Duel Battery

[Witchdoctor]

Looking at installing a duel battery setup in the MU. Any ideas on the electrics (simple solinoid or electronic controler), Thanks.

Dave

[MattMU]

Geez mate this is a very emotive subject, usually depends on what you actually want the system to do?

Do you want to double your cranking power for winching, cos then its just whack another battery in parrallel and go for it. But if you intend on flattening the batteries then you need a management system or solenoids to control the charging rates. Otherwise you will end up destroying the alternator.

If its for accessories then a solenoid will work fine, but you have to remember to switch it on after the main is charged and off when you dont want the main to drain.

If you want a very proffessional system but at a top cost, jump on the Rotronics website for examples and they even email oout a CDrom for info.

This is a HUGE area to get into so you have to know your requirements before anyone can help you with your setup!

Matt.

[Witchdoctor]

Thanks MattMU,
Looking to run a 12volt fridge at this stage, had a duel set up in the old hilux very simple (solinoid) worked fine.
Do not want to spend big bucks.

Dave

[MattMU]

OK, VERY simple system and will not let you discharge the main start battery!

The type of battery you need is a deep cycle , cos if you use a cranking battetry like your engine battery. It will die very quickly.

So thats first. To charge it you can hook up the line from the alternator through the solenoid, again simple but relys on you turning it on after the main has run for awhile and then off when you dont want the main to drain with your accessories.

The easier and still very cheap option is a Diode isolator, I think they sell for about $80 buckish and very simple to install, three terminals (4 for some with the earth) A B and Alternator. A to main battery B to second and the other is to the Alt, so simple. These prevent you killing the alt with the load of two batteries at the same time and stop reverse flow through the alt when you are using the accessories battery.

I do know that if you dont feel upto making the cradle that the battery sits in for the MU, the Rodoe one does fit but will only support a smaller 11plate battery.

Hope this helps!

Matt.

[Witchdoctor]

Fantastic MattMU,
Will be using the Rodeo cradle in the factory MU position from the photos Andrew sent me. Thanks again for the details.

Dave

[Witchdoctor]

Duel battery is done!!
Could not use the factory position as not enough hight for a large battery. Moved the air box to the back against the fire wall moved the fuel fillter one bolt position to the back also moved the power steering reservoir back one bolt hole. Used a one battery tray that fits all, in the position were the air box was. Also used a simple solinoid with a button on the dash to manually control the charge. After all this (5 hours) we have a 17 plate 700CCA, 145 AH Bosch Navigator duel battery set up.
While i was in the move things around mood, i removed the rear seat and built a false floor in the footwell so i could mount the Trailblazer fridge in a flat forward position. Have designed a 40 Lt water tank to go in the faulse floor position in time. All ready for the 3 day camping trip to Rover Park.

Dave

[Paaji]

Hey Witchy,

I don't suppose you'd have any piccies of the dual battery and/or floor setup?

J