2000 XJ Expedition Rig - Running 2 Batteries

[jordan004]

I have been over the internet and have come up short. I have found kits for Toyotas, wranglers but seem to have a difficult time finding a kit for 2 batteries. I am wanting and trying to build an expedition vehicle, not a mud bogger, or a rock crawler. So in this expedition vehicle I will need 2 batteries to run winch, refrig, lights etc. Is there a kit out there for Jeep XJ? One that keeps the batteries in check - http://www.genesisoffroad.com makes one but not for the XJ. AND where to place the House Battery? Any help would be appreciated... pics always help..

AND

I am looking for a shop to assist in this project. There are plenty of 4X4 shops that would love to put my XJ on a 5.5 inch lift with 33s, but again, that is not what I am looking for. If anyone knows of a shop in the NE Atlanta Area that would be great. Most of my help will be needed in the electrical area etc. the 2 places I have been i have to explain what an expedition rig is, and I have to explain putting a tent on top of my jeep! frustrating -

thanks ahead of time...

 

[mtbxj87]

It has been done before. You have to remove the air filter box and put one there if you have it in the front. Requiring a aftermarket Air intake setup. You could mount it in the back. There is room between the quarter panels and their interior panels

 

[jordan004]

I would love to have it under the hood --> what kind of are intake have you seen it with?-->

 

[mtbxj87]

spectre cowl intake. It has a inline air filter And is crosses over the engine like a wrangler.

 

[Whaler]

I've done a fair amount of research on this myself but have yet to take the plunge. My understanding is the same as above, that there are two common battery location options: under the hood by way of relocating/replacing the air box, or in the trunk, behind the rear passenger side quarter panel (there's more room on that side).

If you want to put it under the hood, there are two common strategies to relocate the stock air-box in order to make room for a second battery: 1) a cowl intake (Spectre is most common, per mtbxj87) or 2) a safari snorkel. The cowl intake parts are cheaper, but I understand that the result is a lot more engine noise audible from the cab. I've also heard about water infiltration issues from cowl intakes. Ultimately, I've decided that for my truck I'll put mine behind the rear quarter panel because I don't like the cowl-noise downside, nor to I particularly like the snorkel look because I'm trying to keep my XJ looking relatively stock.

Sounds like you're interested in the under the hood option. So, start looking for cowl build threads or snorkel builds. You can find an image of a snorkel-style dual battery XJ if you scroll down in this thread. Those links might give you a lead into your research.

Greenmachine used to make XJ dual battery trays that would mount in the airbox location, but I'm not sure they do anymore. Quadratec has this option as well, but I've never seen one installed.

Good luck.

 

[Mitch502]

I have a ZJ, and have done the cowl intake. It's the same thing as the XJ, only I got to do it with less parts
Total cost was about $60...$35 for the K&N Filter and $25 for the tubing. I could have went cheaper if I ordered online, but I did it in an afternoon (like 2 hours) and bought everything from Advance Auto...
I've been in water over the hood and didn't have to worry about anything getting into the cowl. Unless you're doing some crazy river crossings and stuff regularly, the biggest problem I've found with a cowl intake is:

1)It's loud...It's like having a CAI in the cab. Every time I punch it I hear the whistle/sucking. Loved it at first, now it's just "normal" for me.
2)It gets dirty quick! Dirt/leaves/twigs fall between the hood and fender into the cowl area. I clean it a few times a year minimum...but I also let it sit under trees and don't drive it much.

 

[Mitch502]

Check my thread for pics.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Just another option...

 

[Mitch502]

This is what I did...

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

 

[jordan004]

@jeepdreamer - that one looks real good.. any problem with "gases" being inside the XJ?

 

[jordan004]

@mitch502 - very nice

 

[jordan004]

I have also investigated 2 options - Luner or goal zero. both seem like good options with some options as far as usb ports etc..

 

[2drx4]

I'm not running a dual setup, but I had to move the battery due to the sheetmetal mods that were done in the front end.

So I built a tray that goes here:

You could do that with a dual setup, since you still have the stock location to work with. Note, I don't have A/C anymore, and I doubt you could get this to fit with A/C. Hood clearance is tight, the posts are run on the back for a reason. Also, this is a Renix setup (early 1989), so some things are not in the same locations.

Only picture I have with a battery in it was while test firing the engine to check that the harness I rebuilt was okay.

There is also guys who have mounted a battery sideways (AGM and Jell Cell only) about the coil tower on the passenger side. I chose not to because my coil and ICM lives there, and I think mounting a battery sideways isn't the best idea for reasons of only being able to replace it with an AGM/Jell. Personally I am not a fan of batteries in the passenger compartment, even non-spillable, AGMs, and Jell Cells can vent/leak/etc.