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The short answer on group 24 vs group 31 rv battery: group 31 batteries are bigger and need a bigger tray. The two listings here are the trays that hold each group: the NOCO BT31S for group 31 and a generic tray for group 24. We compared them on what each listing states: size, material, strap and mounting. The NOCO wins on stated strength and certifications; the group 24 tray is the simpler pick. A battery bouncing loose in a compartment is a hazard, so the tray matters more than most buyers think.
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Group 24 vs Group 31: side by side
| Tray | Solar Score | Fits | Material | Strap | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO BT31S Tray | 9.6/10 | Group 31 | Heavy-duty plastic | 42 in, 120 kg | Not stated |
| Group 24 Battery Tray | 9.4/10 | Group 24 | Polypropylene | Safety strap | 8 points |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Size and fit
The group 24 tray accommodates 24 series batteries up to 7 by 11 inches. The NOCO BT31S is built for group 31 batteries, which run larger than group 24. Size is the whole point of the group system: buy the tray that matches your battery group, not the one that looks sturdier. A group 31 battery will not sit in a group 24 tray, and a group 24 battery rattles in a group 31 tray.
Material and strength
The group 24 tray is high impact polypropylene plastic. The NOCO BT31S is heavy-duty plastic rated impact-resistant down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and it withstands acid, gas, oil and other contaminants with immunity to UV exposure. The NOCO also states a 42-inch hold-down strap with nylon resistant webbing that withstands a tensile load of over 120 kilograms of force. The group 24 tray states a safety strap and buckle but no load figure. In an RV that sees winter roads and battery acid, the stated ratings on the NOCO are not decoration.
Mounting
The group 24 tray states 8 mounting points, 4 per long length, with its included battery strap. The NOCO listing states no mounting point count, focusing instead on the strap and the tray’s rugged build. If your compartment needs bolt-down points, the group 24 listing is the only one that states them. Eight points spread the load; fewer points concentrate it.
Certifications
The NOCO BT31S meets United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations 183.420. The group 24 tray states no certification. For marine use, a stated certification is worth more than any marketing claim. The Coast Guard standard covers battery installation on boats, which is exactly where a loose battery does the most damage.
What the listings leave unclear
The group 24 tray states no temperature rating, no chemical resistance and no certification. The NOCO states no mounting point count and no tray dimensions. Neither states a warranty term. Compare on the stated figures only.
Why the tray matters
A battery tray does three jobs: it holds the battery still, it contains spills, and it gives the hold-down strap something to pull against. The group 24 tray does this with 8 mounting points and a safety strap and buckle. The NOCO BT31S does it with a 42-inch strap rated over 120 kilograms and a tray that resists acid and oil. Both listings describe the tray as keeping the battery securely mounted and limiting battery movement. That is the whole job, and both state how they do it.
Two examples
NOCO BT31S Tray
Heavy-duty group 31 battery tray with 42-inch strap and USCG certification.
Pros
- 42-inch strap, 120 kg tensile load.
- Minus 20 degree impact resistance.
- Acid, gas, oil and UV resistant.
- Meets USCG 183.420.
Cons
- Group 31 only; not for group 24.
- No mounting point count stated.
- No tray dimensions stated.
- No warranty term is stated.
Detailed Review
The NOCO BT31S listing describes a rugged group 31 battery tray for marine, RV, camper and trailer batteries, with a heavy-duty 42-inch hold-down strap in nylon resistant webbing rated over 120 kilograms of tensile force. The tray is impact-resistant down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, withstands acid, gas, oil and other contaminants, is immune to UV exposure, and meets United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations 183.420.
Who it's for: a buyer with group 31 batteries who wants stated strength and certification. Who should skip it: anyone with group 24 batteries.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 25/25, value 22/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 75 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | Group 31 |
|---|---|
| Strap | 42 in, 120 kg |
| Rating | -20F |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No battery management system, protection or listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Battery safety. Charge with a charger and settings that match the stated chemistry, fuse the positive lead as the manual directs, cover terminals, keep within the stated temperature range, and never charge a damaged battery.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Group 24 Battery Tray
Polypropylene group 24 battery tray with 8 mounting points and strap.
Pros
- Fits 24 series up to 7 by 11 in.
- High impact polypropylene.
- 8 mounting points stated.
- Safety strap and buckle included.
Cons
- No temperature rating stated.
- No chemical resistance stated.
- No certification stated.
- No warranty term is stated.
Detailed Review
The group 24 tray listing describes an extreme-duty battery tray for automotive, marine and RV batteries, built from high impact heavy polypropylene plastic. It keeps the battery securely mounted with its included battery strap, accommodates 24 series batteries up to 7 by 11 inches, and includes a safety strap and buckle with 8 mounting points, 4 per long length.
Who it's for: a buyer with group 24 batteries who wants stated bolt-down mounting. Who should skip it: anyone with group 31 batteries or marine certification needs.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 67 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | Group 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 7x11 in |
| Mounts | 8 points |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No battery management system, protection or listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Battery safety. Charge with a charger and settings that match the stated chemistry, fuse the positive lead as the manual directs, cover terminals, keep within the stated temperature range, and never charge a damaged battery.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we scored them
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. The NOCO scores on stated strap strength, temperature rating, chemical resistance and the USCG certification. The group 24 tray scores on stated mounting points and simple polypropylene build. Neither states a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO BT31S Tray | 9.6 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Group 24 Battery Tray | 9.4 | 26 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Group 24 vs Group 31 RV battery: which should you choose?
Choose the tray that matches your battery group. For group 31 batteries, the NOCO BT31S suits marine and RV use with its stated strap strength, minus 20 degree rating and USCG certification. For group 24 batteries, the generic tray suits simple mounting with its 8 stated mounting points and included strap and buckle. If your install needs bolt-down points, the group 24 listing is the only one that states them. Never force a battery into the wrong group tray.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Group 31 batteries | NOCO BT31S Tray |
| Group 24 batteries | Group 24 Battery Tray |
| Stated certifications | NOCO BT31S, USCG 183.420 |
| Bolt-down mounting points | Group 24 Battery Tray, 8 points |
Sizing Notes
- Match the tray to your battery group: group 24 batteries go in the group 24 tray, group 31 in the NOCO BT31S.
- The group 24 tray fits batteries up to 7 by 11 inches; measure before buying.
- Use all 8 mounting points on the group 24 tray for a secure mount.
- For marine installs, the NOCO’s USCG 183.420 compliance is the stated safe choice.
- Keep the battery terminals covered; a tray is not a substitute for terminal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between group 24 and group 31 batteries?
Group 31 batteries are larger than group 24. The group 24 tray fits batteries up to 7 by 11 inches; the NOCO BT31S is built for the larger group 31 size.
Which tray is stronger?
The NOCO BT31S states a 42-inch strap rated over 120 kilograms of tensile force, minus 20 degree impact resistance, and acid, gas, oil and UV resistance. The group 24 tray states high impact polypropylene without load figures.
Which tray has mounting points?
The group 24 tray states 8 mounting points, 4 per long length. The NOCO listing states no mounting point count.
Which is certified for marine use?
The NOCO BT31S meets USCG Code of Federal Regulations 183.420. The group 24 tray states no certification.
Can I use the group 24 tray for a group 31 battery?
No. The group 24 tray fits batteries up to 7 by 11 inches, and group 31 batteries are larger. Buy the NOCO BT31S for group 31.
Do these trays include straps?
Yes. The group 24 tray includes a safety strap and buckle; the NOCO includes a 42-inch hold-down strap.
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