Aux. Battery System

[Scott Brady]

With the winch system nearly complete, I am assembling the components necessary to install a dual battery system in the Tacoma.

I am using a voltage sensing 200 amp surepower unit to control the connection between the two batteries. This system also has the provision for connecting the batteries manually with a switch.

The blue top optima will be mounted in my Deflecta Shield tool box, and will feed all of the "camp" systems, including the radios, fridge, water pumps (more on that soon), etc.

I do need to determine which fuse block I want to use, and am also researching solar systems rugged enough for OHV use.

I have used the fully potted Painless Wiring fuse blocks for years, but am curious if anyone has had luck with another supplier...

Pictures and details to come soon! :box:

 

[Desertdude]

I have something i found on West Marine - just have to make the time to install it I have temp inline fuses...:smileeek: check out the Fuse block

they also have solar panel stuff - HERE I always thought i would mount one on top of my weatherguard box :sunflower

 

[BajaTaco]

Scott, I like the BlueSea fuse blocks. I think they are just fine for the kind of stuff we do.

For anyone who may be interested, here is my auxiliary battery setup .

 

[freightdog]

Scott, I like the BlueSea fuse blocks. I think they are just fine for the kind of stuff we do.

For anyone who may be interested, here is my auxiliary battery setup .

Nice setup Taco and nice write up!

Mine is here -

Dual Optima Yellow tops - with battery protection - one for all the electronics and one especially for winchin!

 

[Scott Brady]

Looks great Jeff. Are you still going to sell the 60? and get what?

Oh, and Baja, thanks for the fuse block tip. I ordered one on Friday.

 

[bluerunner]

BT- that is a very clean dual battery set up!

 

[Dave]

I am using a voltage sensing 200 amp surepower unit to control the connection between the two batteries. This system also has the provision for connecting the batteries manually with a switch.

The blue top optima will be mounted in my Deflecta Shield tool box, and will feed all of the "camp" systems, including the radios, fridge, water pumps (more on that soon), etc.

Scott, or anyone else that may have intimate knowledge of this setup, I believe from other threads I've read on the subject that you are using the Surepower Separator/Interconnecter
.

My understanding of how this works is that you have both batters connected to the Surepower and all of your accessories running off the aux battery. Both batteries are charged by the alternator, but the starting battery is given priority. Once the starting battery reaches 13.2v, the isolator runs the two batteries in parallel to allow for charging of both batteries and you can manually run the batteries in parallel for starting purposes if needed.

Is that right?

 

[p1michaud]

Sure Power Model 1314-200

Scott, or anyone else that may have intimate knowledge of this setup, I believe from other threads I've read on the subject that you are using the Surepower Separator/Interconnecter
.

Scott is using the Sure Power Battery Separator/Interconnect model number 1314-200. I'm not sure if he is runing his winch off the aux battery or starting battery?

One question I do have is do you install a fuse or circuit breaker between the separator and battery?

Cheers,
P

 

[Tucson T4R]

Scott, or anyone else that may have intimate knowledge of this setup, I believe from other threads I've read on the subject that you are using the Surepower Separator/Interconnecter
.

My understanding of how this works is that you have both batters connected to the Surepower and all of your accessories running off the aux battery. Both batteries are charged by the alternator, but the starting battery is given priority. Once the starting battery reaches 13.2v, the isolator runs the two batteries in parallel to allow for charging of both batteries and you can manually run the batteries in parallel for starting purposes if needed.

Is that right?

Your discription of how the Surepower separtor works is correct. I think it's best to run your winch and other accessories of the aux battery. That way the separator can do a good job protecting your primary starting battery. Thats the way I have mine set up too.

 

[p1michaud]

To fuse or not?

Thats the way I have mine set up too.

Out of curriosity, did you put a fuse or circuit breaker somewhere?

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Mike S]

Scott

When I set up the dual Optima YT G31's on my cruiser, I used a BlueSea ACR - basically an sophisticated solenoid with automatic functions and a dash munted manual over-ride switch. This was pretty simple to wire in once I got the stainless trays installed and a carrier fabbed for the ACR and a distribution block. Worked very well - just install and forget.

BTW, I used all marine connectors, fuses, shrink tuing, and 1/0 welding cable for power mains.

M