Signcutter21
Adventurer
Hello all,
So, I decided to install an Engel MT45 in my Jeep Liberty. I plan on removing one of the rear seat sections and building a flat deck to mount it on. I've never done much electrical wiring, other than tapping into the cig lighter power for a cb and lights. I hope you all can help me with a series of questions as I work through everything. I've researched a ton of threads on this forum and it's been very informative.
The first in my laundry list of options was to run a dual battery system or not. I don't anticipate having the vehicle off for more than a day, but decided to play it safe and go dually. Placement of the aux battery is my first dilemma. Under the deck on the driver’s side rear floor or to finagle some sort of engine bay option are my two options. In order to run an aux battery in the engine bay I’ll need to remove the factory air box and use some sort of cold air intake.
Obviously I would rather not position the air intake filter closer to the engine as it would be bringing in hotter air. That leaves me with the other option of mounting the battery near the engine. Does anybody know what adverse effects this will have on the battery? I’ve been looking at the Optima site and haven’t seen much on that topic. In choosing this option, I can foresee having to run the air intake over the aux battery. Any downside to this?
The next dilemma that I’m anticipating is what kind of battery management system I plan on using.
-Option 1 is a Blue Sea or similar manual battery switch. This would be the easiest and cheapest option. The downside is the possibility of forgetting to switch back and draining the batteries; leaving me stranded.
-Option 2 is the Wrangler NW set up.
-Option 3 is a National Luna Dual battery package.
I am still researching both option 2 & 3. Both seem to get great reviews here and if I’m not mistaken do the same thing. Correct? I know on the Wrangler NW that I’ll need the solenoid and the switch to be able to control everything, minus cables, terminals, etc. On the NL split charge kit, it comes with “everything”, however if I need to run the aux battery to the back, will I need to get heavier cables? Would I be able to just run the solenoid solo, or is the battery monitor necessary to control the solenoid?
Finally, I would like to add a fuse box to get rid of the piggybacking off any available power source I can find and to clear up the mess of wires. I’ve read that it’s better to run accessories of the aux battery, and then other people/ places say off the main battery. What would y’all recommend? I believe I have some room to add the Blue Sea fuse box under the hood.
I really appreciate everyone’s advice and comments. I’ll try to update and as I get through all these obstacles.
mike
(tried to post some pics of under-hood area with different option, but couldn't get them to upload, i'll try later i guess.)
So, I decided to install an Engel MT45 in my Jeep Liberty. I plan on removing one of the rear seat sections and building a flat deck to mount it on. I've never done much electrical wiring, other than tapping into the cig lighter power for a cb and lights. I hope you all can help me with a series of questions as I work through everything. I've researched a ton of threads on this forum and it's been very informative.
The first in my laundry list of options was to run a dual battery system or not. I don't anticipate having the vehicle off for more than a day, but decided to play it safe and go dually. Placement of the aux battery is my first dilemma. Under the deck on the driver’s side rear floor or to finagle some sort of engine bay option are my two options. In order to run an aux battery in the engine bay I’ll need to remove the factory air box and use some sort of cold air intake.
Obviously I would rather not position the air intake filter closer to the engine as it would be bringing in hotter air. That leaves me with the other option of mounting the battery near the engine. Does anybody know what adverse effects this will have on the battery? I’ve been looking at the Optima site and haven’t seen much on that topic. In choosing this option, I can foresee having to run the air intake over the aux battery. Any downside to this?
The next dilemma that I’m anticipating is what kind of battery management system I plan on using.
-Option 1 is a Blue Sea or similar manual battery switch. This would be the easiest and cheapest option. The downside is the possibility of forgetting to switch back and draining the batteries; leaving me stranded.
-Option 2 is the Wrangler NW set up.
-Option 3 is a National Luna Dual battery package.
I am still researching both option 2 & 3. Both seem to get great reviews here and if I’m not mistaken do the same thing. Correct? I know on the Wrangler NW that I’ll need the solenoid and the switch to be able to control everything, minus cables, terminals, etc. On the NL split charge kit, it comes with “everything”, however if I need to run the aux battery to the back, will I need to get heavier cables? Would I be able to just run the solenoid solo, or is the battery monitor necessary to control the solenoid?
Finally, I would like to add a fuse box to get rid of the piggybacking off any available power source I can find and to clear up the mess of wires. I’ve read that it’s better to run accessories of the aux battery, and then other people/ places say off the main battery. What would y’all recommend? I believe I have some room to add the Blue Sea fuse box under the hood.
I really appreciate everyone’s advice and comments. I’ll try to update and as I get through all these obstacles.
mike
(tried to post some pics of under-hood area with different option, but couldn't get them to upload, i'll try later i guess.)
