Building a new battery rack.

TGJR

I'm currently doing a frame up hunting cart build and the battery rack that came with the cart has seen better days due to poor battery maintenance. With the new rack I'd like to give the bottom of the batteries some protection from the elements. Years ago I vaguely remember hearing something about metal battery trays not being as ideal as plastic ones. Should I be looking to use some sort of hard plastic underneath the batteries or will sheet metal be fine?

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

SHRINER

Your rack itself will give your batteries support, so all you are doing is protecting the bottom of your batteries. use whatever battery acid, which is your controlling factor, will not eat up.

GreshamCA

I just built mine from 1/8X1 1/2x1 1/2 aluminum.I can stand on it and I weigh 280 lbs and it doesn't flex a bit.

TGJR

I don't have access to a TIG welder, just MIG.

GreshamCA

I dont weld. Screwed together with 1/4-20X3/4 stainless screws that I countersunk so the heads are flush. SWIMBO has threatened me with the D word if I try welding again.

SHRINER

TGJR, are you talking about making a new battery box, or just putting something under the batteries to protect the bottoms?

TGJR

I have to make a new battery box so I figured I would go ahead and incorporate (weld if necessary) a bottom to the rack to give the batteries some protection from the woods and trails the cart will see.

rabbitreborn

Th problem with using a sheet of anything is that it will trap acid and runoff water..... and if you use expanded metal, you lose the majority of the protection you are hoping to gain......

BTW, I weld aluminum all the time using my Mig......

TGJR

I have some pretty rigid expanded metal (the kind that has the overlapping design). It should offer the protection I'm looking for while still allowing it to vent and drain.

Mikecatdaddy

You can buy a new EZ GO original rack for 90 - 115 $. I was also able to get what they called a TXT frame saver. It's a formed plastic section, sort of corrugated that fits over the frame but has holes to allow it to drain. It has places where the j bolts come up through it and I think it will work out well.