Off-Grid Engineering Dual Battery System Q&A

Worth it tho!

 

^^ x2

 

So I did this install in the pouring rain as soon as I got it because I just couldn't wait! Got totally drenched, but I'm so stoked with the results!

OffGrid Engineering side by side tray, custom cables for my fuse block setup, and 2x Northstar AGM35 batteries. Winch is hooked up to the Starter battery, and the fuse block (lights, compressor, fridge etc) is on the Aux.

The install was pretty straight forward, and took me about 2.5 hours in the dark and rain. I know my engine bay is filthy, but @HeliMedic's clean cables make it look so pro!

 

Thanks for spreading the good word!

 

Daaannng. Nice job man!

 

New "Side-by-Side" trays and full battery systems are now live on the website!

https://www.**************/collecti...-toyota-tacoma-dual-battery-tray-side-by-side

https://www.**************/products/2016-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-sr-sr5-complete-dual-battery-system

 

Install complete! I ended up keeping the SP8100 hooked up to the starter battery, but moved the winch and air compressor power cables to the auxiliary battery. So no need for the modified cable from SwitchPro to aux batt. I hope this is ok.

Thanks again, Matt, for answering all of my questions and designing a clean/quality system!





Edit: I know, I know...engine bay is filthy.

 

Nice work! Thanks for the pics!

 

Hey Matt,
I remember you saying awhile back that you had a prototype in the works for those of us with 1st Gen Tacomas. Has there been any progress or updates on that system? Thanks in advance!

 

Any increased "taco lean" with the two Northstar Group 35 batteries in the front corner?

 

At first I thought it was, but I think I just coincidentally was parking on ground that was always leaning that way, because after having it on for a while I can't tell that it's any more than normal.

I do find that the body roll when turning right is slightly more than before though (no sway bar). Got used to that pretty quick though and I don't notice any more.

 

I got a chance to play with a 3rd Gen 4Runner the other day and the conclusion was that it was going to be very difficult to develop a "bolt-in" kit that allows the use of two batteries in the stock location. So, I put the brakes on that for a bit. I may revisit the idea later... but whatever we come up with will have to be a complete departure from the rest of my trays/ systems.

Now, with a little trimming of the inner fender and relocation of the radiator overflow reservoir, two Group 35 batteries fit beautifully using my 2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma kit.

So, if you're a DIY kind of guy, I recommend going this route. Here's a few pics of the install and where we had to cut the fender.

 

This kit came in handy today. I guess I left my lights on when I went in to work and the main battery was dead when I came out 12hrs later. A quick push of the button on the ACR and I was able to start right up.

 

Looks sweet !

 

That's so awesome man. I'm really stoked to have that capability now

 

Ballpark... How long is the install on a split battery system? (Not the side by side.)

 

I think most folks end up getting it done in about 2-3 hours. Maybe others that have done it will chime in.

 

Subscribed for future plans and information

 

@HeliMedic - What does the "Starter cable extension kit" look like for the side by side system? Do you sell that by it self?

 

I assume that those are the cables, crimps, heat shrink, and ends that come with the kit to extend your stock cables from the alternator, and to the truck system, as they are too short once you've moved the batteries around.