Dual Batteries on an 05+ Tacoma

Dipodomys

Dipodomys

Observer
Any thoughts on this good people? They didn't leave us much room in the engine compartment, and I can't find anyone on this forum who has done it (maybe I didn't look hard enough). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, especially in regards to how to relocate engine compartment items to make room for Battery Number 2. Thanks.
 
Schattenjager

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
For space limitations, I chose one MONDO battery - an Odyssey 2150. These are also re-badged and sold as Sears Platinum batteries. Details:

http://www.enersysreservepower.com/PC2150_Intro.asp

I have upgraded headlights, four LF 170's and will soon have a Mile Marker E9000. There is plenty of room to grow with the 2150. I have gotten more than one favorable comment from the wrenches at the dealership - many have never seen a battery that powerful before.
 
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Jacket

Jacket

2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
Interesting how different people's perceptions are.....To me, there's quite a bit of room in the engine compartment, especially on the passenger side, but also on the driver side by the brake master cylinder.

Anyway - I've seen one guy that used a Slee battery tray to install 2 batteries in the stock location - IIRC it was two Optimas. I don't know if there are any pictures out there, but I'll poke around. You also have the option of using the truck bed for a second battery.

And FlyingWil has two batteries in the stock location of his 1st gen Tacoma, which can't have more room than we do. Take a look at his truck thread.
 
Dipodomys

Dipodomys

Observer
I guess what I meant is that there are no obvious locations for a second battery. That doesn't mean there aren't creative alternatives to get around the problem. The last time I put in a dual battery setup was on a 1985 Chevy pickup, and it had a readymade battery tray already built in opposite the primary battery on the other side of the radiator. Of course, that was a horse of a different color...

Anyway, there may be room in the stock location for two smaller batteries mounted side-by-side, as has been noted. I'm a big fan of clean, OEM-looking installations, and that might be the best bet. I'll get out the measuring tape and look at battery specs.
 
Dipodomys

Dipodomys

Observer
Very nice setup this guy has. He clearly knows what he's doing. The other, and probably easier and cleaner option appears to be placement of two Odyssey PC1200MJT batteries side-by-side and longways in the stock battery location.

FlyingWil (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=89760&highlight=Dual+batteries#post89760) has this setup in his first generation Tacoma and based on measurements of my 2008 it will fit second generation Tacomas as well. These batteries are remarkably small (7.87"L x 6.66"W x 7.75"H) but are comparable in power to the stock battery. It seems like a simple matter of fabricating a larger battery tray and adding some hold-down components. Add a battery separator and you're all set. I think I'm covered. Thanks, guys!
 
SLOwag

SLOwag

Adventurer
Post up a pic of your engine bay, because my '09 has the ABS mounted on the driver side so there is some room on the passenger side where I believe the ABS was mounted in the past....It even has the studs in place that I was thinking of mounting a base for a secondary battery.
 
O

Off-Grid Engineering

Active member
My 03 setup....

IMG_1753.jpg
 
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