250 amp (or higher) Battery Isolator Kit?

[r2m]

Hey all,

I tried this thread on the 100 series forum (I have a 100 series) and didn't get any responses. Hoping the gang in the 80 series can help!
I have a 230 amp aftermarket alternator on my 1998 LC and dual batteries. I've been looking for a high amperage battery isolator kit. The highest amperage kit I've seen has been only 150 amp. I'll fry something using that. I've seen much higher amperage isolators but not as a kit. I'm a mechanical engineer not an electrical engineer. I manage with electrical to do installs with directions, but that's about it.
Anybody have a kit or company they can recommend?

I am not looking for a "switch" where one manually switches between batteries. I'm looking an active switching isolator to keep my "house" battery (for accessories) charged while driving and to keep my "start" battery isolated while using accessories.

Or has anyone created their own kit purchasing a high amp isolator, wire, etc. and doing their own install?
If so, can you please provide a bill of materials and diagrams, photos or description of your install?

I need to finish this dual battery project I stated a couple years ago.
Yea, I've been kind of busy...

 

[chap79]

I am using the Blue Sea 7622 ACR kit. It is rated at 500 amp continuous use while using 2/0 wire. View my build thread in my signature for more info.

 

[chap79]

By "kit" do you mean everything pre-packaged plug and play, build no cables yourself?

 

[r2m]

By "kit" do you mean everything pre-packaged plug and play, build no cables yourself?

Exactly! Not necessarily vehicle specific, but just a kit with the wires and directions. As noted above, I can get by doing electrical with directions. I mean I can buy everything piece meal, and do it myself but would need a diagram or photos form some other Mudders.
Do you have a suggestion?

 

[chap79]

Exactly! Not necessarily vehicle specific, but just a kit with the wires and directions. As noted above, I can get by doing electrical with directions. I mean I can buy everything piece meal, and do it myself but would need a diagram or photos form some other Mudders.
Do you have a suggestion?

Honestly, I just used the directions that came with the isolator I purchased. The directions are pretty straight forward. What I didn't like about the kits is that they have low amp ratings and the wire provided was the absolute minimum gauge for the recommended amperage. I purchased my ACR, wiring, fuse blocks, relays, and loom from Amazon. Purchased my terminals, connectors, circuit breaker, and busbar from Powerwerks.

But my system would be outside what a "normal" kit would be since it includes my auxiliary circuits. I choose the specific isolator/combiner because I wanted the ability to self jump, combine the batteries for winching/compressor, and isolation from start for things like a fridge, aux lighting, power ports...

 

[1973Guppie]

get a blue sea unit, don't get too caught up in other people's parts list and diagrams, so many ways to do a dual batt setup, the blue sea unit will do what you need and is straight simple......

 

[ElPolloBlanco]

I have a kit from 12voltguy.com. It has a 200 amp solinoid in it. I’m sure if you were to call before placing an order his kit could be upgraded to a higher amp solinoid. Install was pretty straight forward, just took me 3 years to actually do it.

 

[half k cruiser]

I am using the Blue Sea 7622 ACR kit. It is rated at 500 amp continuous use while using 2/0 wire. View my build thread in my signature for more info.

I was just thinking you didn't look very hard because Blue Sea has one, then Chap beat me to it. I have the 7622 in my 97 and its very slick. The wiring really isn't a big deal, I think maybe there are 2 wires min, a 3rd wire if you want ignition interrupt, it's all color coded and laid out for you. My favorite feature is that you can leave it on auto, or manually combine from inside the cab if you need a boost.

 

[danthman114]

ML-ACRs - Blue Sea Systems

what are you running that takes 200a? I think the first thing you need to do is add up the total amperes drawn with everything on. take that number and add 20% to get an idea on what relay to get... just because your alternators output is rated for 230a doesn't mean it will ever see it. this is what I installed in mine.. Add-A-Battery Kit - 120A - Blue Sea Systems

 

[mobi-arc]

We make battery isolators ranging in size from 100 amps up to 600 amps and I have a '98 100-series. www.perfectswitch.com

 

[Dave 2000]

I have been using the 7622 Blue Seas 500 amp unit, been in there for around five plus years, info in sig.

Get the remote switch, worth having IMO.

Regards

Dave

 

[r2m]

By "kit" do you mean everything pre-packaged plug and play, build no cables yourself?

Yes, plug-n-play. Although I have a lot of tools; heat gun, soldering, etc. My time is what I don't have a lot of nor the electrical experience. That's why I'd prefer a kit. The kit will tell me where everything plugs in.
Did a search for the "Blue Sea 7622 ACR kit" and could not find an all inclusive package. If you know of one, please drop a link!

 

[r2m]

Also, I've been looking and can't find out if the Blue Sea 7622's are water proof/resistant or if they need to be in a protective case or in the cab. Can you just bolt it under your hood?

 

[chap79]

Also, I've been looking and can't find out if the Blue Sea 7622's are water proof/resistant or if they need to be in a protective case or in the cab. Can you just bolt it under your hood?

They are rated at IP66 per the manual. Mines in the engine bay mounted to the battery box, and currently covered in mud. Still working great.
http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990180180.pdf

 

[1973Guppie]

Yes, plug-n-play. Although I have a lot of tools; heat gun, soldering, etc. My time is what I don't have a lot of nor the electrical experience. That's why I'd prefer a kit. The kit will tell me where everything plugs in.
Did a search for the "Blue Sea 7622 ACR kit" and could not find an all inclusive package. If you know of one, please drop a link!

there will be "kits" out there but they are not going to be exactly what you want or need. There are too many variables. I would find a good specialty shop to install whatever you want but it will be expensive as you will have to pay labor, etc on top of any additional parts you may need. What I am saying is that it sounds like you want something custom and custom does not come in a "kit"......

 

[Dave 2000]

Yes, plug-n-play. Although I have a lot of tools; heat gun, soldering, etc. My time is what I don't have a lot of nor the electrical experience. That's why I'd prefer a kit. The kit will tell me where everything plugs in.
Did a search for the "Blue Sea 7622 ACR kit" and could not find an all inclusive package. If you know of one, please drop a link!

As per @1973Guppie you will not find a true plug and play kit, you will find some have wires too short so your 'cut and shutting', others the cables are too long so rolled up in an unsightly mess somewhere. Buying a decent system like Blue Seas will see you handed excellent wiring diagrams. Buy the VSR, read the instructions and diagrams, measure your cable runs, only then order the cables and connectors you need.

Timewise with everything to hand a Sunday morning will see it all done and dusted, if that time is too precious then book the car into a shop with your specific requirements, you will lose the car for a day though.

Regards

Dave

 

[r2m]

there will be "kits" out there but they are not going to be exactly what you want or need. There are too many variables. I would find a good specialty shop to install whatever you want but it will be expensive as you will have to pay labor, etc on top of any additional parts you may need. What I am saying is that it sounds like you want something custom and custom does not come in a "kit"......

Thanks!