Forum Discussion

jerseyjim's avatar
jerseyjim
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014

Plastic battery tray has holes...how to fix?

2001 Dolphin. 3 batteries...1 12V, 2 6v. Just installed new batteries yesterday. The plastic battery (non-removable) tray is located under the inside entrance steps.
I noticed at the corners of where both 6 volt batteries are, 2 holes are visable (at the 90 degree bend). Maybe stress...maybe the batteries moving back and forth....anyway, while not being "really" dangerous now, what is the best way to fix these holes?
A fiberglass patch kit...or, mount, say a measured sheet of 10 gauge aluminum and bolt to the frame wherever I can, or...replace the thing. I can't find anything on the net....maybe someone knows a site that has it....
Or is it (because of the age and NationalRV is out of business)it's a case of "do whatever you can" scenario?

If anyone has done this repair/replace, any description of the result and pics appreciated!
Class A
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jun 17, 2014
    2001. National motorhomes had problems years down the line from new from the fiberglass entry door battery compartments breaking loose. DO NOT just patch. Either get the compartment re fiberglassed with additional supports or make and install metal bandings or angles under the fiberglass to support and keep the rest of the compartment from breaking loose. The weight of the batteries WILL cause the compartment to break and fail with the batteries dropping to the ground. Out of warranty, before National went out of business, they had a re-engineered fiberglass box with extra supports to replace the bad existing boxes. National never warrantied the original failures as it took more than 3 or 4 years before they broke loose. Doug
  • frmAloha's avatar
    frmAloha
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2014
    Had/have the same problem with my Surf Side which is also a National rig with the batteries under the steps. My dealer patched the cracks and placed a metal strap underneath the compartment. The patch isn't holding up as well as I'd like, but the strap is holding strong.
  • msgross's avatar
    msgross
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2014
    epoxy or JB weld, unless the holes were supposed to be there.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2014
    I would have to see the holes.. Might be best to leave them.. Logic:
    If the batteries should leak any acid mix onto the tray.. Path to ground where it will dissipate harmlessly (in the quanity you have there) as opposed to making a mess of things.

    Every time I have installed a plastic battery box, it had a hole in the bottom... I put it there with my drill.. WHy, See above.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2014
    Not seeing what you have but you could cut another piece of flat PVC material and just glue it over the original plastic perhaps

    Then re-drill holes where needed for draining etc...

    Roy Ken
  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2014
    I would stick to the fiberglass repair. Battery acid will corrode any metal and vapor from charging will cause corrosion. You do want some small holes for water to drain. I am going to AGM batteries to eliminate future corrosion.

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