Battery Options

[EdsCruisin]

I was wondering, has anybody added a 2nd battery that is a Deep Cycle? I read some threads about 2nd battery circuits to run refrigerators, etc. and it seems to me that a deep cycle marine battery would be more effective than the standards. This is what I use on my camper and it typically lasts days without recharging.

Question is, can a deep cycle be connected to the OEM system, or do I need a special converter? Are there systems already made for this arrangement?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tech_dog]

You'll find a huge number of posts related to dual battery setups. A good place to start is on the 80's FAQ section, or just do a search on "dual battery".

You can also click on the "dual battery" link in my profile, just below where you're reading right now. That will show you one of dozens of different options.

 

[100 TD]

I use a voltage controlled solenoid type isolator. Some call them automatic isolators or VSR (voltage sensitive relay) etc.
They range in makes and models, there are lots of them. They generally close the solenoid or relay between 13.2 and 13.6 volts and disconnect the solenoid or relay between 12.6 and 12.8 volts. There are others outside these specifications though.
I use an OZ made one called a RedArc, available on eBay OZ, some of the guys on this board use them IIRC, however the voltage specs for the Redarc one are 12.7 and 13.6. ARB sell their brand which they get from surepower in the USA. I would buy one of these if they were cheaper in OZ. The reason, because I like their voltage set points of 12.8V and 13.2V.
They are available from surepower here http://www.surepower.com/pdf/separatorinterconnect.pdf
If you have second AGM or deep cycle battery for the fridge and accessories, I would use the 1314. If you intend to solar charge your second battery while you are camped to hep it along I would use the 1315. Both of these relays are fully automatic, can be easily installed yourself, and give you the option of running an extra wire to a switch for "jump start" mode.

 

[Dandon]

Hi!
I just ordered a Redarc solenoid from Oz (well, actually 10 units for a group buy). While I wait for it, I'm still trying to figure out where to install the second battery, and what model to use. If it fits I will probably get an Optima Yellow Top 4.2. But space is tight with the big air filter box and both the P/S and AHC reservoirs.

 

[100 TD]

You have a couple of options, inthe linked posts there are a couple of pictures
Slee's install is good, and I expect with a combination of Slee's install and Siglo's install you could actuall get 3 batteries all the same size in there. this way you could run 2 connected together directly (parallel RHS and inner LHS together) and the LHS battery for starting. The linl between these 2 combinatoins would be the redarc solenoid or similar, that way you have twice the capacity of battery for fridge and accessories. Don't forget to run new wires to your existing cigarette lighter and power outlets from the second battery group. (Stereo should probably come from here as well if you plan on using it a lot while camped)

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=49484&highlight=battery
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=20351&highlight=battery

 

[Dandon]

I like that Slee's twin battery setup. It seems the easiest way for an LX470 or LC 100 with AHC and square air filter box.

 

[calamaridog]

I'm most impressed with the Power-Gate product. I will be ordering mine soon.

Here's a thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=55408&highlight=powergate

Here's their site:

http://www.perfectswitch.com/whypgate.htm