Zam15
Explorer
Hmmm I am still a dual battery noob, are there any advantages to a setup like that other than cost?
P.S. You should be on your way to the Mojave Desert! :sombrero: I used my gas budget going to the Redwoods last week...
Zam15’s Tacoma Build
- Thread starter Zam15
- Start date
Hmmm I am still a dual battery noob, are there any advantages to a setup like that other than cost?
P.S. You should be on your way to the Mojave Desert! :sombrero: I used my gas budget going to the Redwoods last week...
4RunAmok
Explorer
I'll be on my way after work!
Advantages are simple, less components to fail, and just works
It's basically a massive solenoid. You hook it up to a three-way switch (using a 30amp relay in-between). Position 1 is normal automatic operation: Pair batteries when vehicle is running. Position 2 is manual operation: Pair batteries (This is good if you drained your starting battery and you need to use your secondary battery to start the car with.) and Position 3 is Interrupt: Unpaired even if car is running.
There's another Automatic Charging Relay, the Blue Sea Systems 7622, runs about $150 on ebay, can also be controlled by remote switch, but conveniently has a switch right on it, operates up to 500amps! lol! We use this one at work, controlling a bank of 3 rather large 8D batteries!
Advantages are simple, less components to fail, and just works
It's basically a massive solenoid. You hook it up to a three-way switch (using a 30amp relay in-between). Position 1 is normal automatic operation: Pair batteries when vehicle is running. Position 2 is manual operation: Pair batteries (This is good if you drained your starting battery and you need to use your secondary battery to start the car with.) and Position 3 is Interrupt: Unpaired even if car is running.
There's another Automatic Charging Relay, the Blue Sea Systems 7622, runs about $150 on ebay, can also be controlled by remote switch, but conveniently has a switch right on it, operates up to 500amps! lol! We use this one at work, controlling a bank of 3 rather large 8D batteries!
trump
Adventurist
I'm still not sure I understand what you compair this too when you say "less parts to fail." I know we talked about it before and I don't disagree that it works; however, there are simpler options.
4RunAmok
Explorer
Sure, you could just connect the batteries together, with nothing but breakers between them, and leave them that way all the time 
No parts, and nothing to fail! lol
The downside to this is of course, if you have something drawing on your second battery while the vehicle is off, it will also draw on your starting battery.
No parts, and nothing to fail! lol
The downside to this is of course, if you have something drawing on your second battery while the vehicle is off, it will also draw on your starting battery.
trump
Adventurist
Sure, you could just connect the batteries together, with nothing but breakers between them, and leave them that way all the time
No parts, and nothing to fail! lol
The downside to this is of course, if you have something drawing on your second battery while the vehicle is off, it will also draw on your starting battery.
There are plenty of simpler ways of isolating the batteries.
Neither require a relay or external switches. One has absolutely no moving parts and is completely sealed.
Zam15
Explorer
Ugh! Thanks for the input but now I am torn on how to wire my setup, there are so many routes to go... :snorkel:
So I got the tray and batteries installed. Out with the old and in with the new :victory: I outlasted the Duralast. But in all actuality it was a great battery and lived up to the abuse but for my power needs I though it was finally time to go with some deep cycle batteries.
Currently I run: ARB Fridge, Rock Lights, HIDs, CB/PA, Laptop, Solar, DVD Navigation + Sub, and my 12,000 winch. I plan to also run several other items in to future....
Old:
Side by side:
Installed
Note* I hope I never have a headlight bulb go out because this was a real pain to squeeze in and I would hate to pull everything out again. Had to bring out the BFH! :violent-smiley-031:
So I got the tray and batteries installed. Out with the old and in with the new :victory: I outlasted the Duralast. But in all actuality it was a great battery and lived up to the abuse but for my power needs I though it was finally time to go with some deep cycle batteries.
Currently I run: ARB Fridge, Rock Lights, HIDs, CB/PA, Laptop, Solar, DVD Navigation + Sub, and my 12,000 winch. I plan to also run several other items in to future....
Old:
Side by side:
Installed
Note* I hope I never have a headlight bulb go out because this was a real pain to squeeze in and I would hate to pull everything out again. Had to bring out the BFH! :violent-smiley-031:
Twistedfreedom
New member
No kidding about the headlight changing. I have a dual battery set up in my Taco with a sure power batter isolator. If my head light goes out it's going to be an hour long process to get a new one in there..
trump
Adventurist
I put in new bulbs in during the install of my tray for that very reason. It's a tight fit for sure.
YotaPilot
Adventurer
Very nice truck. Another that I will be adding to my list for reference during my build. Your suspension experience has me concerned though. I was planning on doing the exact same OME setup you have on my 2001 DC.
If you had to do it all over again, how would you set it up? Would you ditch the Dakar spring completely and go with a full custom leaf spring kit?
If you had to do it all over again, how would you set it up? Would you ditch the Dakar spring completely and go with a full custom leaf spring kit?
Zam15
Explorer
I just completed installing the IBS I received from Moody (great seller!) and my truck never caught on fire! :1888fbbd: Everything seems to be working great and both batteries appear to be fully charged.
I forgot to post my rock lights/disco tech that I installed several days ago. :sombrero:
I forgot to post my rock lights/disco tech that I installed several days ago. :sombrero:
Zam15
Explorer
Yes it is a Snugtop shell and it is holding up great, but my truck bed is another story. Due to the design of the Snugtop it creates an outward pressure on the bedsides so you need to brace it, also the mounting needs to be improved due to the clamps bending the metal lip they attach to. Other than that everything is good.
On another note, this is what can happen when you have too much time. Here is my eventual blueprint design.
TreadonmenoT
New member
Can you provide more info about your solar panel setup, does it power the fridge 24/7, do you have an aux batt that the fridge runs off that the panels supply juice to ? etc? maybe a write up?
Zam15
Explorer
If you take a look at the IBS wiring guide my setup is identical. Nothing too fancy here. :REOutShootinghunter The solar keeps my aux battery topped off, when that is full it charges the starter batt, when everything gets to 100% 13v~ it shuts off.
Pic from my most recent trip
