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Install a Dual Battery System
Saved in Repair Tips | Written By Shayne | Comments (2)
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(6 votes) Loading ...If your into all the high tech wizardry of modern day camping, or if you’ve tacked on an electric winch to your off road chariot, you’ll probably want to invest in a 2nd battery for your 4X4.
Most large 4X4’s produced after 1980 will have a spot already available for a 2nd batter, and this mod is one of the easiest you can make to your 4X4. For older and smaller 4X4’s you might have a little more work to do…
The first thing you need to do is find a mounting spot for your second battery. As I mentioned large 4X4’s like the Toyota Landcruiser already have a provision for one (on the opposite side of the radiator), others won’t. You can either buy an aftermarket 2nd battery tray from a 4X4 accessory dealer, or grab a 2nd hand unit that will fit in your area from a wreckers. Personally I’d go with the wrecker option as you’ll save a stack of cash, and will a little investigation, find a tray that will fit your application better than a purchased unit.
After you’ve installed your tray, put in your second battery and you’re ready to wire it up.
Installing your isolator: If your going to install a 2nd battery you need to install an isolator. An isolator will isolate your 2nd battery from your main battery when you’re alternator is not charging. This means that any accessories you run from your second battery whilst you car is not running (such as a fridge), will not drain your main battery. This thus ensures that you’ve always got power to start you’re vehicle. A good isolator will also prioritise charge, only charging your 2nd battery once the main battery is fully charged.
The wiring of a dual battery system is pretty simple, and looks like this:
Enjoy and, as always, any q’s just shout out.
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hi i like to ask your advice on dual batteries. i have a landcruiser 100 ,it comes with 2 factory standard batteries. now i’ve bought an engel frridge ..should i put in a third battery to run it? or take 1 factory battery out and put in a deep cycle battery in its place?
Regards..
Tom
You won’t need a 3rd battery, although you might want to consider an upgraded unit. It’s more important that you identify how your isolator works. Your fridge should be wired to your aux battery which should be isolated from your main battery when your car is not running.
This means that when you leave your fridge running overnight, it will only drain power from your second battery, leaving the primary battery with full power to start your 100 series in the morning.
Then when you fire up your car, it will start recharging both batteries.