Gauging interest in a Dual Battery Tray for DII's?

[lwg]

As some of you may or may not know about a year ago I built a dual battery tray for my DII. After searching for a tray to suit my needs and finding none available I built my own around a set of 1500 series Odyssey batteries. I've been running this setup for over a year now and I think it's officially passed the test. I've driven about 14,000 miles with this setup and nary a problem has risen.

After lots of interest from folks over the past year I've finally decided it's time to take my truck down and remove the battery tray for prototyping and finalization to get it into production. I'm hoping to have a finished product within about 2 weeks that's ready for shipment.

Basically I'm wondering how many folks would be interested in a product like this if the price were right?

Shown below are the prototype pictures, the production until will incorporate a few changes I have found useful over the past year. Some of the changes that will be incorporated are:

1) Cutout for factory positive lead, allowing it to sit lower.
2) Materials will be changed from current steel to stainless steel and AL.
3) Top battery hold down will be adjusted a bit for both form and function.

This picture is a pretty good shot of the "heat shield" that I've implented into this design. It serves both as a shield and a nice mounting point for things like fuse boxes and in this case the National Luna Dual Battery Isolator.

 

[traveltoad]

Any idea of what the price might be?

 

[Rovertrader]

Don't forget, some folks relocate their washer bottle there when the front bumper is swappped. You could combine the thoughts and place the bottle rearward against the bulkhead. Price will be key me thinks, as the application is well thought out.

 

[lwg]

Don't forget, some folks relocate their washer bottle there when the front bumper is swappped. You could combine the thoughts and place the bottle rearward against the bulkhead. Price will be key me thinks, as the application is well thought out.

While I agree with the washer bottle relocation the reality is if they choose to put the bottle in this location there isn't enough room for a dual battery setup. If they don't have Secondary Air Injection then that's a good place for the washer bottle. For my ARB I just left the bottle in the stock location. It's very easy to see if I need fluid that way!

In regards to price, that's always key. Should know more in a few days. We always want to keep our prices as reasonable as possible. We're shooting for $130-$170 range to give you an idea.

 

[yubert]

I would be interested if it could be designed to fit two PC2150 size batteries. I'm currently running a single Sear Diehard Platinum group type 31 which is the same size as the Odyssey PC2150 and I'd like to stick with this size since it has a higher capacity than the group type 34.

Also would be nice if there was room to mount a Blue Sea 12-position fuse block.

 

[lwg]

I would be interested if it could be designed to fit two PC2150 size batteries. I'm currently running a single Sear Diehard Platinum group type 31 which is the same size as the Odyssey PC2150 and I'd like to stick with this size since it has a higher capacity than the group type 34.

Also would be nice if there was room to mount a Blue Sea 12-position fuse block.

Holy Cow! Two 2150's! :Wow1: It won't fit a pair of the 2150's, there's just not enough room up there without major modification and relocating the fusebox along with probably beating down the wheel well. I barely got these to fit into that space.

The current design has plenty of room for a Blue Sea fuse box. I currently have my main fuse box and dual battery solenoid mounted to the back side of it.

 

[AxeAngel]

Holy Cow! Two 2150's! :Wow1: It won't fit a pair of the 2150's, there's just not enough room up there without major modification and relocating the fusebox along with probably beating down the wheel well. I barely got these to fit into that space.

Agreed. There is no way that two 2150 will fit. I had two genesis batteries(same as odyssey in size and manufacturer, just a bit higher amperage) and you would be lucky to have 1.25 of those batteries fit.

On a side note, you can also make the windshield washer bottle out of a 70s era MG fit with a dual battery tray. I use a large quickfist to secure the washer bottle. Also have a blue seas controller and 12pt fuse box mounted as well.

-Sam

 

[Chazz Layne]

I would have been all over it about 6 months ago. Too late for me now, I've already set up for dual 2150s (one in the back) and done all manner of rewiring up there.

There is a disturbing lack of dual-battery kits for the D2, but I suppose it may have something to do with the 2150 dropping right into the stock tray.

 

[X-plorenow]

I am interested. Please let me know when ready. :wings:

As some of you may or may not know about a year ago I built a dual battery tray for my DII. After searching for a tray to suit my needs and finding none available I built my own around a set of 1500 series Odyssey batteries. I've been running this setup for over a year now and I think it's officially passed the test. I've driven about 14,000 miles with this setup and nary a problem has risen.

After lots of interest from folks over the past year I've finally decided it's time to take my truck down and remove the battery tray for prototyping and finalization to get it into production. I'm hoping to have a finished product within about 2 weeks that's ready for shipment.

Basically I'm wondering how many folks would be interested in a product like this if the price were right?

Shown below are the prototype pictures, the production until will incorporate a few changes I have found useful over the past year. Some of the changes that will be incorporated are:

1) Cutout for factory positive lead, allowing it to sit lower.
2) Materials will be changed from current steel to stainless steel and AL.
3) Top battery hold down will be adjusted a bit for both form and function.

This picture is a pretty good shot of the "heat shield" that I've implented into this design. It serves both as a shield and a nice mounting point for things like fuse boxes and in this case the National Luna Dual Battery Isolator.

 

[Paladin]

Agreed. There is no way that two 2150 will fit. I had two genesis batteries(same as odyssey in size and manufacturer, just a bit higher amperage) and you would be lucky to have 1.25 of those batteries fit.

And it's interesting that you mention that. I don't really have any desire for the cost and complexity of a dual battery setup. The 2150 provides everything I need. The only thing it's missing is backup in case the main battery dies for some reason.

Eventually I will install a PC680 as a "reserve starting" battery for the truck. It can be tied into the system with a simple relay when charging, and just use jumper cables for emergency start use. The PC680 could easily fit behind the main.

Just another thing I haven't gotten around to yet. Of course, I also have the advantage that my truck can be bump started if required.

 

[lwg]

And it's interesting that you mention that. I don't really have any desire for the cost and complexity of a dual battery setup. The 2150 provides everything I need. The only thing it's missing is backup in case the main battery dies for some reason.

Eventually I will install a PC680 as a "reserve starting" battery for the truck. It can be tied into the system with a simple relay when charging, and just use jumper cables for emergency start use. The PC680 could easily fit behind the main.

Just another thing I haven't gotten around to yet. Of course, I also have the advantage that my truck can be bump started if required.

The 2150 is my recommendation to folks who don't have the desire to go the dual battery route as it offers basically the capacity of two batteries in one. The only obvious drawback is what you mentioned with no redundancy.

I am interested. Please let me know when ready.

I should know more about our timeline early next week, but fully expect to have inventory within two weeks.