I need to make a battery riser

[Exceller8]

I just purchased an optima battery for my 2008 Nissan titan. It came with a plastic riser to raise the battery to the correct height. The problem is the riser is cheap plastic and I can't secure the battery unless I modify the existing riser.

I would like to make a new riser and would like to know what the best materials I can safely use for this application.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[JJThrasher]

Wood works and is non conductive. If you use metal make sure it won't ever short the terminals.

 

[Exceller8]

Wood works and is non conductive. If you use metal make sure it won't ever short the terminals.

Thanks!

I wasn't sure about wood, so I thought I would ask you guys before I made a stupid mistake. I figured metal was out because my terminals have no extra room to move around and that would put them too close to a metal riser.

Any other options besides wood?

 

[CJM8515]

2x6 under the battery. Non conductive and cheap. Metal is nice but requires fab work usually.

 

[LXCam]

How thick does it need to be. I have a bunch of switchgear insulator material in both sheet and formed channels you're more then welcome to have.

 

[Strouty]

The military uses wood under the batteries on my 5 ton. I would just paint it black and call it good.

 

[scooz14]

do yourself a favor and return that optima. nothing but problems lately

 

[kd3pc]

wood, and I epoxy the whole thing when done, and that adds years to the life of the insert

 

[Capt Chrysler]

I like metal. Old wet acid batteries sat on a metal tray. Optima mounts for Street rods are metal.

Capt. Chrysler

PS: I dislike wood.

 

[Exceller8]

do yourself a favor and return that optima. nothing but problems lately

What issues are you finding? I did some research and the Optima's still got good reviews. I did read some old threads from 5 or 6 years ago where people were complaining about them.

I haven't measuerd the exact height needed but I would say 3 or 4 inches.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Optima batteries did have a short life span here a few years ago. I have had some go as long as 10 years. Then I had a Red top die in 2, Replaced it with a Napa NASCAR Gel (was told it's the same as a red top), it didn't make it a year. Back to a red top that went 6 years. I still run them in the wife's daily driver & and the street rod. This is the first winter I have ever pulled the battery (red top) out of it. We will see how it goes this week.

Capt. Chrysler

 

[paranoid56]

What issues are you finding? I did some research and the Optima's still got good reviews. I did read some old threads from 5 or 6 years ago where people were complaining about them.

I haven't measuerd the exact height needed but I would say 3 or 4 inches.

i have a bunch and never an issue. but i also dont let them sit dead either. all stay charged and still running strong.

 

[kkroger]

Just Order up a hunk of HDPE from McMaster or Enco or??? and cut it to fit...
Will look a LOT better than a 2x6 in there... and last longer... Or some Synthetic Wood Decking...

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

White cutting boards. Easy to cut with wood working tools, insulate nicely, aren't affected by solvents or battery acid. Makes a nice simple space under a battery.

I use them when making insulated terminal blocks for jump point on my utility vehicles.

 

[bonneyman]

I like metal. Old wet acid batteries sat on a metal tray. Optima mounts for Street rods are metal.

Capt. Chrysler

PS: I dislike wood.

Me too. If I walk too close to lumber splinters just seem to jump over to me!

 

[Exceller8]

Lots of great ideas guys, thanks!!