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Dual Battery System

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 at 00:00

derek

We are looking at installing a dual battery system in our 2001 dual cab hilux. I have been told that a second battery will not fit under the bonnet and we will either need to put it in the tray, or another suggestion was to put the battery under the back seat. Can anyone advise me on these options - we would prefer not to use the space in our tub if possible. Further, I have read through the website history and found that a few people have rigged up their own dual battery system. Is this safe in new cars? I would appreciate some detailed specific information on how this is done so that I can investigate. Would we just need an autoelectrician to help?
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ThreadID: 783 Replies: 7
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AnswerID: 2205   Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 at 00:00

Mark replied:

Hey Derek, not sure on the hilux battery install but if you want info on dual battery charging systems call Rotronics in Brisbane. They are THE experts.
Reply 1 of 7
AnswerID: 2213   Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 27, 2002 at 00:00

luke replied:

derek ARB have a unit to fit for about $900
Reply 2 of 7
AnswerID: 2239   Submitted: Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 00:00

Graham replied:

Derek
I have an aux. batt fitted to my turbo diesel hilux. They had to remount the radiator coolant bottle at 90 degrees to the radiator and the batt fitted in the coolants space. It is a tight fit.
P.S. If you need your aux. batt to last longer than overnight and decide to go with the Rotronics, don't choose the RA100H model as it only allows a 60% discharge of the batt.

Cheers
Graham
Reply 3 of 7
FollowupID: 803   Submitted: Friday, Mar 01, 2002 at 00:00

Derek posted:

Hi Graeme,

Thanks for that. Just wondering who you had install the battery and if you mind indicating roughly how much it cost you to have it installed? Did you get something like the kit from Piranah or ARB or just get together your own gear? Thanks
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 811   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 00:00

Nigel posted:

it's probably worth pointing out that discharging a battery more than 60% will shorten the batteries life. Deep cycles aren't affected as much as starter batteries, but even deep cycles will last longer if they never go below 60% (not always possible) so it's worth choosing the biggest capacity battery you can fit.
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 2265   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 00:00

Nigel replied:

Opposite Lock have a good selection of battery trays and cheaper in my experience - I'd talk to them before deciding anything. If you use a parallel charging isolator (ARB, TJM, Pirahna, etc) then you will have shortened battery life unless you use the same type, capacity and age of battery. Independant charge systems are best as you can have a deep cycle and a starter battery, rather than being limited to 2 starter batteries. You can get automatic independant systems or get your auto electrician to design a manual one, but whatever you do take the time to talk to Rotronics in brisbane coz they really are the experts.
Reply 4 of 7
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AnswerID: 2269   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 00:00

Kev replied:

please keep your second battery out side your cab!!!!any overcharging from your alternator combined with excesive ambient temperature may cause it to EXPLODE!!!!I have seen this happen and the expeling acid would make a nice mess of your interior.
Reply 5 of 7
AnswerID: 2270   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 00:00

Kev replied:

dual batterys can be easily set up with a $20 solinoid and about 2 feet of battery cable i have this set up in my 75 series ute and i love it no turning knobs or switches just install and forget about it.
Reply 6 of 7
FollowupID: 817   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002 at 00:00

Derek posted:

Hi Kev, Thanks for the response. I have heard of this before. Unfortunately I am not very mechanically minded but was wondering if you know if this is completely safe in a new car - I am concerned that it may staff up the computer/mechanics in the car and possibly cause some problems in terms of warranty if I ever did have a problem? Is this possible or is the system you're talking about completely independent of all of the computer etc.. and thus there is no risk of damage? Thanks
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 2332   Submitted: Saturday, Mar 09, 2002 at 00:00

Kev replied:

derek this system is independant of all other circuts the only thing that can interfear with the computer box is electric spikes which come from welding on your ute or jump starting with out a antizap box.
Reply 7 of 7
FollowupID: 844   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 at 00:00

Derek posted:

Hi Kev - how could I get this set up in my car? Would I just need to ask an autoelectrician? Does anyone know a reputable place where i could get this done around Melbourne?
FollowUp 1 of 1

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