Lack of a drill bit?

That does sound a bit nuts to me.

 

Well, sure, I could certainly drill it. Just wondering if there is a reason not to. Like perhaps, it is designed to contain leaking battery acid if that were to happen. Just curious...

I know leaking batteries can cause severe damage to frames & unibodies if left long enough. We actually had a car (20 years ago) that was "totaled" for this reason. Specifically that it would not pass safety inspection due to structural corrosion, which was right under the battery.

 

I'm not suggesting actually drilling a hole in the box, but I admit that it's weird it holds water.

Then again, it's not likely to get water in it from outside the hood.

I didn't notice, is that box plastic or metal?

All my previous vans didn't have battery trays that could hold water. I've been lucky though, no rotted out battery trays or supports or collateral corrosion damage. Plenty of them had missing battery tie downs though.

 

Its a plastic tray.

 

Shouldn't need to have a drain, apparently. Your battery is waterproof and sits on top of the tray. There are some small holes, up high, per the Dorman replacement tray here: 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 3.6L V6 Battery Tray | RockAuto

More Information for DORMAN 00065

 

I drilled a couple holes in it when I replaced the battery a while back.

 

Moisture in the tray should evaporate off with the engine bay heat. Putting in a drain hole, without directing the flow with a hose, may not be a good thing.

 

Moisture in the tray should evaporate off with the engine bay heat. Putting in a drain hole, without directing the flow with a hose, may not be a good thing.

Why not?

 

I'd say, leave the water, pull the battery.

Instant Barbie swimming pool.

I'd just take the tray out and dump out the water. I wouldn't leave the tray full of water for fear of the water freezing and cracking the tray, depending on where you live.

 

I honestly can't say the last time I had a 12 volt battery leak. Not in my lawn mowers, my generator, my six vehicles, and eight power chairs. I don't think I've ever had one of these batteries leak, not in forty-three years.

 

Exactly, that's my point.

Last battery that leaked on me, was because the glass inside broke allowing fluid to leak through the wood case.

 

Did you recently drive trough a big puddle? I have never seen a tray with a drain. If it has fluid in it, you want to check is it just water or is it acid? Although it is rare,cases do crack, usually because of overcharging.

 

A battery tray, with a drain, usually has a hose to direct the flow to somewhere. I guess the Manufacturer didn't think a battery tray drain was better than without it, i.e. containment, if necessary, rules.

 

A battery tray, with a drain, usually has a hose to direct the flow to somewhere. I guess the Manufacturer didn't think a battery drain was better than without it, i.e. containment, if necessary, rules.

Batteries doesn't have a glass liner to break inside anymore.

 

Actually, if water does get in there, three holes near the top look like drains.(Dorrman Version).

Battery trays for the 2008 - 2010 were different designs than for say the 2013.