2nd gen dual battery install

Well it seems I am following Barlowrs on his ideas so thanks to him but here is my Columbia Overland and National Luna with aux fuse block install.
I had installed this kit about a year ago but I was never happy with how the wiring was organized or where the aux fuse block was installed so I set out to fix it. I ordered so braided sleeving and heat shrink, went to West Marine for the cables and connectors and had a aluminum plate made up for the fuse block. I ended up having to splice the cable going from the engine to the battery so it would reach and look clean. Took my time and it turned out even better than I thought.

 

Clean install.

Welcome to TW, neighbor.

 

Why would you need a second battery?

 

Yah what is the wattage need for? I mean its cool and id be looking at doing it if i ended up installing the speakers and amps and subwoofers i wanted.

 

Second battery powers ARB frig, 12v to bed, gps, and any future 12v needs. Also a bit of piece of mind can use second battery to jumpstart primary battery in the event that it goes dead.

 

Thank you for the welcome.

 

Well done.

 

Great Job!
I should put a second battery in with an isolator.

 

That's awesome! Whoa, you're in the Seattle area too!! Hmmm, I've been wanting to do a dual battery setup but was reluctant since I wasn't too familiar on the wiring. Wanna help?

 

Sure.

 

I had wanted to do full build but finally got around to posting it. Had alot of questions so I thought I would post parts list and tolls needed.

Parts needed

-Batteries
Odyssey PC1400 Amt needed: 2

-Columbia Overland dual battery tray
http://www.columbiaoverland.com/product/toyota-tacoma-2nd-generation-2005-current-dual-battery-tray

-Custom made tray for aux fuse block

-Hardware for aux fuse block plate
M8-1.25, flat washers, and lockwashers for attaching plate to fender nutserts
1/4 x 20 allthread, nuts, locknut, flat washers, and lock washers to support end of plate

-National Luna dual battery kit
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=543

-Military style battery connectors/terminals
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=753

-Blue Sea aux fuse block
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=550

-Blue Sea circuit breaker
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=185

-Cables
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50560&classNum=50562#.UBm8zELsIdI

Red 2 AWG battery cable P/N: 233718 Amt needed: 6’
Black 2 AWG battery cable P/N: 233726 Amt needed: 6’
Red 4 AWG battery cable P/N: 179523 Amt needed: 3’
Black 4 AWG battery cable P/N: 214551 Amt needed: 3’

-Connectors/Lugs
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50566&classNum=50568#.UBn6QELsIdJ

2AWG heavy duty butt connector P/N: 104259
2AWG heavy duty lug 3/8” stud P/N: 214163
2AWG heavy duty lug 5/16” stud P/N: 291146
2AWG heavy duty lug 1/4” stud P/N: 104309
4AWG heavy duty lug 3/8” stud P/N: 214254
4AWG heavy duty lug 5/16” stud P/N: 214247
4AWG heavy duty lug 1/4” stud P/N: 385799

-Braided Sleeving
http://www.buyheatshrink.com/braidedsleeving/pet-braided-sleeving.htm

Red 3/8” PET braided sleeving P/N: BS0375 Ordered 100’ roll
Black 3/8” PET braided sleeving P/N: BS0375 Ordered 100’ roll

-Heat Shrink
http://www.buyheatshrink.com/heatshrinktubing/3-1-heavy-wall-polyolefin.htm#B

.4 Red 3:1 heavy wall adhesive lined heatshrink Amt needed: 4’ piece
.4 Black 3:1 heavy wall adhesive lined heatshrink Amt needed: 4’ piece


Tools Needed

-Heat gun

-Lug/terminal crimper -Lighter/torch/hot knife to cut braided sleeving

-Assorted screwdrivers and wrenches



1. Mounted both batteries and Columbia Overland dual battery tray.


2. Mounted dual battery solenoid.


3. Ran controller cable beneath dash and along center console.


4. Spliced engine harness cable that runs to primary battery using 2AWG butt splice then covered with heat shrink for protection.


Where I spliced positive engine connection to primary battery.


5. Mounted fuse block plate with M8-1.25 to fender nutserts. I had to support end with 1/4 x 20 all thread connected to hole drilled through fender.


Bottom of plate. Locknut and flat washer supporting plate.


Fenderwell where all thread comes through.


6. Mounted aux fuse block and circuit breaker. Labeled 12V connections.

 

Great looking install, very clean and professional looking.

What model Taco do you have?

I have an 06 TRD Off Road with an 130A alternator and was wondering if the Nat'l Luna kit would work with it.

 

The NL kit will work in any car.

 

Very nice installation.
As an alternative in a DC, especially if loads are in cab or bed, is to put a thin, taller AGM battery with an intelligent combiner/isolator behind the rear passenger side seatback. Very easy installation. Also easy to install inverter behind rear driver side seatback, with extra 12v outlets.
As OP suggested, use Blue Sea components, easily available at West Marine. They are good quality and have excellent tech support.
My primary reason for installing a second battery is that we are often parked for hours with VHF radio on, 12v spotlight, 110v halogen work light, chargers for handheld radio, phones and sat phone, etc. - and don't want to wear down engine battery!
Good luck.

 

Sub, good ish

 

Very nice work!

 

Very very clean install

just out of curiosity did you change the alternator to handle the load of the extra battery?

 

Now that is one professional looking job, well done sir!

 

WOW...very nicely executed. I appreciate the step-by-step and the sources for all the components. I'll probably mimic all you've done and end up with a very similar system.

 

A couple of questions...

How many of each lug did you need to tie in the two batteries, the circuit breaker, and the fuse panel?

Thanks!