You’re swapping in a fresh Optima Yellow Top, relocating the battery to a clean trunk-mounted position, or chasing better weight distribution in a weekend build. Either way, the factory tray almost never fits the taller Group 34 footprint, so a purpose-built mount becomes the unsung hero of the project. The ten trays below cover the spread from American-machined aerospace-grade kits to budget bolt-in steel boxes, all aimed at that familiar 34/78 footprint.
The Choices Worth Comparing
ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181 (Red/Yellow/Blue)
Pilida Battery Tray for Optima Blue/Red/Yellow
Pilida Billet Aluminum Battery Tray
ICT Billet Optima Battery Tray 551183
Yoursme Universal Battery Tray Hold Down
Dexonu Universal Billet Battery Tray
WnSEu Aluminum Battery Bracket Box
Steel DIY Battery Mounting Box Tray
PQY Universal Battery Tray Relocation Kit
Flashpower 6061-T6 Optima Battery Mount
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
Machined in the United States from aerospace-grade billet aluminum, the ICT Billet 551181 lands at the top of the food chain for trunk relocations and clean engine bay conversions. Compared to the imported options further down the list, the finishing and tolerancing tend to be noticeably tighter, which matters when you’re anchoring a $300 Yellow Top with three-stage mounting hardware.
The base plate and hold-down clamp combo accepts Red Top 34, 34/78, Yellow Top D34, D34/78, and Blue Top 34M, D34M cells, with a generous internal pocket that handles batteries up to roughly 10.5 inches long, 6.95 inches wide, and 6.7 inches tall. For taller units, the kit includes thread sleeves so longer all-thread can be swapped in.
Useful Touches
- Aerospace-grade billet aluminum resists corrosion in trunk and engine bay environments.
- Heavy-duty 3/8″ hardware holds the battery steady through hard launches and rough roads.
- Spacer sleeves support taller batteries without forcing a custom fabrication job.
- Color options let you match Red, Yellow, or Blue Top styling in a show-quality install.
Honest Caveats
- Does not fit the Red Top 34R reverse-terminal layout, so check your posts before ordering.
- Premium machining comes at a noticeably higher price than the generic imports.
Made For
Enthusiasts building a show-quality trunk relocation or a clean engine bay swap who want American-machined tolerancing and a finish that holds up under the hood.
Consider Something Else When
Budget-focused daily drivers should look at the Dexonu Universal Billet Battery Tray, which delivers similar coverage at a noticeably lower cost.
The Pilida tray stretches the Group 34 envelope a step further than the ICT kits by including extra nuts that bump the supported height to roughly 7.8 inches. That added headroom turns out to be a quiet superpower for marine and RV owners running slightly taller Odyssey or full-size Yellow Top equivalents.
The 8.5 by 11.25 inch outer footprint accommodates most car, truck, marine, camper, and trailer batteries that fit within a 10.5 by 6.95 by 6.7 inch window. Aluminum construction keeps weight down while resisting the rust that plagues cheap steel trays.
What Earns Its Place
- Adjustable height via included nuts supports taller deep-cycle batteries.
- Aluminum build keeps the tray light enough for trunk-mounted weight savings.
- Works across marine, RV, camper, and trailer applications without a separate mount.
Trade Offs
- Imports can show rougher edges that may need a quick deburr before install.
- No threaded sleeves for batteries over the standard height range.
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Boat, RV, and camper owners who need a versatile Group 34 tray with enough height adjustment for taller deep-cycle batteries.
Look Elsewhere When
Show-car builders wanting tighter machining should pick the ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181 instead.
The Pilida Billet tray earns its design seat with a recessed pocket pattern that hugs the Optima case like a glove, rather than relying on a flat plate that lets the cell shift. The aesthetic reads more like a custom fab piece than a budget import.
The fit list mirrors the ICT kits: Blue Top 34M and D34M, Red Top 34 and 34/78, plus Yellow Top D34 and D34/78. The notable omissions are the Red Top 34R and Group 75 D75, so make sure those don’t describe your setup before clicking through.
Positive Points
- Recessed pocket cradles the battery for cleaner visual presentation.
- High-performance billet aluminum resists corrosion and wear.
- Anodized finish holds up under hood heat and trunk humidity.
Where It May Fall Short
- Does not fit Red Top 34R reverse-post batteries.
- Does not accommodate the D75 Group 75 footprint.
Right Fit For
Street and show builders who want a recessed-pocket tray that visually hugs the battery without a gap.
Swap It Out When
Anyone running a 34R or D75 should step up to the more flexible Yoursme Universal Battery Tray Hold Down.
Where the 551181 focuses on color-matching show finishes, the 551183 leans into brute strength. The base plates are noticeably heavier, and the included hardware feels closer to a race-grade fastener kit than a generic bolt pack.
Outside dimensions land at 11.2 by 7.9 inches, which fits most Optima Group 34/78 layouts cleanly. Compatibility covers Red Top 34 and 34/78, Yellow Top D34 and D34/78, plus Blue Top 34M and D34M. Notably, it does not fit the Red Top 34R.
Why It Works Well
- Reinforced base plates and hold-down clamps resist flex under hard cornering.
- Made in America from aerospace-grade billet aluminum.
- Heavy-duty included fasteners reduce the need for a separate hardware run.
Practical Considerations
- Heavier than the budget imports, which matters in weight-sensitive builds.
- Color-matched versions are absent, so plan around raw aluminum if aesthetics matter.
Spec Overview
Who Will Love This
Vibration-heavy race and rally builds that need a rigid tray with premium American machining to anchor a high-output Optima.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Show-car builders who want color-matched trays should consider the ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181.
Yoursme targets shops and enthusiasts juggling more than one battery type in the same garage. Coverage spans Red Top 34, 34R, and 34/78, plus the Yellow Top D34, D34/78, and Blue Top 34M and D34M families, which keeps the kit flexible when projects rotate through different Optima cells.
The billet aluminum base carries sturdy 3/8″ hardware that mirrors the more expensive American kits. For a multi-car household with mixed Optima inventory, that flexibility can save a separate mount purchase down the road.
Everyday Wins
- Wide compatibility across Red, Yellow, and Blue Top Optima families.
- Billet aluminum build stays corrosion-resistant in humid garage environments.
- 3/8″ hardware holds up to repeated battery swaps.
Where It Is Less Suited
- Finishing consistency can vary between production runs.
- No premium color-matched options for show applications.
Built With In Mind
Multi-battery households or shops rotating between different Optima groups who want one tray that handles them all.
Another Choice May Suit
Pure show builds should pair the color-matched ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181 with their Red, Yellow, or Blue Top styling.
The Dexonu tray slots into the middle of the pack by getting the basics right without overreaching. Its 8.5 by 11.25 inch frame mirrors the Pilida dimensions, supporting batteries up to 10.5 by 6.95 by 6.7 inches with included hardware.
Optima coverage mirrors the popular formats: Red Top 34, 34R, 34/78, Yellow Top D34 and D34/78, plus Blue Top 34M and D34M. For a daily-driver battery swap on a budget, the fit-and-finish balance lands where most owners actually need it.
Benefits That Matter
- Standardized dimensions match common Group 34/78 batteries without modification.
- Billet aluminum cuts weight compared to steel boxes.
- Compatible across Optima Red, Yellow, and Blue Top families.
Possible Compromises
- Not specifically branded for a single Optima group, so fit can feel generic.
- Hardware quality is functional rather than premium.
Perfect Match For
Daily-driver owners handling a straightforward Group 34/78 swap who want a clean aluminum tray without the show-grade markup.
Not Your Match When
American-machining loyalists should reach for the ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181 instead.
The WnSEu bracket earns its thoughtful-design seat by addressing the single most common failure point on budget battery trays: corrosion at the hold-down threads. The anodized black finish stands up to road salt, humidity, and the occasional spilled coolant better than raw aluminum, which matters for daily-driven cars in wet climates.
Coverage mirrors the standard 34/78 line-up: Red Top 34 and 34/78, Yellow Top D34 and D34/78, plus Blue Top 34M and D34M. The 34R reverse-post layout is excluded, so verify your terminal position before committing.
Real-World Strengths
- Anodized black finish protects against corrosion in humid or salty climates.
- Lightweight aluminum reduces strain on trunk-mounted brackets.
- Covers the most common Optima Group 34/78 variants in one tray.
Soft Spots
- Excludes Red Top 34R reverse-post batteries from the fitment list.
- Anodized black shows scratches more visibly than raw or color-matched aluminum.
The Numbers That Matter
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Daily-driven cars in coastal or winter-salt regions where corrosion resistance outweighs color-matching concerns.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Show builders wanting color-matched finishes should look at the ICT Billet Universal Battery Tray 551181.
The Steel DIY tray breaks from the aluminum pack on purpose. Where the billet kits aim for weight savings, this all-steel box aims for brute load capacity, which matters when you’re strapping down a heavier absorbed glass mat or commercial battery in an off-grid solar rig.
Multiple round holes punched through the base promote airflow and water drainage, helping the cell breathe and reducing moisture buildup. With up to a 10.63 by 7.06 by 7.5 inch internal cavity, the tray accommodates larger batteries than the standard Optima-focused mounts.
Key Advantages
- All-steel construction handles heavier batteries without flexing.
- Vent holes support airflow and drainage for longer battery life.
- Easy bolt-in design suits DIY shop and off-grid projects.
- Anti-corrosion coating targets rust prevention over the long haul.
Less-Strong Areas
- Heavier than aluminum trays, which matters for trunk weight distribution.
- Steel-on-battery contact can transmit more vibration than cushioned mounts.
Who Should Grab It
Off-grid solar, shop, and garage builds that need a heavy-duty steel mount with a generous internal cavity.
Skip It When
Street-build enthusiasts chasing weight savings should choose the WnSEu Aluminum Battery Bracket Box instead.
PQY’s Universal Relocation Kit covers the standard Optima spread: Red Top 34 and 34/78, Yellow Top D34 and D34/78, plus Blue Top 34M and D34M. The billet aluminum body promises strength and corrosion resistance, with a fitment envelope that accommodates standard Group 34 cells.
For most weekend projects, this kit handles the install without drama. The honest read is that it lacks the premium finishing of the American-machined ICT trays, but the underlying fit is solid where it counts.
A Few Strong Suits
- Billet aluminum resists corrosion for trunk and engine bay use.
- Covers the main Optima 34/78 family in a single kit.
- Sturdy build keeps the cell stable under acceleration and cornering loads.
Things To Weigh
- Finishing detail is functional rather than show-grade.
- Hardware quality is mid-pack compared to the American kits.
Feature Snapshot
The Right Fit
Replacement and upgrade fits where the standard Group 34 layout needs a clean billet mount without show-grade finishing.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Racers wanting reinforced hold-downs should upgrade to the ICT Billet Optima Battery Tray 551183.
The Flashpower mount closes the list as a specialty pick for owners running Red or Yellow Top 34/78 cells exclusively. It’s built from 6061-T6 aluminum (a marine-grade alloy known for high strength-to-weight), and it offers two finish options for matching different aesthetic goals.
The narrower fitment profile means anyone running a Blue Top or a non-34/78 Optima should look elsewhere, but for the right configuration, the alloy quality punches above its price point.
Bright Spots
- 6061-T6 alloy delivers strong structural rigidity at low weight.
- Two finish options support different styling preferences.
- Focused Red or Yellow Top fit simplifies the install process.
Worth Noting
- Excludes Blue Top 34M and D34M from the supported list.
- Narrower fitment profile means it isn’t a true universal solution.
Key Product Details
Perfect Match For
Owners running strictly Red or Yellow Top 34/78 Optima batteries who want a lightweight 6061-T6 mount with finish choices.
Not Your Match When
Blue Top owners should choose the WnSEu Aluminum Battery Bracket Box, which explicitly includes Blue Top support.
Picking The Right Tray For Your Build
The Group 34 footprint is shorthand for Optima’s tall, narrow spiral-cell battery family, but the right tray depends on the cell you’re actually mounting. Yellow Top D34 and D34/78 typically fit the deepest pockets because of their deep-cycle construction, while Blue Top 34M and D34M usually measure slightly taller than Red Top 34 and 34/78 cells.
Material Choices That Matter Most
Billet aluminum dominates this list because it resists corrosion and keeps weight low, both critical in trunk relocations where every pound affects handling. The Steel DIY tray stands apart by prioritizing load capacity for heavier absorbed glass mat or commercial batteries. For most street and weekend builds, aluminum is the right default.
Fitment And Compatibility
Measure twice, order once. The internal pocket dimensions of roughly 10.5 inches long, 6.95 inches wide, and 6.7 inches tall accommodate most Optima 34/78 cells, but the Pilida battery tray offers riser nuts that extend the height to about 7.8 inches for taller deep-cycle replacements. Reverse-post Red Top 34R owners should verify fitment explicitly, since most trays exclude that layout.
Installation And Hardware
Heavy-duty 3/8″ hardware is the standard across most kits, which matches common workshop bolts and simplifies replacements. The ICT Billet trays ship with thread sleeves for taller batteries, while the import kits typically rely on included nuts. Plan on basic hand tools and a torque wrench for clean installs.
When To Spend More
Premium machined kits like the ICT Billet 551181 and 551183 justify the higher cost through tighter tolerances, color-matched finishes, and American machining. For show cars and high-vibration race builds, that premium translates to fewer rattles and cleaner presentations over years of service.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The most common slip-up is assuming all Group 34 Optima batteries share the same dimensions. Red Top 34R reverse-post cells, Blue Top 34M and D34M deep-cycle units, and D75 Group 75 variants each have specific fitment exclusions listed in the source data. Confirm your battery’s group code on the case label before ordering.
A second pitfall involves terminal orientation. Even when a tray accepts the footprint, reverse-post batteries can leave terminals facing the wrong direction for clean cable routing. Always check the post position against the tray design before mounting.
The Upgrade Payoff
Higher-tier billet trays cost more because they’re machined to tighter tolerances, finished in show-grade colors, and built in America with aerospace-grade alloys. For trunk relocations where vibration and temperature swings are constant, that premium translates to years of clean service without rattles or corrosion. Weekend-only garage builds rarely need that level of refinement, but daily-driven cars and show vehicles benefit immediately from the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What batteries fit a Group 34/78 tray?
Group 34/78 trays fit Optima Red Top 34, 34/78, Yellow Top D34, D34/78, and Blue Top 34M, D34M. Most trays exclude the Red Top 34R reverse-post layout, so verify terminal orientation before mounting.
Can I mount a Group 34 battery in a trunk relocation?
Yes, Group 34 cells are popular for trunk relocations because their tall, narrow footprint fits inside a sealed billet tray while freeing up engine bay space. Always use a vented setup if your battery is in an enclosed cabin.
Do billet aluminum trays corrode over time?
Billet aluminum resists corrosion far better than steel, especially in humid or salty environments. Anodized finishes like the WnSEu tray offer an extra layer of protection for daily-driven cars in coastal or winter-salt regions.
How much weight can a battery tray support?
Most billet aluminum trays handle the 38 to 50 pound weight of a Group 34 Optima comfortably. The Steel DIY tray supports heavier absorbed glass mat or commercial batteries that exceed standard Optima weights.
Is hardware included with these trays?
Yes, every tray on this list ships with the mounting hardware needed for installation. Most kits include 3/8″ bolts and thread sleeves, though taller batteries may require longer all-thread for proper clamping.
Closing Remarks
The right tray depends less on brand hype and more on the specific Optima cell in your hand, the environment it lives in, and the build you’re chasing. For show cars and race builds, the American-machined ICT Billet kits justify their premium. For daily drivers and weekend projects, the Pilida, Dexonu, and PQY kits deliver clean fitment without the markup. Match the tray to your battery group and your build’s priorities, and the install usually takes an afternoon.