Dual Battery System
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 at 01:00
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derek
We are looking at installing a dual battery system in our 2001 dual cab hilux. I have been told that a second battery will not fit under the bonnet and we will either need to put it in the tray, or another suggestion was to put the battery under the back
seat. Can anyone advise me on these options - we would prefer not to use the space in our tub if possible. Further, I have read through the website history and found that a few people have rigged up their own dual battery system. Is this safe in new cars? I would appreciate some detailed specific information on how this is done so that I can investigate. Would we just need an autoelectrician to help?
Reply By: Mark - Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 at 01:00
Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 at 01:00
Hey Derek, not sure on the hilux battery install but if you want info on dual battery charging systems call Rotronics in
Brisbane. They are THE experts.
AnswerID:
2205
Reply By: luke - Wednesday, Feb 27, 2002 at 01:00
Wednesday, Feb 27, 2002 at 01:00
derek ARB have a unit to fit for about $900
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2213
Reply By: Graham - Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Derek
I have an aux. batt fitted to my turbo diesel hilux. They had to remount the radiator coolant bottle at 90 degrees to the radiator and the batt fitted in the coolants space. It is a tight fit.
P.S. If you need your aux. batt to last longer than overnight and decide to go with the Rotronics, don't choose the RA100H model as it only allows a 60% discharge of the batt.
Cheers
Graham
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Follow Up By: Derek - Friday, Mar 01, 2002 at 01:00
Friday, Mar 01, 2002 at 01:00
Hi Graeme,
Thanks for that. Just wondering who you had install the battery and if you mind indicating roughly how much it cost you to have it installed? Did you get something like the kit from Piranah or ARB or just get together your own gear? Thanks
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Follow Up By: Nigel - Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
it's probably worth pointing out that discharging a battery more than 60% will shorten the batteries life. Deep cycles aren't affected as much as starter batteries, but even deep cycles will last longer if they never go below 60% (not always possible) so it's worth choosing the biggest capacity battery you can fit.
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Reply By: Nigel - Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
Opposite Lock have a good selection of battery trays and cheaper in my experience - I'd talk to them before deciding anything. If you use a parallel charging isolator (ARB, TJM, Pirahna, etc) then you will have shortened battery life unless you use the same type, capacity and age of battery. Independant charge systems are best as you can have a deep cycle and a starter battery, rather than being limited to 2 starter batteries. You can get automatic independant systems or get your auto electrician to design a manual one, but whatever you do take the time to talk to Rotronics in
brisbane coz they really are the experts.
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Reply By: Kev - Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
please keep your second battery out side your cab!!!!any overcharging from your alternator combined with excesive ambient temperature may cause it to EXPLODE!!!!I have seen this happen and the expeling acid would make a nice mess of your interior.
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Reply By: Kev - Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002 at 01:00
dual batterys can be easily set up with a $20 solinoid and about 2 feet of battery cable i have this set up in my 75 series ute and i love it no turning knobs or switches just install and forget about it.
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Follow Up By: Derek - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002 at 01:00
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002 at 01:00
Hi Kev, Thanks for the response. I have heard of this before. Unfortunately I am not very mechanically minded but was wondering if you know if this is completely safe in a new car - I am concerned that it may staff up the computer/mechanics in the car and possibly cause some problems in terms of warranty if I ever did have a problem? Is this possible or is the system you're talking about completely independent of all of the computer etc.. and thus there is no risk of damage? Thanks
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Reply By: Kev - Saturday, Mar 09, 2002 at 01:00
Saturday, Mar 09, 2002 at 01:00
derek this system is independant of all other circuts the only thing that can interfear with the computer box is electric spikes which come from welding on your ute or jump starting with out a antizap box.
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Follow Up By: Derek - Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 at 01:00
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 at 01:00
Hi Kev - how could I get this set up in my car? Would I just need to ask an autoelectrician? Does anyone know a reputable place where i could get this done around
Melbourne?
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