The NorthStar AGM Battery + Voltage Booster Upgrade

I did purchase it from the post. Sent email hoping they will cancel order.

 

If those Optima charge specs are correct it looks like that would be an area where the Optima actually has an advantage.

 

I think they give that range, it is a large range. I had my optima for years on a trickle to keep it up, just installed in my truck but who know if it will last at this point

 

Optima float charge is max 13.8v. Cycle charge is max 15.0v. Similar numbers to NorthStar.
https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/support/charging/optima-battery-special-charger

 

There is definitely a balance here too depending on the particular use and the climate. Running undercharged perpetually is bad and overcharging is bad too.

In a use case where the vehicle is driven infrequently undercharging may be the larger issue and perhaps running the higher voltage might help the life of the battery by getting it to full charge on a typical drive. On the other hand a frequently driven vehicle might suffer more from overcharging. Especially in hot climates since the maximum float voltage goes down with increased temperature.

Fundamentally a constant voltage charging circuit isn’t particularly friendly to these batteries. In deep cycle applications (solar banks, marine) often they have a smart charger to manage them.

All that said it certainly seems on the warm climate side of things overcharge is the bigger threat to AGM with a constant charge voltage and the AGM float voltage is lower than the flooded batteries the alternator voltage was set for. But sulfation is also a real problem so it wouldn’t be surprising if there were particular cases where running the higher voltage helps.

 

Hey OP, just wondering if you have a pic of the tie down system you used, I made a new rear bar but am working on a battery design for my truck, Here is what I have right now, Going to do a tray though and some other stuff. Group 31 X2Power

 

Gee looks like I'm late to the party. I was planning on getting a voltage booster but didn't want to pay for the shipping...
Guess I’ll post some battery photos
This is a 27f in a 2gen

 

I was going to pick up one of these for my 27F. They are adjustable for the NorthStars top to provide a snug fit.



Edit: here is the link:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-trd-battery-hold-downs.574494/

 

How did you determine the C/B Amperage? or was it a kit?

 

Here is what I set up but took it out, don't like the setup, I am adding a disconnect for the winch and want something different for lights and power

 

thanks, for the link but I have a CNC machine so I was going to do something a bit different. I want my MALR on the battery then, a disconnect for winch and a few circuit breakers for the starter and truck electronics

 

Also need a bigger bottom tray, I threw this in for a road trip, have not hooked up any accessories. Yet....

 

Winch disconnects are good.

 

After reading I was freaked out, quickly disconnected everything and am re thinking my plan.

 

Are you asking about the fuse blocks on the battery terminal? They are there to protect the positive lines. One is for my switch pro (125amp) other is a blue sea fuse block (100amp) I got most of the stuff from Amazon. The amperage was determined from the max allowed.
I researched and borrowed ideas from tons of other builds.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...s-for-electrical-accessories-and-more.518174/
I did use @Mr.PowerTrays to make my custom length battery cables. Which was great because I have 4 different stud sizes...

 

Rethinking getting a disconnect for the winch?

 

Thinking the disconnect is good so when you get off the road you connect it when you air down, and disconnect when air up. since it would be direct connect to battery I wanted to make sure I could save myself a future headache

 

I'll take a better photo of my bracket holding the winch disconnect tomorrow.

 

Pretty sure this would fix the Taco lean. $1500 for the battery though.

https://4xspower.com/shop/li-series/lithium-s-series-batteries/li-s3400/

 

WTF happened there? Cables rubbed thru and shorted??

Regarding the voltage booster I found a diode from a GM at O’Reilly for about $4 that fits into the Alt-S slot and raises voltage about 0.6V.
My truck isn’t driven daily. I pop that sucker in after camping, wheeling, winching etc. and switch back when I get home. I also have a Duralast so if that ever goes belly up autozone will gimme a new one for free