OFF-GRID ENGINEERING Dual Battery Systems

[Colonal Angus]

Are you going to offer an intro price for the 5th gen 4Runner kit once it's available? Looks like the type of plug-n-play dual battery kit that I desperately need.

Nice work!!

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

I like it! You can't go wrong with a Blue Sea Systems ARC at the heart of the system.

Do you have any plans to build a tray for the Ford F250 Super Duty truck, i.e. a 2004 with the V10 Triton engine? I'm mounting a winch on mine now, but so far I haven't found a location under the hood big enough to mount a second battery.

Honestly, I haven't thought about that application yet... but if I can get my hands on one to design a tray, I'll let you know. In the mean time, if someone else designs a tray or you can find a spot for a second battery, my wiring kit WILL fit. And its still the most robust, highest quality kit on the market. Let me know if I can help.

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Are you going to offer an intro price for the 5th gen 4Runner kit once it's available? Looks like the type of plug-n-play dual battery kit that I desperately need.

Nice work!!

Absolutely. The 5th Gen 4Runner is in line for a design and when it comes out, will definitely have an intro price. It might be a few weeks for a tray. Stay tuned.

 

[patoz]

Honestly, I haven't thought about that application yet... but if I can get my hands on one to design a tray, I'll let you know. In the mean time, if someone else designs a tray or you can find a spot for a second battery, my wiring kit WILL fit. And its still the most robust, highest quality kit on the market. Let me know if I can help.

Thank you, and I will. Meanwhile, I'm subscribed so I'll be monitoring your progress!

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Now approved for use in 3rd Gen Tacomas!

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

Check it out... the most extensive kit we've built so far. This one has it all... Passenger and driver's side battery trays, pre-wired Blue Sea ML-ACR relay, Blue Sea 6 Circuit fuse box, 100 amp circuit breaker, custom pre-terminated cables, Mil-Spec terminals, extra lugs and heat shrink, and even a factory starter cable extension kit.

This ML-ACR is even pre-wired for a volt meter.

This kit has it all... In fact, it has everything my truck has, lol

 

[patoz]

In the past I've owned a Toyota SR5 pickup, two 4-Runners, and a Sequoia SUV, and nothing like this existed. I switch to a Ford F250 and look what you do!

That looks like a very professional high quality kit, and I'm sure it performs as well as it looks. Like I said before, the Blue Sea Systems ARC is the way to go.

:26_7_2:

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

In the past I've owned a Toyota SR5 pickup, two 4-Runners, and a Sequoia SUV, and nothing like this existed. I switch to a Ford F250 and look what you do!

That looks like a very professional high quality kit, and I'm sure it performs as well as it looks. Like I said before, the Blue Sea Systems ARC is the way to go.

:26_7_2:

Ha! Thank you and sorry? If you were local, Id totally build you a custom setup...

By the way... my wiring kits fit EVERY vehicle. There is not a single wire that taps in to the factory wiring. If you can find a tray or a place to mount a second battery... I can build you a kit!

 

[patoz]

If I find a spot, I'll sure let you know!

As much as I hate it, I may have to put it underneath on the frame somewhere. Without rereading the ARC specs I don't remember, but can it be used effectively with two different types of batteries, i.e. the stock starting battery and a maintenance free AGM battery for the winch, possibly even a deep cycle version?

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

If I find a spot, I'll sure let you know!

As much as I hate it, I may have to put it underneath on the frame somewhere. Without rereading the ARC specs I don't remember, but can it be used effectively with two different types of batteries, i.e. the stock starting battery and a maintenance free AGM battery for the winch, possibly even a deep cycle version?

Unfortunately, it's never recommended to run a traditional battery with an AGM battery. They charge at different rates and it could cause the AGM battery to be overcharged and damaged. Now, two different types of AGM batteries, in my experience have worked just fine. For example, an Optima Red Top starting battery in line with an Optima Yellow Top deep cycle battery. My preference nowadays is the Odyssey line of batteries because they are all dual purpose, starting and deep cycle.

As far as mounting it on the frame... theres nothing wrong with that as long as its partially shielded from the elements, ie. a battery box. However, make sure to run the appropriate gauge cable and probably some sort of circuit protection like an inline ANL fuse or large circuit breaker.

 

[patoz]

Even though my existing battery is a NAPA and fairly new, that may well be my solution. Just buy two new AGM batteries and locate them like that. I know there is room on the passenger side frame right behind the cab. It's also high enough to get the battery out of danger of hitting any obstructions.

I'll check into the Odyssey batteries also.

Thanks,

~Pat

 

[trailscape]

I built a similar dual battery system for my Tundra using the Blue Sea SI-ACR 7610. While rated for 120 amps, you can find it for nearly a third the cost of the ML-ACR. It's a simplified approach that might be another option for a slightly lower cost.

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

I built a similar dual battery system for my Tundra using the Blue Sea SI-ACR 7610. While rated for 120 amps, you can find it for nearly a third the cost of the ML-ACR. It's a simplified approach that might be another option for a slightly lower cost.

I can absolutely do that. It would knock about 100 bucks off one of my kits.

 

[BulletHead]

For the 500A Bluesea ML-ACR, 4/0 AWG cable is specified to be used to meet ratings/specs by the manufacturer. Yet you are providing only 2 AWG cable. Howcome?

 

[Off-Grid Engineering]

For the 500A Bluesea ML-ACR, 4/0 AWG wire is specified to be used to meet specs by the manufacturer. Yet you are providing only 2 AWG. Howcome?

Because 4/0 gauge is massive, cumbersome, cost-prohibitive, and overkill for the majority of people's needs.

And while the manufacturer may recommend 4/0 cable to meet maximum specs of 500 amps continuous duty... much smaller cable will suffice for almost everything an off-road or expedition rig will need. You would have to use a very large winch with a completely dead starting battery and manually combine the two batteries to reach the limitation of the 2 AWG.

I am absolutely happy to build a kit out of 4/0 cable if that is what is desired. The cable material cost will be approx. 3 times the 2 awg.