Is there a local shop that would take on installation of an upgraded dual battery system?

[Poupon]

Can anybody suggest a local shop to help me upgrade my dual battery system? I will probably purchase the components directly from the manufacturer and have the local shop do the install/wiring professionally. Walt at TAV LLC has offered to do the install, so he is on the list to consider. I was hoping somebody might give me one or two additional local shops that do high quality electrical work that might take on this project. I didn't see any shops listed on the Collection of Useful HDC Thread.

I am interested in a higher end system that provides the following:

• 100-150 amp hour Lithium Phosphate to fit where current aux 100 amp hour group 31 AMG battery is mounted (engine compartment - passenger side)
• Battery Management System with monitoring capabilities
• DC to DC charger that can stack voltage inputs - alternator/solar
  • My 2016 Land Cruiser has a Temperature Limiting Sensor output alternator, which can cut off charging the aux battery in some driving/operating situations
• 1500 watt inverter (I may go with a portable power pack and scale down the inverter)
• Hard mount Solar on iKamper RTT
  • ability to stack existing 100 watt solar blanket while at base camp
• hard wire upgraded fuse block(s) with dedicated DC fridge wiring

I would really like to stay local if possible and want to have high quality workmanship. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[NMBound]

Came here to recommend Walt, but of course, you already know that

 

[Poupon]

Came here to recommend Walt, but of course, you already know that

Thanks, Yes seriously considering Walt for this work. Thanks!

 

[alia176]

Or maybe see if DEN has some possibilities. I'd hate for your vehicle to be the "learning" vehicle for this project. I know, I know, it's not local but experience in this arena trumps anything else in my opinion. Nothing's gonna piss you off more than your $$$$ stuff not working in the bush, due to an inexperienced install.

 

[Poupon]

Or maybe see if DEN has some possibilities. I'd hate for your vehicle to be the "learning" vehicle for this project. I know, I know, it's not local but experience in this arena trumps anything else in my opinion. Nothing's gonna piss you off more than your $$$$ stuff not working in the bush, due to an inexperienced install.

I agree completely.

If I go to Denver, then I would feel comfortable going to Slee. I actually may end up doing that. It is not the distance required to get the mod. Rather, I am stuck if I have problems and with electrical, doing more than basic troubleshooting remotely is near impossible. That is the main driver to stay local - but not if I can't find a shop that I am comfortable with.

Also, Walt is a definite maybe and will even consider doing some/all of the mods myself (with help).

Always trade offs. I am going to take my time on this one. Thanks Ash.

 

[alia176]

I agree completely.

If I go to Denver, then I would feel comfortable going to Slee. I actually may end up doing that. It is not the distance required to get the mod. Rather, I am stuck if I have problems and with electrical, doing more than basic troubleshooting remotely is near impossible. That is the main driver to stay local - but not if I can't find a shop that I am comfortable with.

Also, Walt is a definite maybe and will even consider doing some/all of the mods myself (with help).

Always trade offs. I am going to take my time on this one. Thanks Ash.

You have good points but think about this: if something went wrong in the bush, it doesn't matter where the installer lives. You're f'ed regardless. So that's why you always need to go with me for, you know, field troubleshooting while consuming excessive margaritas.

 

[marcfj60]

You have good points but think about this: if something went wrong in the bush, it doesn't matter where the installer lives. You're f'ed regardless. So that's why you always need to go with me for, you know, field troubleshooting while consuming excessive margaritas.

Seems like a reasonable symbiotic relationship.

 

[Mauser]

I agree completely.

If I go to Denver, then I would feel comfortable going to Slee. I actually may end up doing that. It is not the distance required to get the mod. Rather, I am stuck if I have problems and with electrical, doing more than basic troubleshooting remotely is near impossible. That is the main driver to stay local - but not if I can't find a shop that I am comfortable with.

Also, Walt is a definite maybe and will even consider doing some/all of the mods myself (with help).

Always trade offs. I am going to take my time on this one. Thanks Ash.

If you decide to do it yourself I would like to volunteer to help. I may not be the smartest but I take direction well

 

[bearman512]

I have always entertained the thought of what you want to do but decided to go with a good group 27 AGM RV battery in place of the Panasonic $350 and a $20 diode to trick the alternator into producing max voltage of up to 14.6v keeping the battery happy! I can run my 12v hog Norcold NRF 60 for at least 2 days without starting the truck. I also carry an inexpensive lithium jump pack for the rare occasion I would need a jump. I also have installed a good solar charge controller under the hood and have a very easy to pack 100w solar panel. Lithium battery's are very finicky I know because I have one in my RV 125ah and will be getting another one to use in parallel. In an overlanding rig you need to have a battery with the BMS internal as it will prevent the dual battery system from charging it under 30 degrees which will kill it very quickly! Just my 2 cents.
If you haven't been here Trail4runner has a great article Trail4Runner
If you go with the lithium and dc-dc charger then please checkout the folks at Buylithium.com they will make you a great deal.