Dual Battery-smart solenoid added-finally

[ducatiman81211]

This weekend I added the National Luna Kit for monitoring dual battery setups. I put it in my 9/88 FJ62, everything was in the box, and it was complete in 2 hours. I had previously installed a MAF-dual battery" 4+" dual battery box, after I de-smogged my 62. I use 2-Fullriver FR24 batteries with AGM technology. I was able to run the monitor wire thru the main wire loom into the cab, and into place.
I use an ARB MT45 fridge/freezer, and outback 12 volt shower. Everything works perfectly, looks close to stock, and I was able to mount my monitor on the dash next to the stock digital clock.
I am very satisfied with the final product, and the freedom I now have being able to jump start my truck from inside, should I ever drain the main or aux. battery, and also sharing the load between 2 batteries instead of overloading one. The visual monitoring of both batteries at all times, or none, is so nice.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see.

 

[BELMONT148]

Can you post some closeups of the solenoid wiring? I am fixing to install one in my 40 and was wondering how much wiring there is.

Jeremy

 

[ducatiman81211]

solenoid

I must say I am lacking being able to take good pictures of the solenoid due to the way I mounted it. I tucked it into the small space between air cleaner assy. and the inner fender. I then put the air conditioning hoses back on top of them to hold them even more from vibration.
It is only 4 wires though- 2 are from batteries(1 each), and a wire going into the cab for the monitor, one wire between each battery connecting them, and a ground from solenoid. The instructions are the best, with illustrations, and different scenarios for trailers and more batteries.
Hope this helps.

 

[boots4]

Luna intelligent solenoid looks like this:

 

[Spook50]

Not a bad setup. I've been planning a Hellroaring setup for the longest time, but this looks like a pretty good way to go too.

Only thing stopping me is finding a different coolant overflow bottle (stock one won't behind a second battery because of my ignition box) and buying the second Optima yellow top

What's that red cylinder on the driver's side fender? Water pump for the shower?

 

[ducatiman81211]

Heat exchanger

That is the Heat Exchanger for the hot water shower by Outback.

 

[euclid]

What did you do for power distribution to your accessories? Did you do an extra fuse block?

I'm going to be removing my home spun dual bat kit and installing the National Luna. I have an extra fuse block now, but I think I'm going to go with a distribution block instead.

 

[Tapage]

Looks nice .. where do you get the kit . ? how much it cost ?

The kit " isolate " both batts and monitors the charge between both . .. thought you conect the alt to the solenoid and then run wires from one and to another bat .?

 

[cruiser88]

looks quite cool

 

[ducatiman81211]

Equipt

I bought it from Paul @ Equipt. It was like $375 for the complete kit. I wanted everything included so as to NOT keep running to the store and throwing parts at it. I recommend it. My fridge runs off the Aux. when parked camping, and I have a 30 watt solar panel to top off batteries as well. PO wired in an outlet in the back of the truck that is always on(near washer bottle/tail-light wires) I use for the Fridge. I have an inverter for power, and I use the cigarette lighter for power too.

 

[Spook50]

I bought it from Paul @ Equipt. It was like $375 for the complete kit. I wanted everything included so as to NOT keep running to the store and throwing parts at it. I recommend it. My fridge runs off the Aux. when parked camping, and I have a 30 watt solar panel to top off batteries as well. PO wired in an outlet in the back of the truck that is always on(near washer bottle/tail-light wires) I use for the Fridge. I have an inverter for power, and I use the cigarette lighter for power too.

How big is your inverter, and is it permanently mounted?

 

[ducatiman81211]

I use a Xantrex 750 watt inverter that is not mounted permanently.

 

[ntsqd]

I've got one of these on the way: Voltage Sensing Relay - Single Sense. For $76 I figured I'd give it a try. I plan to wire it in parallel with my marine combiner switch. At some point I may add a switchable voltmeter, though I do not yet know where I'd put one.

 

[ducatiman81211]

Very nice. You could always get a monitor in the cab to show both batteries state of charge at a glance. National Luna makes mine.

 

[sandcruiser]

or you could just get two voltage guages, one to each battery (connect to the + and - post on the battery directly)

 

[lovetoski]

I've got one of these on the way: Voltage Sensing Relay - Single Sense. For $76 I figured I'd give it a try. I plan to wire it in parallel with my marine combiner switch. At some point I may add a switchable voltmeter, though I do not yet know where I'd put one.

That's what I've been using for ~3 yrs. Works fine. It's a very simple dual battery setup.

 

[dtt255]

Boots:

I have read the instructions etc but have not seen this mentioned. Does the second battery have to be a certain type, size, make, etc.?

I am thinking of adding an olympus motorcycle battery and think the luna double charger would be great.

Thanks

 

[GulfShoresFJ60]

The battery would have to be 12v. I believe some motorcycle batteries are 6v aren't they or am I just delusional.

 

[boots4]

Boots:

I have read the instructions etc but have not seen this mentioned. Does the second battery have to be a certain type, size, make, etc.?

I am thinking of adding an olympus motorcycle battery and think the luna double charger would be great.

Thanks

Like Gulf mentioned, it'll need to be similar voltage but I see no problem running a deep cycle and a regular battery, which is pretty common in the expedition crowd. Since the solenoid will disconnect the batteries (which are basically wired in parallel with the intelligent solenoid in the middle of the + cable) you can run different types. When batteries are hooked up in parallel the weaker battery will leach off of the better battery so starting with healthy batteries is a good idea. The luna unit will keep them coupled after the engine is shut off for a short time and monitors the leaching/voltage transfer much like that relay mentioned a couple posts above. My batteries are the same group (31s), are in good shape, but are not identical. Now with the 120amp alternator I just put on, charging and load will be no problem.