Second Battery with Inverter and Isolator installed

[mtnracer]

Hey everyone,

Just thought I'd share my second battery project pics. I don't have any "during" pictures - only after everything was done but I hope it will still help someone else. My LC now has (in addition to factory) an Optima Blue Top Deep Cycle battery in a Slee Tray hooked up to the factory system via isolator selenoid and 150A fuse. The power line runs from the engine compartment through the firewall and under the door sills to the cargo area (3rd row removed) where I have a 700W inverter installed in a small storage cubby. I also have an extra 12V powerpoint in the cargo area. Of course the new power points are always hot and can be used without draining the main battery. This was an awesome project that I used on my last camping trip to power my Coleman mini fridge and power an AC air pump. Here are the pics:

 

[jgolden]

What was the A/C airpump for?

 

[mtnracer]

for a queen aerobed.

I have some more pictures as well but the system is telling my i am out of quota...

 

[100 TD]

Some terminal covers for the battery terminals, battery stud posts and solenoid posts will reduce the chance of a short circuit if someone is working under the bonnet and drops a spanner.

 

[moooooooo]

did you add the "2UZ-FE" badge to the cover? Mine doesnt have that and wow..., i cant see your air intake.is that standard USA or aftermarket?
cheers
peter

 

[TXLX470]

Hey mtnracer...what kind of inverter did you use?? I am planning to install a 1000W one as seen as this on the etrailer website
Power Inverter 1000 Watts with Three AC Receptacles 02294 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

My 210 portable inverter saved me during the power outage(just for few light bulbs during night) after the Ike but I am looking for more wattage one so that I will be able run few more appliances/tools.

I do have a deep cycle battery which I hardly use in my popup camper, so I might think about the second battery option.

Who else has hardwired any high wattage inverter...any pros/cons..

 

[100 TD]

i cant see your air intake.is that standard USA or aftermarket?
cheers
peter

Just at the bottom of the second pic, you can see the edge of the intake muffler/resonator or whatever they call them, the aircleaner is a rectangular box to the left, they don't get the cyclonic, I think the 2006 or 2007 aussie units went to the rectangular flat pleated air cleaner element possibly.

 

[mtnracer]

did you add the "2UZ-FE" badge to the cover? Mine doesnt have that and wow..., i cant see your air intake.is that standard USA or aftermarket?
cheers
peter

The badging is stock as well as the air intake.

 

[mtnracer]

Hey mtnracer...what kind of inverter did you use?? I am planning to install a 1000W one as seen as this on the etrailer website
Power Inverter 1000 Watts with Three AC Receptacles 02294 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

My 210 portable inverter saved me during the power outage(just for few light bulbs during night) after the Ike but I am looking for more wattage one so that I will be able run few more appliances/tools.

I do have a deep cycle battery which I hardly use in my popup camper, so I might think about the second battery option.

Who else has hardwired any high wattage inverter...any pros/cons..

I installed a 700W inverter in the small cubby in the 3rd row on the passenger side. I swapped one of the pics (I can't seem to add more than 3 at a time) so you can see. Essentially I took the inverter apart and mounted the plate with the receptacles on the outside of the cubby. It looks very clean and almost stock. Plus I have no cables showing anywhere inside the truck. I did not use a higher power inverter (1000W +) because most have a low voltage sensor and shut off below 10V. If you actually hook up something that draws over 1000W the battery would be drained VERY quickly.

 

[davegonz]

Wow, nice install. Does the LED readout come with the inverter? I can post any extra pictures for you if you want.

 

[mtnracer]

Wow, nice install. Does the LED readout come with the inverter? I can post any extra pictures for you if you want.

The Voltage LED was separate but I kind of regret installing it now because it is always on and actually draws some power. The good thing is that you can monitor the voltage.

 

[TXLX470]

Hey mtnracer...what gauge wire did you run for the innverter. and u have mentioned 150A fuse..is that for the inverter as well...one more question...does the inverter draws any current when wired directly to the battery...I am sure since the cooling fan is running 24/7 ...right?

I ended up getting a 700w inverter instead of 1000w...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Ha. Speaking of isolators and the like I'm getting ready to install my Hellroaring isolator. I had planned on installing it as a true dual set up with loads on the aux. battery. For this install Hellroaring suggests tying the 2nd batt. in at the alternator. I'd read on here what a PITA it is to get to the alt. terminal. I got to reading on HR's site and for the isolator I have they suggest that only the 2nd battery be on the aux. side and that all other loads go to the main battery. I decided this install might be simpler and would go with what the manufacturer suggests. For this install they suggest that they batteries be tied together at . . .

the starter.

Oh, the irony.