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A spare battery in the locker promises longer nights off the grid, and the single vs dual battery tray choice decides whether each battery rides in its own tray or shares a wider tray with another battery. A single tray holds a battery in place with a strap or a hold-down, while a dual tray carries batteries side by side for a bank that runs longer. This guide compares the layouts and looks at the single trays in this guide, from a strap tray with a quick-release buckle to a hold-down tray with rods and a cross bar.
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The quick answer
A single battery tray holds a single battery, and a dual battery tray holds a pair of batteries in one wider tray. Pick a single tray when a single battery runs the setup, and pick a dual tray when the bank needs a second battery and the locker has room for the wider footprint. The 4 trays in this guide are all single trays, so measure the battery group and the mounting space, then match the tray to the battery that goes in it.
Single vs dual battery tray gear
Every tray below is a single tray, ranked from the most complete hold-down to the plainest strap tray, so the order shows which listing states the most about fit, hardware and cover.
Camco Camper/RV Standard Battery Hold-Down Tray
The Camco tray holds group 24/24M automotive batteries and fits batteries up to 11 1/8 inches long, 6 ¾ inches wide and 8 inches high, with overall dimensions of 11 9/16 inches long, 8 ½ inches wide and 9 5/8 inches high. The box holds 1 tray, 2 rods, 1 cross bar and 1 knob, and the tray is heavy-duty, acid-resistant plastic with stainless steel hardware. The listing states the tray meets U.S. Coast Guard CFR 183.420 and ABYC E-10.7 specifications, and lists a Limited 1 Year warranty. The spec table lists 16.0 by 10.0 by 1.38 inches, which does not match the overall dimensions in the bullets, so the bullets are the figures to trust.
Dorman 00085 Passenger Side Battery Tray
The Dorman tray is a direct replacement passenger side battery tray for select Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models, made to match the fit and function of the original equipment part. The listing states quality materials that prevent damage caused by a loose battery, and says the part has undergone vehicle fitment and dimensional checks. The spec table lists 9.65 by 15.35 by 4.92 inches and 1.42 pounds, with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Fit depends on the exact vehicle, so the maker says to input the make, model and trim level into the garage tool before ordering.
NSBGPSD Group 27 Battery Tray
The NSBGPSD tray is a group 27 battery tray for automotive, marine, boat and RV use, made from high-strength plastic with a strong quick-release buckle and adjustable buckles that hold the battery firmly in place. It fits 27 series batteries up to 7 inches by 12.5 inches and installs with the provided hardware, including 4 screws. The listing states the tray holds the battery through rough seas or bumpy roads and claims a significantly extended service life. The warranty description lists 1 with no unit, so no usable warranty term is stated.
GGTE Group 27 Battery Tray
The GGTE tray is a group 27 battery tray for automotive, marine, boat and RV use, made from high-strength plastic with a strong quick-release buckle and adjustable buckles. It fits 27 series batteries up to 7 inches by 12.5 inches and installs with the provided hardware. The listing mirrors the NSBGPSD tray on size, material and buckle design, and differs mainly in the after-sale service note rather than the hardware list. The warranty description lists 1 with no unit, so no usable warranty term is stated.
How to choose the best single vs dual battery tray
Count the batteries
A single tray takes a single battery, and a dual layout takes a pair, so start from the bank. The group 27 trays in this guide take 27 series batteries up to 7 inches by 12.5 inches, while the Camco tray takes group 24/24M batteries up to 11 1/8 inches long, 6 ¾ inches wide and 8 inches high. Match the tray to the battery group first, then check the locker for room. See the RV battery vs marine battery guide for which battery type suits each setup.
Measure the battery and the space
Tray dimensions state the battery they fit, not the space they need. The Camco tray fits batteries up to 11 1/8 inches long, 6 ¾ inches wide and 8 inches high, and its overall size runs 11 9/16 inches long, 8 ½ inches wide and 9 5/8 inches high. The group 27 trays fit batteries up to 7 inches by 12.5 inches. Measure the locker floor as well as the battery, since a dual layout needs space for a pair of batteries and their hold-downs.
Check the hold-down and the warranty
A strap or a rod hold-down keeps the battery from shifting on rough roads or rough seas. The group 27 trays use a quick-release buckle with adjustable buckles, while the Camco tray uses 2 rods, 1 cross bar and 1 knob. The Dorman tray states a Limited Lifetime Warranty and the Camco tray states a Limited 1 Year warranty, while the two group 27 trays list a warranty description of 1 with no unit. See the single vs dual battery isolators guide for the charging side of a two-battery bank.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What battery group fits a group 27 tray?
Group 27 trays fit 27 series batteries up to 7 inches by 12.5 inches. Both group 27 trays in this guide state that size, with a quick-release buckle and adjustable buckles to hold the battery in place.
What does the Camco tray hold?
The Camco tray holds group 24/24M automotive batteries up to 11 1/8 inches long, 6 ¾ inches wide and 8 inches high. The box holds 1 tray, 2 rods, 1 cross bar and 1 knob.
Can a single tray hold a pair of batteries?
No. Each tray in this guide holds a single battery, so a bank with a pair of batteries needs a second tray and its own hold-down. Measure the locker for room before adding the second tray.
What holds the battery in place on rough roads or rough seas?
The group 27 trays use a strong quick-release buckle with adjustable buckles, and the Camco tray uses 2 rods, 1 cross bar and 1 knob. The Camco tray also states it meets U.S. Coast Guard CFR 183.420 and ABYC E-10.7 specifications.
Which tray states a lifetime warranty?
The Dorman tray states a Limited Lifetime Warranty, while the Camco tray states a Limited 1 Year warranty. The two group 27 trays list a warranty description of 1 with no unit, so no usable warranty term is stated.
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