Dual Battery components

[Sc0-]

I am looking to do a dual battery system and am piecing it together, I am trying to decide on which one to use from the choices below. Pro's and Con's or experiences of using one over the other?


Painless Wiring 40120 - Painless Performance Digital Power Managers

or

BLUE SEA SYSTEMS ML-Series Heavy Duty Remote Battery Switch

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

Of the two, I'd prefer the Blue Sea. I've had good luck with their Marine stuff and their circut-breakers. Painless is hit or miss from what I have bought and used.

National Luna, Sure Power and IBS make a few nice complete dual battery kits that are good sets and keep you from having to piece it together. Slee, IPOR, Cruiser Outfitters have the complete kits, Equipt Outfitters has a ton of individual components.

 

[biggdavethewave]

I would have to say I like the IBS setup (though that doesn't answer your question). Kit is nice and I'm working on adding solar.

 

[firetruck41]

I think Ironman has a cheaper copy of the IBS setup.

 

[pkelly72]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/442538-budget-dual-battery-system.html

I'm working on this now.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/442538-budget-dual-battery-system.html

I'm working on this now.

I have this same setup, been great for 3 months so far. Running a fridge and 12V acc off the 2nd battery with no issues at all. Its simple and totally hand off....I like that.

I check my battery's voltage every 2 weeks and have not seen any drop or drop in performance.

 

[firetruck41]

I think Ironman has a cheaper copy of the IBS setup.

$275 or $335, includes cable, supply your own battery/tray (I'm thinking about using this, if I ever get a dual batt setup). Here it is: Camel 4x4: Dual Battery Kits

 

[pkelly72]

Wheelingnob

How did you groun your system?

 

[Sc0-]

FYI: this neat switch was mentioned in past threads:
BLUE SEA SYSTEMS Switch at West Marine

I like the IBS system and if they would throw in the RBM without a price increase then I would have one on order... The Ironman kit looks good except that it seems to be competing against the IBS system pricewise even though the IBS system is VERY capable with loads of features. I am leaning towards the Blue Sea Systems ML ACR 7622 and a manual switch, I purchased a P2 and a 31M today since my old Interstate battery finally died... Next on the list is a order through CDan or Beno, and the components...

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Wheelingnob

How did you groun your system?

Aux battery grounded to body, ASR grounded to body from ground pin.

 

[Sc0-]

Plans changed...

Just ordered a BEP 710-300a-12v VSR with the manual override. Talk about a pain to find, just hope the company actually has the item and ships it... A few buildup threads used this unit without issues.

 

[Peluo]

Don't forget Hellroaring Technologies, inc., Manufacturer of Solid State Dual Battery Isolator / Combiners
it's great

 

[Sc0-]

Well the BEP 710-300a-12v is discontinued... and replaced with the 720-MDVS... 720-MDVS - High Current Remote Operated VSS 500 Amps It looks like it might work better than the original VSR, I couldn't find any threads using the MDVS...

Also have the Blue Sea 7622 ML ordered for a second truck that is going to get a dual battery treatment.

 

[Sc0-]

An update:

Sears Diehard Platinums, P2 and PM-1, Blue Sea 7622 ML ACR, Relocated Charcoal canister, relocated ignition coil, PAIR valve removed, temporary battery hold down. (I have not completed the wiring yet.) The Charcoal canister bracket is going to be chopped/welded to act as a platform for a BEP 720 MDVS on a '95 FJ80 which is also getting the dual battery treatment.

 

[Corbet]

A little late as it looks like you've already started building the system but here is a good home build write up from our RS forum for anyone else. Dual Battery Install W/ Voltage Sensing Relay - Rising Sun Member Forums

 

[AustinCruiser]

My Blue Sea system has worked flawlessly since I installed it. I'd check them out especially since their isolator was like $75 on flea-bay. It is an easy job and doesn't have any confusing wiring (important for electrical knuckleheads like me).

 

[azTony]

An update:

Sears Diehard Platinums, P2 and PM-1, Blue Sea 7622 ML ACR, Relocated Charcoal canister, relocated ignition coil, PAIR valve removed, temporary battery hold down. (I have not completed the wiring yet.) The Charcoal canister bracket is going to be chopped/welded to act as a platform for a BEP 720 MDVS on a '95 FJ80 which is also getting the dual battery treatment.

Where did you put the charcoal canister?

 

[Sc0-]

It is moved to the side of the power brake booster and sits between it and the fender well area... No brackets but it does fit pretty snug. (I am using the ponitiac charcoal canister which has a larger diameter than the OEM Toyota version.)

(I have a pic on another thread that talks about hatch struts.)