Another Surepower 1314-200 thread

[Off-Grid Engineering]

I have been reading about dual battery setups for a while now and have actually already installed both of my batteries. I have a red and a yellow top Optima mounted side by side under the hood of my Taco. While there are plenty of really nice (and expensive) isolators out there, I believe I have decided on the Surepower 1314-200. What is the overall opinion of this unit and where is the best (cheapest) place to buy it? I would like to make my purchase this weekend. Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks!

 

[Robert Bills]

This link will give you all of the Surepower distributors:

http://www.surepower.com/dist.html

This company sells the 1314-200 for $121.18:

http://www.ase-supply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1314%2D200

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Thank you. Another question. Keeping in mind that my batteries are side by side, what other supplies will I need to complete the install?

 

[Robert Bills]

AFAIK, you will need the appropriate size battery cable and cable ends, and a circuit breaker with proper amp rating.

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent circuit breaker for my 03 taco?

 

[p1michaud]

Circuit Breaker and mounting location

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent circuit breaker for my 03 taco?

I'm not sure if you have read this thread but you may find some useful information here as well.

In this case a 100 - 200 amp circuit breaker would be adequate. This is a great unit from a superb supplier.

I've been using a 1415-200 (same principle except that it allows the batteries to be charged from either direction: from the main via the alternator or from the aux. via a battery charger). There have been two failures of the 1314-200 units that I am aware of. Scott from Expeditions West had his unit fail and I have had my initial unit fail. Having said that, I would still go this route. Sure Power's customer service was great. They sent me a brand new 1415-200 to replace the 1314-200 that had failed and paid for all the shipping. I've got mine mounted under the hood.

Installation

• For wire size, since both your batteries are side by side (stock location I'm assuming) a 4 AWG size wire is more than adequate. If the batteries are further away than the OEM location consider going up in wire size.
• You will need some proper size ring terminals for the Sure Power and that match your wire size. You may need a tool to crimp the terminals onto your wire or you could solder them on.
• A manual override switch (get the one with a built in light if you can save some wiring. Othewise you need a switch and seperate light to let you know that the unit is in manual override mode.
• Some 14-18 AWG wire for the above switch along with 1/4" femal blade type terminals of the proper size for your wire.
• Finally some zip ties, heat shrink and rubber boots to cover the studs of the Sure Power unit.
• Some patience and an extra set of hands never hurts either

Good luck!
Cheers,
P

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly! Lots of great info there.