Dual batteries, which ones and where

[NMBruce]

for anyone running or planning to run a dual battery set up, which batteries are you using or planning to use and where are you mounting the second battery. I saw something where the second battery was put in front of a fridge, but I can't find it. Would you worry about the battery being inside the vehicle?

 

[BlackUSK56]

for anyone running or planning to run a dual battery set up, which batteries are you using or planning to use and where are you mounting the second battery. I saw something where the second battery was put in front of a fridge, but I can't find it. Would you worry about the battery being inside the vehicle?

I have a group 31 Duracell AGM battery, mounted in my rear cargo box (soon to be drawers).

 

[NMBruce]

I have a group 31 Duracell AGM battery, mounted in my rear cargo box (soon to be drawers).

Would love to see some pictures

 

[BlackUSK56]

I need to clean out the back of my wagon tomorrow, so I will take a few pics for you.

 

[kbahus]

I have not picked up my GX yet (tomorrow), but curious how big of a battery you can fit under the hood? I had good success with my last truck running a Group 31 AGM as my main, and only, battery. Worked well running an Engel fridge almost all summer long.

 

[NMBruce]

I need to clean out the back of my wagon tomorrow, so I will take a few pics for you.

thanks

 

[BlackUSK56]

This is the rear in its current state. I plan on chopping down the passenger side drawer to half its height, and putting the fridge on a slide out. The driver side drawer isn't full length. There is an isolated compartment for the battery.

The top comes off the battery compartment, currently held in with 4 deck screws. There's a hole in the top for the fridge's power cable.

The battery itself is contained inside a battery box. The box is secured on the bottom by screws into the plywood, and on the top with a wooden spacer than snugs down the lid.

So far the only things that are powered from this battery are the fridge, and ARB compressor, and 6 USB ports scattered throughout the wagon. Everything is connected with in-line fuses because I didn't want to buy a fuse block now that may not suite my needs in the future. Someday I hope to have lots of additional lighting, a winch, and a HAM, and I plan on dressing up the wiring then.

 

[NMBruce]

thank you very much, that is very close to what I am looking at doing.

I was thinking of mounting the battery & fridge on the right side, with the battery in front of the fridge. I am looking at the ARB 50qt (28" long x 20' high x 15" wide) or the Indel B 50qt (23" long x 21' high x 14" wide). The ARB should fit without a problem, which means the Indel B should also.
Not sure how both of these are 50qts with this much difference in size.

indel B
Indel-B Travel Box 50 Liter Fridge Freezer

ARB info
http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/New_FridgeModels_PR_media.pdf

looking at this battery for inside
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oliid=ICL2U7ILTNF7J&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

 

[BlackUSK56]

thank you very much, that is very close to what I am looking at doing.

I was thinking of mounting the battery & fridge on the right side, with the battery in front of the fridge. I am looking at the ARB 50qt (28" long x 20' high x 15" wide) or the Indel B 50qt (23" long x 21' high x 14" wide). The ARB should fit without a problem, which means the Indel B should also.
Not sure how both of these are 50qts with this much difference in size.

indel B
Indel-B Travel Box 50 Liter Fridge Freezer

ARB info
http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/New_FridgeModels_PR_media.pdf

looking at this battery for inside
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oliid=ICL2U7ILTNF7J&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

That looks like a really nice battery, and I don't think you could go wrong with either fridge. What's your plan for controlling/recharging the auxiliary battery?

 

[NMBruce]

That looks like a really nice battery, and I don't think you could go wrong with either fridge. What's your plan for controlling/recharging the auxiliary battery?

I haven't really decided yet, thinking of the National Luna setup
National Luna Dual Battery System Kit with Surface Mount Controller

 

[Scat Adams]

I have not picked up my GX yet (tomorrow), but curious how big of a battery you can fit under the hood? I had good success with my last truck running a Group 31 AGM as my main, and only, battery. Worked well running an Engel fridge almost all summer long.

I can't recall the exact models off the top of my head but search around for 4th gen 4Runner V8 dual battery setups as well 100 series dual battery setups to get a better idea of what options you can go with. Good luck, let us know what you decide on!

 

[Dannyk2]

Here is the setup in my car, the previous owner had installed a second battery in the top left location of the engine bay.

 

[GXO]

that looks familiar

 

[NMBruce]

Here is the setup in my car, the previous owner had installed a second battery in the top left location of the engine bay.

View attachment 1221097

thank

that is an idea, but I was thinking of putting the air compressor there, that why I am looking at putting the battery inside. I have done some measuring for both and both seem to be able to fit in that area.

 

[wingysataday]

Sears die hard platinum batteries are rebadged odyssey batteries. They are top notch and many guys claim they have lasted 10 years or more. You can get them on sale many times for much less than the odyssey.

 

[GXO]

I run A sears and it is good

 

[BlackUSK56]

Another location I have considered to mount my auxiliary battery is the empty space where the spare tire used to be.

 

[NMBruce]

Another location I have considered to mount my auxiliary battery is the empty space where the spare tire used to be.

what about water crossing?

 

[BlackUSK56]

what about water crossing?

From what I've read from boating and yacht forums, fresh water is no big deal. Saltwater can pose a problem, but less for AGM batteries. 12 Volts is not powerful enough to arc across even under water, but it will cause some discharge of the batteries.

So from my research if you are in a water crossing long enough for it to mess with your battery, then you have other problems.
***BUT, If i ever move mine down there it will be in a sealed battery box.***