dual batteries

replying to my own post?!?!

it seems the redarc and rotronics are the go, but differences between them???
what is a reasonable price to pay in the sydney area to get auto elec to fit or what considerations are there to do it myself (i am reasonably cluey and do most of my mechanical work on Toyota HJ60 :-) )

thanks again

Well many of the so called 'big name install' are just rebadged GSL www.gsl.com.au or Redarc www.redarc.com.au units. For example in the Piranha brand, their battery isolator is made by GSL and is from memory $249. You can buy the GSL one for about $110. Another type that I think is the ARB one, is virtually identical to the Redarc one, but the little box on the side of the ARB one is made in the US, and the Redarc unit is made in Australia. Redarc about $110, ARB one $239 from memory.
As for deep cycle batteries, we have had an excellent run out of Apollo. They are made in Korea by Global Yuasa and have had no complaints with them. The batteries we have been using are the 862 or 882 right at the bottom of this page:
http://www.apollobatteries.com.au/spec.htm

Well many of the so called 'big name install' are just rebadged GSL www.gsl.com.au or Redarc www.redarc.com.au units. For example in the Piranha brand, their battery isolator is made by GSL and is from memory $249. You can buy the GSL one for about $110. Another type that I think is the ARB one, is virtually identical to the Redarc one, but the little box on the side of the ARB one is made in the US, and the Redarc unit is made in Australia. Redarc about $110, ARB one $239 from memory.
As for deep cycle batteries, we have had an excellent run out of Apollo. They are made in Korea by Global Yuasa and have had no complaints with them. The batteries we have been using are the 862 or 882 right at the bottom of this page:
http://www.apollobatteries.com.au/spec.htm

Felix ,if you can change a fuse,service a 60, you can self fit a rotronics system.

With a 60 series you're not running complicated electronics so if dollars are an issue you could simply use a heavy duty solenoid to connect the two batteries together as you switch the ignition on. A simple, effective system. Just need to make sure you have similar batteries in good condition, rather than deep cycle and starter.

Much debate about this point: unless you are constantly discharging a deep cycle, it's probably better to stick with two starter batteries.

Local auto elec will often do it cheaper than the big name accessory stores....

If you are thinking about a Pirahna system, be aware that TJM Megastores have virtually the same system, considerably cheaper than the "badged" Pirahna system.

:o) Melissa

Felix, I had a Piranha unit in my Kombi. It was model 150S (from memory) and I paid I'm sure less than $150 for it. When it came time to fit a DB system to my 4wd I thought I may as well go piranha again. The exact same unit had gone up $100. I looked around for cheaper alternatives but was frustrated at the lack of knowledge of sales people. I rang Rotronics and spoke to Rod Street. The guy had an answer for every (dumb) question I had. They design them, make them and repair them if need be. That was enough for me, so that's what I bought. Haven't actually fitted it yet though. In my Kombi my Exide deep cycle battery only lasted 18 months. I have replaced my cranking battery with an Exide 'Extreme' which is apparently good for cranking and deep cycle. I will go for the exact same battery for my auxillary. This way both batteries can 'equalise' under charge. Good luck, there are a lot of opinions out there!