H3 Dual Battery Tray Alpha

[jpthomso]

I have been searching the forums and internet. I want to put dual batteries in my H3 Alpha. Not having any luck as of yet.

 

[Jeff V.]

Try this. Uses some generic parts with great results.

https://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php/7580-Rascole-s-dual-battery-install


This one is also great.

https://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php/523-Hunner-version-Alpha-dual-batteries

 

[rascole]

most of the Optima dual trays will fit with minor modifications. There are plenty of threads here to show you how to do it. lased designs makes some good stuff.

 

[JPaul]

You can also put a group 31 battery in instead of dual batteries. There are pro's and con's to both routes.

Dual batteries:
Pros:
Have a dedicated battery for auxiliaries
Can jump from second battery
Looks cool

Cons:
cost (~1.5x to 2x the cost to get 2 batteries vs a single group 31, plus the additional components needed to make a decent dual battery setup)
complexity (both for setup and making sure they stay charged properly)
weight is a bit more than a single group 31 (but not a huge amount more)


Group 31:
Pros:
simple
cheaper (only one battery to buy, no supporting accessories needed)
Just as much capacity as 2 group 34's

Cons:
If you drain the battery you're out of luck unless someone can jump you or you bring a jump pack. You should probably have a jump pack regardless of what setup you choose.
May need to put it on a good charger periodically to make sure it's 100% charged (though really it's a good idea to do this no matter what setup you have if you're drawing down on the battery much by running a winch or accessories)
No "cool factor." :wink:

That being said, a dual battery setup is a good idea but personally I'd rather 2 group 31's or 1 group 31 for crank/winch and a lithium for the house/aux battery and a DC/DC charger. I'm still trying to figure out where to put a 2nd group 31 battery (since I don't have the funds for a lithium battery). However, it's up to you which way you want to go. Either is fine really and is better than the single group 86 battery.

 

[Gpcalero]

Lased Designs makes a nice dual battery tray for two Optima batteries.

I've yet to install it... lol.