Dual Battery Setup costs

Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 10:53
ThreadID: 144766 Views:4574 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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Hi

I have a new hilux on order and looking to have a few extras installed through the dealer. One of which is an auxiliary battery setup, under the hood.

He has quoted me about $2230 for the ARB battery kit to be installed, including two batteries and dual plugs for a fridge mounted in the tub (I assume he is including the main battery with this. Not sure why it would include two extra batteries?)

I’ve looked up the ARB prices, and the quote is about $230 more than ARB states but I think that extra would go to running wires and installing fridge plugs to the tub. (Just a note, the dealer has been spot on with quoting other prices almost identical to the arb price list, I expected him to jack them up to take advantage but he seams legit)


Anyway, obviously it will depend a lot on the type of battery included, which I’m unsure about, but does this seam like a reasonable price compared to other brands? I’ve done alot of searching but have seen prices ranging from $500 to around the $1200 (plus battery and install), and any info/threads I can find are from about 10 years ago (and pre covid price hikes). Not gunna lie, most of this electrical stuff is way over my head so it won’t be a DIY project…


(Also I’m not set on ARB. Just looking at them as that is who the dealer is working with. Willing to look at other brands but I would have to organise to have them installed after I pick it up, which isnt as I live remotely)

Thanks for any input
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Reply By: Member - Bigfish - Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 12:16

Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 12:16
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).
AnswerID: 641596

Follow Up By: Mel2 - Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 20:32

Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 20:32
Thanks. I knew they were expensive but wasn’t sure if they were superior quality and worth the money. Clearly not!
Thankyou, I’ll do a bit more research and find a better, more cost effective option
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FollowupID: 920838

Reply By: Kazza055 - Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 12:53

Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 12:53
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????
AnswerID: 641597

Follow Up By: Mel2 - Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 20:37

Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 at 20:37
I’m not sure what he meant when he told me two batteries. I assume he was meaning the original battery too, but was trying to make it sound like a better deal than it is. ?????

It sounds like I’d be better off shopping around, so I’ll see what other options I can find.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - nickb boab - Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 06:11

Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 06:11
You would be better off buying pricing shopping around for the components you want to use individually and finding a good qualified auto electrician with good recommendations if you weren't not confident in doing the job.. then to use the well known four-wheel drive suppliers because you don't know how good their so-called installers are in my experience
Cheers Nick b

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Reply By: Bazooka - Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 13:14

Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 13:14
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.

AnswerID: 641607

Follow Up By: Mel2 - Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:37

Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:37
thanks for that, I really appreciate the advice.
Im not sure what he was trying to sell me but ive decided not to go through ARB now, so i will do some more reasearch and figure out what will suit me best.
I live in remote NW NSW and we have a trusted mechnic in town who has installed auxilary batteries into all our work utes, so ill likely get him to do the work.

cheers
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 14:54

Thursday, Sep 08, 2022 at 14:54
.
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.

Cheers
Allan

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AnswerID: 641608

Follow Up By: Mel2 - Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:43

Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:43
Thanks for the advice Allan.
I am no good with electrics at all so am certainly not qualified to judge any mechanic/sparkie, but we do have a trusted bloke who has installed auxillary batteries in a lot of the work utes, and should know what is good for the conditions out here. The plan is now to do a but more research until the ute shows up (and who knows when that will be....) and likely take it to him
Thanks again
Mel
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:50

Sunday, Sep 11, 2022 at 18:50
.
It's hard to beat a 'country mechanic' Mel.
Cheers
Allan

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FollowupID: 920866

Reply By: Happy Explorer - Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022 at 20:34

Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022 at 20:34
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
AnswerID: 641875

Reply By: Member - David W87 - Saturday, Nov 05, 2022 at 20:09

Saturday, Nov 05, 2022 at 20:09
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).
AnswerID: 642019

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