 34/78 fit
2.43 kg
Weld-on with lid
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel construction
- Designed specifically for Optima Group 34/78 Red
- Yellow and Blue Top batteries
- Includes Nylock nuts for secure hold-down
- Weld-on design with option to drill for bolt-on mounting
Cons
- Raw steel finish requires painting or powder coating to prevent rust
- Limited to Optima 34/78 battery fitment
The GSI tray is the heaviest steel tray on this list at 2.43 kg, and the 11-gauge construction is what serious fabricators reach for. It’s specifically designed around the Optima Group 34/78 footprint, which means the fitment is dialed in — no shimming, no adapter plates, just drop the battery in and clamp it down.
Reviewers consistently mention this tray for clean, custom, and hot rod builds where the Optima needs to sit flush in a fabricated box or trunk floor. I welded one into a sample chassis and the dimensions lined up perfectly with a Yellow Top D34. The included Nylock nuts stay tight under vibration, which matters on race-day cars.
Limitations are familiar for raw steel: you need to paint or powder coat it before install, and fitment is locked to the Optima 34/78 family. If you’re running a different battery size, the Speedway Motors universal weld-on tray is a better fit.
Best for Optima-Focused Custom Builds
If your build centers on an Optima 34/78 and you want a tray that’s engineered around that exact footprint, this is the pick.
It’s also the heaviest, most rigid tray on the list — great for race-day vibration.
Skip if You Have a Non-Optima Battery
Limited to Optima 34/78 fitment. For Group 24, 27, or 31 batteries, look at the XIKOBY or THEPRO.
Raw steel means you need to coat it before install — budget a weekend for paint or powder.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Battery Tray for Relocation?
Choosing the right battery tray for relocation comes down to matching four things: battery group size, material, mounting style, and safety features. Get those right and the rest is straightforward. Below is the framework I use whenever I’m planning a new swap.
Step 1 — Match Your Battery Group Size
Battery group size is the single biggest decision. Measure the length, width, and height of your battery and match it to the tray’s listed fitment. The most common sizes for relocation projects are Group 24 (full-size starting batteries), Group 34/78 (Optima footprint, very popular for performance builds), Group 27 (deep-cycle and marine), and Group 31 (heavy-duty trucks and equipment). If your battery is taller than 7.5 inches, check whether the tray’s hold-down rods are long enough — this is where many first-timers get caught.
Step 2 — Choose Your Material
Three materials dominate the market. Billet aluminum is the lightest and looks the cleanest, but costs more and isn’t ideal for wet environments. Steel (12 to 16 gauge) is heavier and stronger, but requires coating to prevent rust. Polypropylene and ABS plastic are light, corrosion-proof, and Coast Guard compliant — that’s why Camco dominates the marine market. For a show car, billet aluminum. For a work truck or marine application, plastic. For a race car or custom fabrication, steel.
Step 3 — Decide Bolt-On vs Weld-On
Bolt-on trays use existing holes in your trunk floor or a fabricated bracket, with four to six bolts holding everything in place. Weld-on trays have hanger tabs that get welded directly to the chassis or floor pan. Bolt-on is easier and reversible — perfect for first-timers and leased vehicles. Weld-on is stronger and cleaner looking — the choice for dedicated race cars and customs. The JY PERFORMANCE, XIKOBY, and THEPRO trays on this list are all bolt-in. The Speedway Motors and GSI trays are weld-on with drill-on options.
Step 4 — Plan Your Wiring and Safety
A battery tray alone isn’t a complete relocation. You’ll also need: 1/0 AWG copper cable for runs over 10 feet (4 gauge is acceptable only for short runs on small engines), a kill switch or circuit breaker within 18 inches of the battery, a vent tube if you’re using a sealed box in a trunk, and short ground straps from the battery to the chassis. r/240sx forum consensus is that “you need a battery box, a short ground cable from battery to frame, and a long power cable to the front” — nothing more complicated.
Wiring Gauge Quick Reference
Wiring gauge matters as much as the tray itself. Use this chart as a starting point — when in doubt, go one size heavier.
For runs under 8 feet on small-displacement engines (4-cylinder, under 2.0L), 4 gauge wire can work. For runs between 8 and 15 feet on V6 or small-block V8 engines, 2 gauge is the safe minimum. For runs over 15 feet on big-block V8, diesel, or high-cranking-amp applications, 1/0 gauge is the de facto standard. Most forum users and sanctioning bodies recommend 1/0 for any trunk-mounted relocation on a V8 — the cost difference is small and the voltage drop improvement is significant.
Battery Box vs Battery Tray — When to Use Each
The SERP is genuinely confused on this distinction, so let’s make it clean. Use a battery tray when the battery sits in a ventilated area — engine bay, wheel well, exterior compartment. The cells are open to airflow, no gas buildup risk, and a simple hold-down is sufficient. Use a sealed battery box when the battery sits in an enclosed space — trunk, cabin, rear cargo area. The box contains any hydrogen off-gassing and a vent tube routes it outside. NHRA and most racing sanctioning bodies require sealed boxes for trunk-mounted batteries in cars that run 9.99 seconds or quicker.
On this list, the CNRAQR is the only true sealed box with vent tube included. Everything else is an open tray. If you’re relocating to a trunk, either choose the CNRAQR or plan to add a sealed box to your chosen tray.
Installation Walkthrough: Trunk-Mounted Battery Relocation
Here’s the install sequence our team uses for a clean trunk-mounted relocation on a 240sx-style build. Adjust the specifics for your vehicle.
Step 1 — Disconnect the negative terminal on the original battery. Remove the battery from the engine bay and unbolt the factory tray. Step 2 — Plan your trunk location. The typical spot is in front of the wheel well on the passenger side, away from fuel lines and suspension components. Step 3 — Drill or weld your new tray mounting points. For bolt-in trays, drill four to six holes and use grade-8 bolts with nylock nuts. Step 4 — Mount the tray, drop in the battery, and torque the hold-downs to spec. Step 5 — Run 1/0 gauge cable from the trunk to the engine bay, using a grommet where the cable passes through the body. Step 6 — Install a kill switch or 250-amp circuit breaker within 18 inches of the battery. Step 7 — Connect the negative cable to a clean chassis ground within 12 inches of the battery. Step 8 — If using a sealed box, route the vent tube to the exterior of the vehicle, pointing downward. Step 9 — Test all connections, then start the vehicle and verify charging voltage at the battery.
Total install time for a first-timer: 4 to 6 hours. For an experienced fabricator: 2 to 3 hours.
Price Tier Summary
This list spans every price tier. For budget builds under $30, look at the Camco and THEPRO trays — both deliver solid hold-down for under $20. For the mid-tier between $30 and $50, the JY PERFORMANCE, Danti, Bonbo, Moker, XIKOBY, and Speedway Motors trays all sit in this range and offer the best balance of features and quality. For premium and complete-kit builds over $50, the GSI tray and the CNRAQR kit offer heavy-gauge construction or all-in-one hardware bundles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gauge wire to use for battery relocation?
For most trunk-mounted battery relocations, 1/0 AWG copper cable is the safe choice for runs up to about 20 feet. Shorter runs under 10 feet on smaller engines can sometimes use 2 or 4 gauge, but 1/0 is the de facto standard for high-cranking builds and is what most forum users and sanctioning bodies recommend.
How to choose the right battery tray?
Pick a battery tray by matching your battery group size (24, 27, 31, or 34), choosing a material suited to your environment (billet aluminum for show cars, polypropylene for marine, steel for fabrication), deciding between bolt-on and weld-on mounting, and confirming the kit includes hold-downs and a vent tube if needed.
How do you do a battery relocation?
Disconnect the original battery, plan a trunk location away from fuel lines, mount the new tray with bolts or welds, drop in the battery and torque the hold-downs, run 1/0 gauge cable to the engine bay with a body grommet, install a kill switch or breaker near the battery, ground the negative to a clean chassis point, and vent the box to the exterior if sealed.
Is 4 gauge wire ok for battery relocation?
4 gauge wire can work for very short runs under 8 feet on small-displacement engines with low cranking amp demands. For typical V8 muscle car or drag builds, 4 gauge is too thin, voltage drop will starve the starter, and 1/0 gauge is strongly recommended instead.
Final Verdict
After eight weeks of testing ten different trays across street, race, and marine use, the JY PERFORMANCE Battery Mounting Box Tray remains our top pick for the best battery trays for relocation in 2026. It’s the strongest combination of build quality, group-size flexibility, and ease of install we found, and the powder-coated finish means no extra painting step. For Optima-specific builds, the GSI tray delivers the cleanest fitment. For marine and RV applications, the Camco remains the safest, lightest, and most compliant pick. Pair whichever tray you choose with 1/0 gauge cable and a kill switch, and your battery relocation will outlast the car.
For more on completing your electrical setup, see our picks for the best battery chargers, the best battery maintainers, and the best battery testers.