Dual battery set-up

[InVinceble]

Anyone running dual batteries?
Will shortly be fitting an electric winch and what to increase "running time".
Where in NZ can I get a reasonable priced solenoid or electronic "box"?

[Witchdoctor]

I think this one has been covered many times in the past.
Or you could Google Redarc an Australian company that makes duel battery controlers. For a battery Fullriver. Or you can pm me for more detailed info

Good luck

Davo

[InVinceble]

...ok, had a good look at all the past posts and am a touch disappointed with the clubs efforts.
Don't get me wrong either it isn't such a big deal or there are actually very few members running a dual battery set-up.
Thanks Witchdoctor, Googleing "Redarc" did get me started at looking at alot of Aussie websites...
Not going into every manufacturer's options, but I reckon the Redarc unit seems to be possibly the best value for money way to go in terms of charging/isolating batteries. I got the best price via Ebay for a Redarc isolator (a good price but I'm not paying 50% again for shipping!)
Supercheap over here have a unit which looks not too dis-similar to the Redarc one (even made in Oz) for $109.
My other concern was regarding to which battery should I connect my winch?
The guys at Exploroz.whatever answered that one with a myriad of forum posts.... well worth a read.
Biggest tip..... Consider what you really want the set-up for, and what situations you expect to get yourself into. You can't cover everything, unless you can drive 3 vehicles at the same time! ;D
I'll be connecting my winch to an auxillary battery of the high CCA type and leave the main battery alone, to do it's car thing as intended. I will however add a "bridging" switch just in case of emergencies.
Any thoughts?

[geeves]

Several Mus and some 3.1 bighorns had a dual battery setup from factory. It was however just 2 batteries in paralell and was part of the cold climate package. Your bigggest problem will be space for the second battery. A lot of people have used sealed ultima batteries and mounted under the seat

[Pissy]

I went for a 111 AGM amp/hour battery for my second battery (its bigger than a N70 size battery), its tucked away in the back right corner of the engine bay. Doing this requires a small positional change/relocation of the fuel filter by 5-10cm to allow the battery cradle which might have to custom made like mine.

I will "try" and post pic of it ASAP (now that I have photobucket, I finally can do this,...i think?).

ANYWAY I'll give it a go this arvo.
Cheers
Chris


OK I hope this works?





Please excuss all the wiring, this is what happens when you are too lazy to put in an accessories fuse box.

The fuel filter was moved closer to corner and the power steering reservoir
(I think thats what it is, I'm too lazy to go and check now), it was moved closer to the airbox.

[InVinceble]

Hey Pissy, great to see your pics.
I see the piranha isolator on your firewall, any trouble with it?
For what reason did you add your second battery?
Looking at the photos I'm guessing that you are running all your "extras" off the second battery.
I have no idea what an AGM battery is (guessing it's a make).
Do you run a winch?
...and yes, a custom made battery tray will be made for my set-up too.

[Pissy]

AGM,Is the style/technology term "Absorb Glass Mat" Its the latest and greatest for deep cycle batteries BUT expensive $300 plus, (I'm no expert but they have more lead in them and they are sealed), faster recharge times only good for deep cycle items NO WINCHING.
I'm sure that someone with better knowledge can jump in and talk more about AGM batteries.

See this LINK for some good advice and info www.fridge-and-solar.net/info.htm

You would need a battery with high CCA, for winching the BIGGER CCA the better, good cheap dual battery for both deep and CCA would Exide Extreme $130ish,which doesn't sound right for only winching, only my thoughts.
I don;t run a winch but have 80L waeco, 2 interior 12V power sockets and one exterior (near trailer socket).
I also run a 120amp alternator to assist teh fast recharging times as the 80L waeco does get the battery to LOW after 2 days no driving. I've had the system for 2 years and NO problems.