2013 battery change - do the 2 tabs go into any slots??

[vetman03]

I replaced the battery on my 2013 RTL. There is a bracket that goes over the top of the battery. It has a hook where you attach the rubber bungee, that also attaches near the bottom. The bracket has two tabs on top that look like they would slip into a slot. When I took the old battery out, that bracket fell off. When trying to put the new battery in, I could not find any slots where the tabs on the top bracket would slip into. The bracket does fit ok on top of the battery with the bungee attached. The battery cables and the front cover would make it impossible for the battery to move or fall out.

Do those two tabs go into any slots that I cannot see or feel?

[JayBros]

Use a mirror and flashlight and you will see the slots in the upper rear wall of the battery compartment into which the tabs fit.

[ThreeWheels]

YES you are correct !! Those tabs fit into slots that you cannot see or feel.
One of those "What the hell were they thinking?" designs on the Spyder.
You have to lean the battery forward. This exposes the slots where the tabs fit into.
You need to slip the tabs into the slots and then lift the bracket up to make room for the battery.
I find it helps to tape the bracket in the up position so you can use both hands to manipulate the battery.
Once the battery is in place, you can remove the tape, and then drop the BRACKET into place and re-install the rubber hold-down.
Placing the battery back in position without disturbing the bracket is a real PIA.
It's very fiddly. Way too fiddly if you ask me.
I changed my battery recently for the 2024 season. I took the extra step of installing the NOCO LiPO battery that will last 10 seasons.
I hope to never change a battery in a Spyder again.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.

[Bfromla]

YES you are correct !! Those tabs fit into slots that you cannot see or feel.
One of those "What the hell were they thinking?" designs on the Spyder.
You have to lean the battery forward. This exposes the slots where the tabs fit into.
You need to slip the tabs into the slots and then lift the bracket up to make room for the battery.
I find it helps to tape the bracket in the up position so you can use both hands to manipulate the battery.
Once the battery is in place, you can remove the tape, and then drop the BRACKET into place and re-install the rubber hold-down.
Placing the battery back in position without disturbing the bracket is a real PIA.
It's very fiddly. Way too fiddly if you ask me.
I changed my battery recently for the 2024 season. I took the extra step of installing the NOCO LiPO battery that will last 10 seasons.
I hope to never change a battery in a Spyder again.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.

complicates the process & not all battery will accept the top plate. Am glad uses a rubber strap instead of some bolt process would possibly be worse. Not back friendly by no means