Dual Battery Setups! Let's see them! Multiple Batteries Thread!

There are many different reasons why people put a secondary battery in their vehicle. With so many different electronic modifications we do on our trucks, and the prolonged usage of certain electronic modifications while camping/tailgating/etc, adding a secondary battery can ensure that you will be able to start your vehicle when the time is necessary.

The different types of ways to install a secondary battery, its usage, and how it charges - will be all discussed in this thread in detail.

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Mounting Systems

ATO Dual Battery Tray


Columbia Overland version


Custom trays by @Iggy. (Also has mount for ML-ACR)


OFF-GRID ENGINEERING (Also has mount for ML-ACR)

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Charging Systems

National Luna


Pro-
1. Audible TOne
2. dual monitor
3. paddle is a switch also (con too)
4. used by overlanders/offroaders all over the world
5. This one is huge, they make a MONITORING DONGLE that does not have to be plugged into their proprietary Intelligent solenoid.
6. they apparently make a recessed Dongle now too!



Con

1. Dongles are HUGE and do not really go anywhere in our vehicles.



2. Solenoid system is actually a HYBRID and not really a 'smart' solenoid.



3. Huge con for me, not really a sealed system. Whole thing could have been enclosed.
4. Price - $395 - WOW!
5. Weire wiring and solenoid setup. Whats up with all the large nodules on the solenoid ?
6. Looks like someone garbled a few components together, not really a polished finished product.



Intelligent Battery System (IBS)


Pro -

1. Designed off road use
2. Smaller setup than the National Luna (con too)
3. easy install
4. Audible tone
5. dual visual gauges for the battery
6. dongle is also a switch


Cons

1. Size, 200amp relay
2. not waterproof/ sealed
3. plastic relay -> Mounting and heat issues hypothetically.



4. Price - At almost 500 with options, Most expensive option by far http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2074
5. wiring is all over the place


Blue Sea ML-ACR
.


Pro

1. Sealed
2. Full sized switch with built in blinking LEDs for battery states
3. PRICE $261.63
4. Easy to connect Leads for battery 1 and 2
5. easy harness with options of a tinned leads or deutsch connector
6. Manual shutoff/ isolation of batteries at the relay itself.
7. Small form factor
8. From start to finish, a truly thought out and well designed product. It is actually a BUSSMANN/ Blue Sea product.

CONS

1. No tone
2. No graphical interface

Painless Performance Dual Battery System

$105 WirthCo 1213.1241 20092 Battery Doctor 125 Amp/150 Amp Battery Isolator , Black

WirthCo Battery Isolator





Other important information
The Northstar AGM battery + Voltage Booster Upgrade
Battery size chart
Big 3 Upgrade
Info about relocating 2nd battery in bed & wiring/gauge info
How to separate OEM fuse box
Connecting Batteries In Series vs. Parallel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0v7GHrWUQc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJDlFBW3nRI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsQyxe4rtgA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Yc3D_79RM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR498WWVpMo

Links to Dual Battery Systems
AllMountainToy
shaneckc
IgnorantlyAlberta
killianeric
Blackdawg
abarber11
Slimwood Shady
H0LLYW00D
MrGrimm
NYCO
Manwithouthaplan
Linus
tacomonazul
Idaholandho
MJonAgs32
Whitecloud
Nate87
Iggy.
InTheRough
Cascades Tacoma
hmcclung
PeterVICEG
Crom
Mademan925
docloco
HeliMedic
Chuy
Subway4x4
scott96929
tacomgee
Spansfelder

 

ATO has one

http://www.armortechoffroad.com/2005-Tacoma-Dual-Battery-Tray_p_2.html

 

LOL- UM, I got 2 x 31M's I'm trying to squeeze under the hood.

 

Saw this - http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/sierra-expeditions/136373-ibs-dual-battery-kits.html

Might do as OP did.- Relocate the ABS/ slightly.

 

I just did this over the weekend

 

If I had a newer gen, with the ABS on the opposite side, it would be a no brainer.

 

I like that, "HOME" and "MAIN" - what do you have on them?

 

That is the ATO battery tray... $144.00
2x yellow tops
Rugged ridge dual battery wiring kit with 3 way switch
Blu seas aux fuse box.

If that is what you mean by "on them"

 

No I meant the batterys. you used a sharpie to label the batteries. I was wondering what you have on both sides there. Like main is for the truck electronics?

 

I measured it out. I could put 2 of the 31's in the spot if* I move the fuse box back a little.
Also would need to cut/ grind off the posts for the battery retention (spot where the "hook" goes into the metal tab between the fuse block and the battery) mount.
With the studs, these are 9.5" high.

 

Ah ok. Yes the main is literally just the starting battery. No electronics other than factory are on this. The home battery is all aftermarket accessories. Winch, fridge/freezer, 12v outlet in bed.

 

Makes sense now.

I was thinking of taking the inverter (stock) and seeing if i could isolate it from the other electronics. Then again, I do have my 2200w Pure Sine Inverter. That donkey is a behemoth.

 

You have a link to that inverter?
I always thought the winch and starter should be on one and then everything else on the other.

 

With this set up the winch can and should go on the aux. this is because with the flip of a switch both batteries are engaged and both push full charge from alternator. This is also used in an emergency when you want to pull juice from both to start the engine.

 

Here you go. http://www.powerbright.com/aps2200.html

It is the size of a VCR...

Yep, so you can self "Jump" your vehicle too!

 

Did you need or should you upgrade the alternator with an inverter that large?

 

My plan was to get a bigger alternator anyways. There is one I was looking at a year ago that was same size as ours, custom built ~$450 for 450amps!

 

Inverters only put out what is needed at the time. So its UP TO 2200W constant with peaks UP TO 4400W. SO if I am only pulling 100W, then it only puts out that much. These are more efficient being it is a true SINE wave. Vs a Modified one.

 

With the batterys I have and the plans for a larger amp alternator AND solar panels. I feel I will be good for a decent period of time. Originally I was looking at 3 batterys for my solar bank. I need to make the 2 I have work before I go any further here.

 

On the passenger side I will be mounting my compressor in that cavernous open spot