Duel battery in a XJ

[gabe]

Ok I'm trying a different approach to camping I want to take just the xj, but my wife has drawn a line in the sand and says I have to make sure that even if we tent camp that we can have some of the same devices as we do with the pop-up DVD for the boy when it's raining some light and the ability to run a fan. I'm thinking maybe I can do this with a duel battery set up and just install some cigarette liter plugs maybe some in the rear of the jeep. I have the battery from the pop-up is there a write up somewhere that would be along these lines?

 

[Explorer 1]

Space limited in an XJ

The engine compartment in a XJ is so crammed already, it hard to find space there for an additional battery. Because I so rarely have passangers and if I do there is usually only one, I chose to remove the back seat and make a level platform over where the seat was. This gave me loads of storage space for an additional battery and other gear. I then also installed a 2000 watt inverter where the spare tire used to be on the rear corner panel. I had moved the spare outside as it was too big for the space provided inside.

I went with a dry cell for the 2nd battery as I wanted a battery that could be drained very low and still be charged back to life. I also upgraded the alternator to a 130 amp model.

I ran the wires through the uni-body frame for protection from brush and rocks. Seems to provide plenty of 12v and 110v power.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Ranger Steve]

http://www.quadratec.com/products/17004_700.htm

 

[Maximus Ram]

Ya beat me to it Steve....looking at the same thing for my XJ ...if I ever get it back from my Daughter:smiley_drive:

 

[bdr529]

Here's a nice writeup on installing a battery in place of the stock airbox:

http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/technicalfiles/ARbattRelocation/BattRelocation.htm

 

[gabe]

I'll repeat what I've said and heard said 1000 times I wish the xj had a 60/40 split rear seat. I've got a 5 year old so I have to keep the back seat in.
I've replaced the stock air box with a rusty's air tube and a 6x9 cone filter which I wouldn't have problem getting rid of to make room I'm not sure if it would save me space but maybe now would be the time to install a snorkel.

 

[Explorer 1]

CARB requirements

Gabe, I'm not sure what State you're in but if it's California, neither of the two dual battery system listed where they replace the airbox, are approve for smog on the 87-90 model years. For some reason some alternative airboxes have CARB approval for model years 91 -2001 but not the prior years.

I guess you could remove the extra battery every other year and reinstall the old airbox for smog....but what a hassle!

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

Maybe you could modify a seat out of another vehicle to fit the XJ on a 60/40Would make a great thread!

 

[StumpXJ]

As big as the stock bagttery location is, couldnt you just use two oddessey batteries side-by-side? They are pretty dang small. It would take a little fabrication for the hold down, but I think it would fit. It seems I have seen them in smaller locations than the XJ before.

Just a guess, I havent tried it yet.

~James

 

[gabe]

As big as the stock bagttery location is, couldnt you just use two oddessey batteries side-by-side? They are pretty dang small. It would take a little fabrication for the hold down, but I think it would fit. It seems I have seen them in smaller locations than the XJ before.

Just a guess, I havent tried it yet.

~James

Interesting, I have a oddessey now and they are quite small.

I did find a write up on go-jeep, he basically set it up as a removable extra battery so when he's not camping he just leaves at home.

 

[Outback]

The ODDESSEY batteries come in all shape and sizes. BUT Heres a secret. Go to SEARS. There new "Plantnum" series Die Hard battery are rebagged Oddessey batteries at about half price! They are the same internall and externally except color of plastic.:victory::wings: