[FloridaFJ80]

For all the 3FE owners here on MUD, I wanted to show you my Dual Batt Setup along with my homemade rack.

Dual Batt Setup:

I had an extra Deep Cycle battery just laying around in the garage (have a boat) and well I decided to make a Dual Batt Setup.
So I went Shopping. I wanted a system to where I would be able to use a battery to run my accessories(10"sub and 500w amp, 12v outlets, fridge, radio, lights, 400w inverter etc) and at the same time have something in reserve for the inevitable dead battery. I didnt want it to be to complicated and easy to use. So I went with the 3 way switch used on boats. I also used a Blue Sea Fuse Panel for my (5) 12v outlets. Each outlet is individually wired with 14 ga wiring. For the main Battery connections to the switch I used 4ga wiring. In between each battery and the switch is a 300 Amp inline fuse. I mounted the secopnd battery in the cargo area right behind the passenger side 2nd row seat.

I will let the pics speak for themselves. I will be upgrading the batteries to an Optima Red top for Battery #1 and an Optima Blue Top Deep Cycle Battery for Battery #2, pretty soon. All in all the system can be done for under $200 not including the batteries.

[Romer]

Nice write-up. I had your original (pre-install) included in the FAQ. I have added this one to go with it

[FloridaFJ80]

Safari Rack:

My friend, 80Jay, gave me a set of Publix(grocery Store) Aluminum Shelf racks, which can hold up to 1500lbs. So I took them in and joined them together, I painted them black. I then went to Home Depot and got 2 L shaped 1/8 steel beams. I bolted them up to each end so the racks would not flex. I then ordered some of the quick and easy clamps. and then I joined them to the racks using some 10" steel mending plates that I picked up at Home Depot. and then I bolted them to the rack, and then I mounted it to the rig. Here are the pics.








my 180 lbs along with a full size spare


after wheeling in Naples

[FloridaFJ80]

Special Thanks to 80Jay for hooking me up.... Here are some pics of 80jay in action...


My rig pulling out 80jay out of same spot where I got stuck the nite before.

[robmir]

Hi Frank: My only concern would be the rack brackets position. You should put them as close as possible to B and C pillars.

[sseaman]

?nice work, how much noise does the rack create?

[FloridaFJ80]

sseaman - I have not noticed any noise increase whatsoever, even when I ride with the sunroof open.

robmir - thanks for the tip I will be seeing on moving my rack as close to the pillars as possible.

[80jay]

all I can say is that we put both the batteries and the rack to the test and it all held up like a charm. Good job with evrything.

[slinger5150]

If you ever start running alot of accessories and really need the reserve of that second battery, you might want to increase to 0ga. wire between the 2 batteries. I'd imagine that's a decent length run between the 2. You'll lose a bit of juice if the ga. wire is too small.