Last few dual battery ?'s before I jump into this

[WagoneerSX4]

I have a few more questions that I just can't find solid answers to. I'm going to try building a dual battery setup using this thread as guidlines: (http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...y-setup-for-50).

1. Is 8 gauge wire large enough?
2. On the off-season can I simply pull the fuse for the solenoid and take out the 2nd battery and not worry about anything? If there is a better way I'm all ears. This is also my DD so being able to remove it and disable it is a must.
3. Is it safe to put the 2nd battery in the rear spare tire well which is basically 'open' to the interior of the car or do I need a sealed battery box?

I'm all for doing something once properly instead of having to go back and fix it 4 or 5 times, so I'm fine with spending money on proper components and keeping it safe, but don't want to waste money on things if I don't need to. Any opinions would be great!

 

[ldivinag]

1. cant see the post you linked to... dead link.

2. sure. again would like to see link.

3. depends on the batt type. AGM dont vent gas. flooded... yes. will you be driving the vehicle? how are you planning on maintaining the charge on the 2nd batt?

 

[WagoneerSX4]

Whoops, sorry about that.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ke-a-cheap-isolated-dual-battery-setup-for-50

Yes I'll be using an AGM, so that's good news. And yes most of the trips will involve moving each day, only staying in one place for 1 or 2 nights.

 

[dwh]

1. If you're just charging then yes. If you want to run a big inverter off the aux battery while the engine is running, 8 might not be enough.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

Won't be running anything off the aux battery when the engine is running, only when stopped and the campsite is set up.

Thanks guys!

 

[4RunAmok]

If you intend to remove that battery during the off season, I would make sure to put a battery tender on it, or it will sulfate, and go bad.

Personally, I would never remove it, unless the vehicle sits during the off season as well, and then even still I would not remove it, I'd keep a solar charger or shore charger topping off both batteries, or the whole system goes to snot!

 

[WagoneerSX4]

If you intend to remove that battery during the off season, I would make sure to put a battery tender on it, or it will sulfate, and go bad.

Personally, I would never remove it, unless the vehicle sits during the off season as well, and then even still I would not remove it, I'd keep a solar charger or shore charger topping off both batteries, or the whole system goes to snot!

All my batteries are on tenders in my basement during the winter. I learned my lesson when I let my Optima yellowtop freeze in my garage one winter. Apparently they don't like that...

I'd just like to remove it to not have to lug around the extra weight in the winter and more room to keep my winter emergency pack, ice scraper etc. under the false floor.

 

[G_fresh]

I'd just like to remove it to not have to lug around the extra weight in the winter and more room to keep my winter emergency pack, ice scraper etc. under the false floor.

Wouldn't some include a spare battery as "emergency" gear (i.e. to self-jump)?

 

[G_fresh]

Personally, I would never remove it, unless the vehicle sits during the off season as well, and then even still I would not remove it, I'd keep a solar charger or shore charger topping off both batteries, or the whole system goes to snot!

+1. I do this. Lead acids like to be fully charged and at float voltage when stored. This will give the best long-term life...

 

[bfdiesel]

All my batteries are on tenders in my basement during the winter. I learned my lesson when I let my Optima yellowtop freeze in my garage one winter. Apparently they don't like that...

I'd just like to remove it to not have to lug around the extra weight in the winter and more room to keep my winter emergency pack, ice scraper etc. under the false floor.

It takes like -77F (-67C) to freeze a fully charged battery, so how cold is it in your garage?