Dual battery idea for 4runner...

Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 09:38

ThreadID: 51404 Views:4080 Replies:4 FollowUps:6

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Simon M

Hey,
Just recently bought a 40lt Engel fridge, so decided it might be time to finally get around to fitting a deep cycle battery for the use of the fridge and other accessories. As we all know, the engine bay of the 4Runner isn't the most accomodating to another battery, but I will be fitting one in there :)

Just for reference, I have a 1993 4runner with 22R 4cylinder petrol engine that has been converted to dual fuel, so there isn't a great amount of room. The most extreme camping I've done is in an unpowered area for around a week maximum, but I will be looking at venturing further into the outback over the next couple of years, so this may need consideration when thinking about what to get.

At the moment I have 2 options.
1) Use the PiranhaOffroad tray that replaces the standard battery tray behind the drivers side headlight, which will allow the fitment of (according to their site) an 8in + a normal battery, anyone have any idea of what this means? At the moment I have a 12in battery (N70ZZ) behind the drivers headlight, obviously this will have to go for this option, but what size batteries would I be able to fit in this tray? What sort of AH am I looking at?

2) Leave the drivers side as is, and focus on the passenger side. I would most likely move the charcoal canister from the back of the engine bay to next to the radiator, then move the power steering fluid reservoir to where the charcoal canister was (up near the wiper motor). I would then move the air filter housing to the middle of the engine bay to allow room for a large deep cycle behind the passenger side headlight.

Now, I do prefer option 2 for the extra room available for a larger deep cycle, but option 1 is tempting as its simple, however I'm not sure what sort of capacity I could get in there.

All I'll be running off the 2nd battery is the fridge (Engel 40lt), UHF and CD player. I may wire up the spotlights to it as well, however I don't mind what these are hooked up to.

Any ideas from anyone? Or has anyone done either of these options?
Its really confusing me, but I need to do something. And no, I don't want to run a single battery setup, I definately want dual batteries for startup safety.

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Reply By: Member - Troll 81 (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 10:54

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 10:54

Why don't you just run something in the back?

AnswerID: 270709

Follow Up By: Simon M - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:10

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:10

It'll be tight enough fitting all the camping gear in there (damn fridge and esky!), so would prefer to keep the back as empty as possible.

FollowupID: 533725

Follow Up By: Member - Troll 81 (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:13

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:13

Simon

I have a feeling I read something on here ages ago where someone has put up photos of their setup in their 4runner in the engine bay maybe do a search and see what you can find. Having the battery in the back won't really take up that much room if you get a neat setup in a box

FollowupID: 533727

Follow Up By: Simon M - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:39

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:39

I have done searches on nearly all forums that I know of, and haven't found a picture of a 22R engine bay featuring a 2nd battery. Most of the pics are diesel engines, which feature items in different locations.
The main reason I was trying to avoid the batteries in the back was the wiring, having to run the charge cable to the battery, then the accessories feed cable back to the engine bay as thats where my fuse and relay setup already resides for the accessories.
I suppose I may consider it in the back if I can see a neat setup.

FollowupID: 533733

Follow Up By: Member - Matt M (ACT) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:34

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:34

Simon,

Why wouldn't you just keep running the UHF and CD off the main battery? Unless you are running them for a long time with the engine off, the cranking battery will easily cope if it is in good nick. That way, with the 2nd battery in the back, you need only run one set of (heavy)wires to charge it.

In any case, if you are planning running the fridge in the rear, chances are the existing 'accessories' circuit will not be up to it and you should run heavier wires to the fridge in any case. Can hook your spotties (spotlight?) up to it from the rear.

For what it is worth I would plonk it in the back.

Cheers,

Matt.

FollowupID: 533759

Reply By: Louie the fly - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:14

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:14

I fitted a second battery to my 92 4runner recently. Mounted in the back RHS pocket. The battery I used is from a Cessna aircraft. Its an Applied Glass Matting battery I think but will check. It sticks out about an inch into the cargo area but I built a storage system that covers it anyway. It looks and fits good. And it runs the 40L Waeco just fine. If you want I can take a pic and send it to you. I installed a Redarc battery isolator and fuse in the engine bay and ran cable to the back. Pretty easy and tidy.

Good luck.

AnswerID: 270756

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 16:47

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 16:47

Absorbed glass matt, not applied , AGM.

FollowupID: 533771

Follow Up By: Louie the fly - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:50

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:50

Thats what I meant (I think). Thought an AGM was one of those meetings that people never go to...

Anyway, these batteries seem pretty good so far.

FollowupID: 533863

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:53

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:53

The lack of space in the engine bay will restrict the size of the battery you can fit in there, especially if you choose an AGM style.

My suggestion is along the lines of a portable battery system in the rear of the vehicle to run the fridge.
Only one cable run would be required from the starting battery and this will provide the means of keeping the auxiliary battery charged while it runs the fridge.

I run a 75+ A/h Thumper with an in-car charging kit supplied by Home of 12 volt (blue Apple) but Derek from ABR will also have a solution for you.

The advantage of a portable system is that you can remove it from the vehicle when camping and not be restricted by the distance from the vehicle.

Overall cost will be similar to that incurred with a conventional dual battery system which also requires an isolator.

The in-car kit from Blue Apple negates the need for a separate isolator.

Bill

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AnswerID: 270785

Reply By: Simon M - Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:13

Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:13

Alrighty, after much deliberation, I've decided that I will go for the battery in the back option.
I've decided on a battery of around 100Ah so the fridge can run for several days without problems. However, what sort of battery can be used in the cabin of a wagon? Obviously the wet cells are out, but does that mean I need an AGM type? Or are there other options?
I don't mean to start a debate of what is the best type of battery, just getting options at the moment. Also, what sort of price should I expect to pay for a suitable battery just so I know if I'm getting ripped.

Thanks,
Simon

AnswerID: 270977