TJM Ox Dual Battery Management

Ray,
I installed the IBS system to the Cruiser about 7years ago when they first come out and has not given any trouble at all. At a glance I can see how many volts the batteries are getting, at the press of a button I can link the two batteries together manually. This is great when winiching or if the main battery is too flat to start the motor. I can also get a read out of how many volts are in each battery when the motor is not running.
As far as isolating the batteries it works very well. The main battery gets charged first when the motor starts and when it is topped up the soliniod kicks in and the second battery gets the charge. This way the alternator is not trying to charge two batteries together. I have found this system is very good if, as I do, run two starting batteries.
The other thing I like about it is that it has a lot of different coloured LED lights.

Wayne

G'day Ray

We have an Ox setup and so far it's worked very well. No meters, just touch pads to link the 2 batts or run in auto mode. A word of caution though.. our's is mounted to the rear of the console box between the 2 seats, normally not a problem.

On our recent trip to the Cape I removed the rear seat and extended a flat bed to behind the front seats ... this is where we come to the compounding errors (of the human variety).

We had a Waeco (as a freezer) and 3 way Chescold (as a fridge) on the trip. All worked a treat with the Waeco permanently on board and the Chescold hooked up to gas when stopped for a few days, or if we just pulled up for 1 night I'd usually just disconnect the Chescold and leave it sans power for the evening.

Went all the way to the top and almost back without a problem. On our return we stopped overnight at a pub in Chinchilla, and here things went awry. Error #1..a few beers and forgot to disconnect Chescold. Error #2..either stowed gear or errant fingers had inadvertently linked the 2 batts.

Net result ... next morning 2 maggoted batts ... how embarrassment. A call to RACQ. If it had happened up the bush I had 2 backups ... aux batt on CT or genny and charger, but it just shows you how things can go belly up.

Other than human error the setup works very well. Another benefit is when you have 2 flat batts you can connect jumper to 2nd batt and then link via the button to overcome probs with spikes.

Cheers

I've had TJM IBS for probably 7 years now too, I replaced the solenoid last year, (it was still working but was showing a fairly high resistance). And it has been great. I love having the control at your fingertips and the ability to know what's going on under the bonnet

Thanks for for the replies. Seems that they'll do the job properly. What are people's thoughts on the new electric relays that TJM have replaced the solonoids with? Has anyone used them yet?

Ray