Dual Batteries and gas bottle
Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:13
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JNMac-offroad
Hi All, I'm taking my fam (Wife and 2 girls, 5yrs and 2yrs old) around this great country of ours (for the first time)and I'd like some feedback on what I need to be looking for when getting a dual battery system fitted to my Prado GXL 4lt, I've called many auto electrics and they all range from 550 to 1000 bucks to be fitted. I'm travelling with a C'van and a Engel 40lt fridge/frezer. Regarding the gas question, I have 9kg bottle with the C'van, would I be a bit paranoid to think I need to fit another? We are travelling over the nullabor upto
Cairns by the coast, then comig home back through brissy then inland.
Any helpful hints would be apprieciated.
Reply By: JAX W - Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:34
Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:34
Hullo JNMac
You will get lots of different opinions, but here is what we have. We have a 200 Series TTD Landcruiser. The two batteries under the bonnet are as standard - no controllers etc. I have an Anderson plug fitted to the front of the vehicle and another to the rear - both with heavy cable and circuit breakers.
I run a 40l Engel in the rear of the wagon with dedicated wiring and circuit breaker to the RH battery under the bonnet.
Our caravan has three 130W Solar panels on the roof. We have 4 x 6Volt 200AmpHr Gell Cell batteries fitted to the van (works as 2 x 12V 400AmpHr). A Xantrex controller manages input to the Gell Cell batteries from the Solar Panels and 240V power in Caravan Parks or Honda 2KVa generator if required (through 45Amp charger).
Finally, we carry a portable 80W Solar Panel that has its own regulator and can be connected using an Anderson plug and "extension lead" to either the front of the Cruiser, the rear of the Cruiser or the front of the Caravan. This 80W Solar Panel is worth at least the same as one of the 130W panels on the roof as it is mounted on an aluminium frame and can be placed to maximise solar input. It will certainly keep the Engel going when connected to the Cruiser, or boost the roof top power when connected to the van.
Just about all options are covered and the setup works
well. This may help you to consider some of the options you can choose.
Good luck with your deliberations.
Regards, Jack
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Follow Up By: JAX W - Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:41
Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:41
Hullo JNMac
I forgot to mention the gas bottles. It would be a good idea to have a smaller gas bottle (4.5kg) as a backup. Gas always runs out at the most inconvenient time and place, so it is fairly smart to have a full second bottle on hand to switch over to. It will save lots of grief at difficult times.
Regards, Jack
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682859
Follow Up By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:51
Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 21:51
Far better to have 2 41/2 kg gas bottles than one 9kg bottle.When your 9kg is empty that is it with no back up.When your first 41/2 bottle is empty you go on to the second one and refill the first at your first opportunity--works for me.
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Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 22:25
Tuesday, Apr 13, 2010 at 22:25
As he has 1 x 9kg bottle now on his c'van, another 9kg bottle beside it I think would just be easier as they obviously last longer between refills.
Maîneÿ . . .
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Follow Up By: Fatso - Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 14:52
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 14:52
Sounds like you have a pretty sweet set up there Jack
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Follow Up By: JAX W - Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 17:18
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 17:18
Hullo Fatso
Yes it is a good setup, but is based on good advice from others and a lot of years of learning. Earlier setups were not as proficient or effective - that generally comes with time, patience and that other stuff - $$.
Regards, Jack
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682938
Reply By: Fatso - Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 14:08
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 14:08
I have a Hilux single cab ute & just put a dual battery in it.
I mounted
mine under the tray & had a battery tray fitted when the tray was being manufactured. You would have to fit a battery tray in the engine bay. Not sure what they cost.
I got a REDARC SMART SOLINOID ($155 on its own) fitted. That along with 2 power points, one on the headboard & one near the rear number plate, all fused & done properly by an auto sparkey cost $610.
The 120 a/h battery cost $260.
That set up probably cost me close to $1000 all up.
Not cheap & if you are not using it for extended periods it is very hard to justify.
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412893