Dual Battery Setup - Basic Advice Needed.....

Submitted: Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 16:52
ThreadID: 29510 Views:8468 Replies:12 FollowUps:33
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Hi everyone,

have been a long time reader of the posts on this site and they have provided invaluable information but this is my first post so please be gentle, especially as I am (very) new when it comes to things electrical!

I know there have been inumerable posts on dual battery set ups and what the best option is, but I was hoping that someone might be able to give me some'high level pointers' as unfortunately I will probably have to rely on the expertise of one of the main 4WD operations in Perth (ARB/ Opp Lock/ TJM) to set me up and I know from the posts I have read on this site that this can be dangerous if, like me, you dont have a huge amount of mechanical or electrical knowledge! I have done some research but unfortunately I have found it hard to compare what you are getting and I was hoping someone may be able to help. Hopefully my questions are fairly simple (and wont cause a huge debate!!)

Basically, I am after any comments on which of the mainstream 4WD outlets will provide a DB setup that will:

1. Run an Engel 40ltr for at least a couple of days (I know this is weather dependant but main usage will be average summer conditions for south west WA). At the end of the day I dont want something that it going to run out of juice after a day (unless of course temperatures and therefore usage are extreme). Ie what type and capacity battery should I ask for?
2. Has some sort of system to let me know when the auxiliary battery is getting low and therefore that we need to go for a drive
3. Whether there are any pitfalls/ specific requests that I should be making to whichever company fits it in terms of cabling, what can be plugged.

In terms of research so far, the Opposite Lock system appears quite attractive in terms of the management system (easy to read flashing lights!) and the fact that they run a decent cable down to the back. However, they just seem to use a normal cranking battery whereas the guy at ARB sounded fairly convincing when he was talking about the hybrid type. When I asked both of them about deep cycle batteries they basically said that they arent necessary for what I want them to do but the posts on this site would appear to disagree?

Apologies if this is a fairly common questions but am just looking for some 'no-nonsense' advice on the systems put in by the main operators in the market and whether they do the job.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

PS I have 3ltr GU4 so have plenty of space under the bonnet

Cheers
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