Dual <span class="highlight">Battery</span> Setup costs

ARB..Absolute Robbing B***ards!! Definitely shop around. I,d expect lithium battery set up for that price complete with dc/dc charger if required. Mount the aux in the rear tub, not under bonnet. Get on the HILUX forum and ask about people having installs done in your local area and recommendations of auto elects. ARB are well know to be expensive and at times, shoddy workmanship (seen them mentioned on other forums).

Why 2 batteries? Surely you will retain the starter batter as it is new.

I know it was a while ago but I had this quote through my dealer back in 2014 -
Dual Battery System fitted with BCDC 1225 Battery Isolator and Solar Regulator, TJM are now supplying the Battery $1,190.91.

It may have gone up over the last couple of years but double the price????

Make sure you get the second battery YOU want Mel, not what they want to sell you. Presumably that price is for AGM, NOT lithium (LFP) which is probably a better option for many reasons (more power availability, longevity, weight, quick charge etc) but more expensive. While since I looked but Century AGM's were getting poor reviews if that's what they're suggesting. People here and elsewhere recommend Fullriver and other AGMs. If you tell us where you're located you might get advice re installation from people in your area. GL.

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Hi Mel,

The procedure of designing and installing an accessory dual-battery system in a vehicle to a good standard is not as simple as some people may have you believe. Forum members have already made expressions in that regard.

Motor dealers and 4WD accessory businesses do not always have qualified and experienced workers perform the tasks on your vehicle. Their profession is primarily to sell you accessories.
In my opinion, as you are not in a position to evaluate their expertise in this work, you would be wise to engage an established auto electrician to advise, quote and perform the installation for you.
Even then, it can be difficult to identify a suitable auto electrician. Our forum members have experience of many such businesses and could offer their recommendations if you were to inform the town or suburb where you live.
There are some businesses that specialise in electrical installations for 4WD vehicles. They can be very worthwhile.

As for ARB....... Certainly they supply many good products, but their prices are invariably high. From comments I have read over time, some branches provide competence and good service and others do not. So you do take your chances there.

Hi Mel2

Just found your thread so I am a bit late perhaps.
What concerns me is that you said a couple times that this stuff is way over your head. Well don't be too quick to put yourself down. I know nothing about you or your true ability but at least price out the components yourself first then decide that if you have the time to do some research maybe it is not quite over your head at all.
Start with an AGM battery. If you have no idea what size then price it on 120AH for starters.
A good DCDC charger. Enerdrive 20 or 30 amp are great as they work well, are a reasonable price, have additional inputs for solar etc should you need it later and are reprogrammable should you change to Li batteries later. I think RedArc might have a new model that is similar now too.
Roughly 8m of 2 core cable. The charger supplier will help you with sizing.
Circuit breaker.
Voltage isolation relay.
Outlet plugs. I use Anderson plugs for everything, and I mean everything.
Some means for storing and holding the battery in place.
A hand full of terminals and a few grommets etc. and a role of conduit.
Maybe a soldering iron and crimping tool if you haven't got one.
A multi meter which is a must have no matter who installs it.
Not essential but I would definitely include a battery monitor of some sort. Again the Enerdrive unit is good but a bit pricy at around $450. You are flying blind without one though and be aware that AGM batteries should not be run down much below 50% too often if at all.
Now I know others may chime in and say I am wrong. Thats okay.
But think about it, best case is you will do your research, you will do a good job of your install, you will save a few dollars (not a lot if any), you will have a system that meets your needs, you will have a system that you understand and can repair and modify without too much stress down the track somewhere and mostly you will be feeling pretty darn good about yourself. And it will take you a lot longer than you ever imagined;)
Worse case is you will decide not to do it yourself (you know your true ability) but your extensive research will have taught you a lot about the equipment and your personal needs so you will be able to talk intelligently to installers and be sure you are getting what you need/want.
All the best Mel2 and let us know how you get on.

Roy G
Toowoomba Qld

When you make a choice, post an update here. After a 12 month wait, I finally just got my Hilux and am also in the market for a dual battery setup.
Are you going lithium?
Are you putting the 2nd battery under the bonnet, or elsewhere?
Are you getting an additional inverter? (My Hilux has a 240v outlet inside the console - which obviously runs off the starting battery).