OldSven
Explorer
Just put 2 in the stock location
Never thought about that, that would save a setup in the bed or other fender. Good idea
Dual batteries on a budget
- Thread starter xcmountain80
- Start date
Never thought about that, that would save a setup in the bed or other fender. Good idea
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
This is posted in my Build page but here it is again, here is my old dual battery setup and prep for the new one, the picture of the fuse box tab shows removal of the lower leg support but does not show tat the silver tab in the picture has been removed entirely.
I had to modify the radiator fan shroud to accommodate the new tray. The new tray is wider that the batteries but this may be because it is meant to fit older or newer optima's. One tightened the batteries aren't moving, the NL solenoid was easy to install. I will get another wire to run it behind the fender wall so I don't have an exposed + wire running randomly across the engine bay even though it's only 16".
I had to modify the radiator fan shroud to accommodate the new tray. The new tray is wider that the batteries but this may be because it is meant to fit older or newer optima's. One tightened the batteries aren't moving, the NL solenoid was easy to install. I will get another wire to run it behind the fender wall so I don't have an exposed + wire running randomly across the engine bay even though it's only 16".
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Aaron
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
I knew his would plauge me, the wire that spans from the NL to the + batt terminal smoked today after I hosed the engine down. Hmm I thought I did electrical tape it but apparently not enough. So I got a small section of air line and cut down the middle and wrapped the effected section and re taped it.
Aaron
Dipodomys
Observer
I agree on this point. I recently bought the entire National Luna kit from Equipt, and if I had to do it all over again I would have just bought the solenoid and purchased the rest of the stuff elsewhere. The kit is nice, but some of it you won't need and you'll almost certainly not need the many feet of battery cable they give you (unless, of course, you are planning on mounting the second battery in the back of the truck). I haven't installed it yet, since I'm now saving for the Optima batteries.
It certainly adds up: $375 for the National Luna kit, another $375 or so for the batteries, maybe another $50 for an auxillary fuse box and other miscellaneous fixings. Plus I have to fabricate a dual battery tray. We're already up to $800. Yes, I feel your pain...
Another option is Hellroaring Technologies. They offer two different Isolator/Combiner models both with various setups depending on if you are winching or more concerned with running accessories.
http://www.hellroaring.com/products.php
http://www.hellroaring.com/products.php
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Just finished my setup. All that was bought was a battery, BlueSea switch, wire and connectors
Alright short of getting an aftermarket overflow tank how did you remount yours? I see the mount moved or is than a new mount?
Aaron
OldSven
Explorer
Just stole the stock one. It is spot welded on so it is kind of a pain, might tear a little sheet metal getting if off but nothing bad. Then just use a big screw that will hold in the plastic shroud.
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Ahh ha I thought about it and kinda figured, I might use a dremel and cut the tack off then somehow bolt it to the NEW dual battery box.
Aaron
Aaron
laxtoy
Adventurer
care to elaborate a bit? i tried to do a little research, and understand what the diode would do, it essentially would only allow the path of electricity in one direction, so what i'm thinking is your plan would in effect only allow energy to flow from the 2nd battery to the first, so you would never allow your starting battery to run any accessories or charge the 2nd, essentially always saving the starting battery from being drained and leaving you stranded, but would let your 2nd battery help out your primary on starts, in effect jumping it. something similar to this http://www.perfectswitch.com/isolator.htm without the staggeringly high price tag. where were you thinking of putting the diode in relation to the whole system exactly, and could you give an example of the diode you would use? really sounds like a great system, and i am very curious to figure how it works, especially if it is a cheaper alternative to what else is out there.
Anyone ever try 12voltguy,com's dual battery system? Here is link
http://12voltguy.com/web/index.php?...e&category_id=10&Itemid=43&vmcchk=1&Itemid=43
I am thinking of trying one of these in my FJC
Dave
http://12voltguy.com/web/index.php?...e&category_id=10&Itemid=43&vmcchk=1&Itemid=43
I am thinking of trying one of these in my FJC
Dave