Dual Battery system

[Renagade132]

I finally got around to installing it, I still need to get a second Odyssey dry cell battery, just maybe smaller then the main one, but for now, I reinstalled the stock one in the alternate location. You will see I reused my stock battery tray, as Scarsman from Knight Metal Works made me a kick @ss battery holder for the replacement king size dry cell Odyssey battery I installed as the main (78 pounds to be exact). I had to fit the dual battery isolator in there as well, so I had no choice but to cut down/trim down the length of my Doc intake with the K&N filter, in order to be able to fit the second battery under the hood, in a good secure location. The control head for the dual battery system is inside the cabin, and I will install it on the dashboard some where, but for now it's just hanging over my Whelen emergency siren and lights hand held unit mic.

 

[Renagade132]

More pics

 

[Scarsman]

Nice! I'm going to eventually add a second battery, but I haven't decided where to put it. I just don't want to lose the stock cold air intake box and be pulling hot engine compartment air. I've thought about putting it in the back behind the rear bumper. It wouldbe along cablerun, but there's a ton of space up there.

 

[RamRod]

Very nice!


Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[Renagade132]

I like your idea of all the way in the back Scarsman, the only thing I suggest is use a dryccell battery back there, so that way it will allow you to mount it in whichever direction you wish, without worrying that it might leak!

 

[Renagade132]

Here are pics of the head unit for the dual battery system in my dashboard area. I think will move it to the other side of the steering wheel so it doesn't look so cluttered in this area, but we'll see!

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Looks sweet! can you give me some basics about doing this and how you use it please. Like for example its good to have a backup in case your main fails or drains out ...or maybe to use the secondary for light bar, music amp etc. Im interested in doing something like this on my H3. Are they ever both active like being charged by the alternator etc or run in series like a golf cart or something where they all charge and get used together? Thanks
I want to add a light bar, some go lights, a cb and other lights around the rack and im thinkin something like this is highly beneficial? :huh:

 

[Renagade132]

Use it is beneficial, and a great back up plan. That's why I got the isolator and the control head with the system. What if does is that the alternator is charging both batteries at the same time when the truck is running, but only sucking juice from the main if needed, and the control lets my activate the second battery to link them if I have any trouble starting it, or if I need more juice, for example when running a winch. The only other thing I would suggest is a more powerful alternator then the stock one, and if your considering batteries, dry cell is the way to go, and my choice would be the Odyssey battery.

 

[MaxPF]

Nice setup! I have something similar and I like it. Only issue I had was my 15 year old 95 amp isolator lost a diode The isolator gets HOT when a fair amount of current is being drawn from the system, so make sure it has some airflow.

 

[Renagade132]

Thanks MaxP I will definitely keep that in mind. It's is in a fairly vented area by the side vent of the hood engine compartment, but I have honestly never touched it since I installed it, so I'm not even sure how hot it's getting! lol...I better get on that

 

[Renagade132]

I relocated the control head, it was making the dashboard look cluttered, where I first put it, so this is what it looks like now!