Dual Battery System, 1997 FZJ80

RoundOut

Explorer
Moody said:

Am I reading that correctly, that it will provide the monitor and alarm functions, but not the control functions?

Or, am I incorrectly assuming that the dual battery controller actually does the charging function automatically, disconnecting when done.

Or, is it the intelligent solenoid that does the automatic connect/disconnect?

I have read a thread on Mud where some guy tapped into the "alternator OK" circuitry in the fuse panel somehow and rigged a relay to automatically charge the auxiliary battery when there was sufficient voltage from the alternator. That is half the battle, as ideally, one would want it to also discontinue charging or trickle charge the auxiliary battery when it is fully charged.

:yikes: I'm so confused. LOL :yikes:


.
 

RoundOut

Explorer
Manuals are much more informative...

I just found the manuals on National Luna's website here.

I think we'll find the answer in there somewhere. Stay tuned!
 

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
RoundOut said:
Am I reading that correctly, that it will provide the monitor and alarm functions, but not the control functions?

Or, am I incorrectly assuming that the dual battery controller actually does the charging function automatically, disconnecting when done....

The intelligent solenoid automatically charges the main battery, then switches on to charge the aux. battery as I understand it. The controller would only work with their unit (plug and plan), but I'm sure one could figure out how it is manually over-riding the intel. solenoid and have it control a generic solenoid (such as my WranglerNW setup).

I've got the complete kits, as well as just the dual monitors in stock, I'd be happy to investigate any hunches you have :D
 

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
I want the dual battery standard monitor for my rig.. but im trying not to spend money right now! You guys are making this very difficult! LOL!
 

ckkone

Explorer
cruiseroutfit said:
The intelligent solenoid automatically charges the main battery, then switches on to charge the aux. battery as I understand it.

It kicks in to charge the aux. batt. 5 minutes after the vehicle is started, or in other words after the intelligent senses the alternator on the main batt. for 5 minutes it flips the solenoid and starts charging both batteries. At least this is how I understand it...
 

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
ckkone said:
It kicks in to charge the aux. batt. 5 minutes after the vehicle is started, or in other words after the intelligent senses the alternator on the main batt. for 5 minutes it flips the solenoid and starts charging both batteries. At least this is how I understand it...

We understand the same... I guess I assumed the battery would be fully "charged" in the 5 minute interval... however that is not always the case I suppose. :D
 

Moody

Needs to get out more
After the recent writeup in Overland Journal, I thought I would do a little follow up report...I have had the system in my truck for over a year now, from the washboards of Death Valley to the rocks of Moab, the kit has done its job well. I had a small issue with the in-cab monitor pooping out, it basically showed both batteries dead and alarmed. I went to visit Paul May from Equipt, and he swapped it out. (Excellent Customer Service!!!)

I have only had one other issue with the system as a whole, and that was the Costco Deep Cycle Battery. It stopped holding a charge after 6 months or so, and Costco swapped it for free...it had even dropped in price, so I ended up 50 cents ahead.
 

KE5QVT

Observer
I just posted a thread for my 96. How are you going to wire your system? Did you use the toyota tray on the right or an aftermarket? Are you going to put a regulator or battery selector switch?

Any help from those ahead of me are appreciated...
:smiley_drive:
 

Moody

Needs to get out more
I just posted a thread for my 96. How are you going to wire your system? Did you use the toyota tray on the right or an aftermarket? Are you going to put a regulator or battery selector switch?

Any help from those ahead of me are appreciated...
:smiley_drive:

If you check page 3 of this thread it shows most of how it was wired. I ran my main wires from the main battery on the DS across the fan shroud to the second battery and used a tray from a 91-92 FJ80 (factory part) which is on the PS. If you look closely, you can see the part number for the tray (about 60 bucks?)

Check www.equipt1.com for the National Luna system I used. It really was great as it had virtually everything I needed, except my buddy Chris.
 

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