Dual Battery setup - or how to fit DieHard Platinum 31M

[rhyary]

Hi All,
My second battery setup is done. I followed Slee Off Road setup so I will not repeat the details.
I only wanted the specifics I used, in case someone else can use the information.

 

[rhyary]

First challenge was to fit DieHard Platinum 31M. It is a big and tall battery.
I cut in half the original Toyota security bar and had a shop weld a small piece to make it longer. In the picture look at the middle of the black bar to see the length extention. It is about an inch or two.

 

[rhyary]

Next I had to shave the negative post so I can close the hood. I don't have a picture for that. But I shaved just the corner (well it is a round post so no corners) but from a profile looking at the post hight, imagine shaving the corner to the outside of the vehicle. Just few mm was all that needed.

 

[rhyary]

I also had to modify the security bar corner. The end of the bar had to be filed diagonally. See in the picture

 

[rhyary]

The Toyota J bars are too short. I bought 8" J bar from Advanced Automotives. Facing the car, the right was ok, but the left one had to cut about .5".

It came with a wing nut. The wings were too tall so I replaced it with a normal nut. I used locktite blue to secure it.

Under the bar I used a piece of long rubber between the battery bar and the battery corner.

 

[rhyary]

I used Blue sea marine switch with the 1, 2, 1+2 and off I bought from West marine. I still did not mount it correctly. I have to figure out how to do that.

 

[rhyary]

To isolate the batteries I used smart selonoid from Powerstream connected via 1/0 cable to post 1 and 2. This puts it in parallel to the switch.

http://www.powerstream.com/

look toward the bottom for the "12 volt Smart Battery Isolator with 150+ amps pass through and solid-state control"

It did what I wanted. It had MOSFET smarts and a selonoid.

 

[rhyary]

For the main battery, I got DieHard International 27F. It was one of the OEM options and it just dropped in with no problem.

 

[rhyary]

All the cables are 1/0 from a local welding supply shop. I bought cupper lugs and tin plated copper battery ends from Electrical Terminal Services

http://www.electerm.com/battery.html#top

 

[rhyary]

I learned a lot from this board and it gave me the confidence to tackle this job. To do it, I learned about 12V charging system, I learned to solder lugs, I learned to check my work with a multi voltmeter, about selonoid and MOSFET and other systems. It was a very very satisfying hands-on-project. I would like to thank everyone on this board since you gave me the confidence to do it. At the beginning I approached it like I approach my computer projects, I studied the options but at some point I had to get my hands dirty and start buying the components. I bought the components piece by piece. With Every piece my understanding grew better and what members were talking about started to make sense. I made numerous trips to NAPA and local hardware store. Sometimes only buying one nut or one tool. Anyway it was great. I just need to finish getting the split loom installed on all the cables. I couldn't find a 5/8 size in red, so I had to buy purple. The 1/0 cable fits great in 5/8 loom, 3/4 is too big.

 

[rhyary]

Update.
The Powerstream solenoid stopped working in less then 12 months. the solenoid is fine, but the electronic module no longer activates it.
I took it out of the system and I just switch the selector to 1+2 when I want to charge the second (31M) battery.
Normally the 31M is disconnected (selector in off position).

I don't bather charging it during the week when I use the car for DD.

Hope this helps.

 

[Blueegg]

Nice setup and write up.
I have a Platinum Marine 34 in the number 2 position.

The space looked too small for the 31, but I'm glad to see it can be done.

 

[josharre2000]

This mod is on the short list. The M12K likes ALOT of juice.

 

[AdventureBuddies]

I fit that same battery in my #2 spot as well. It's really a bear to get in there ( and weighs a ton) but since it fits, it makes sense to go with the biggest battery possible.

 

[clarkrw3]

You are right it weighs a ton I have the large black and blue thumb to prove it was talking to my son and not paying attention when it shifted and Anyway I can't use my cover for the positive terminal...anyone have any answers for that??

 

[rhyary]

What do you mean, you can't use the cover for the positive?
What cover are you referring to?
I think I can help if you upload a picture or explain what you mean.

Most of the fitness problem is for the negative which is too close to the hood.

 

[Bluetribal]

Sweet, I have almost all of my supplies for this verry same mod. I will be going with Boston Manglers wire set-up and instead of sticking with the International Die Hard for my Starter battery I think I will step-up to the Platinum Group-65 P-2 battery and then the same 31M as you for the second battery. Thanks for the info on the hooks and extending the angle iron security bar.

 

[largeone]

My friend, Barry, and I welded up a support bracket for the group 31 that uses angle iron and tucks under the fender flange. Then, it bolts into the radiator support bracket. I'll try to take a picture of it tonight and post it up. I think it solves alot of the issues here. The only thing I still need to do is tap the end of the bracket and put a small bolt in it.

Also, I put the DieHard 31 in the main battery location and have the negative terminal on the outside so if it ever does touch, it just makes for additional ground I didn't have to shave any off. However, I did have to cut a small portion of the battery tray down low to fit the battery.

Another thing I would offer to rhyary and others is for mounting the Marine 300amp switch. I bought a plexiglass shelf from "The Container Store" which already has the 90 deg bend for the shelf. It's really beefy! I cut it to width and it makes a PERFECT mount for the switch, relays, etc. I haven't installed it yet...should be a holiday project!!!

 

[rhyary]

I am looking forward for mounting solutions for the switch.
Currently mine is just sitting on a piece of silicon. It will be nice to mount it securely.

largeone, don't forget pictures.

 

[bpassmore]

You can buy group 31 batteries at your local heavy duty truck shop for ~$55 each fyi.
I just bought 2 Group 31 chassis batteries (850 CCA) for $53.00 each in Houston at Freightliner of Houston.