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

We don't make any systems that relocate the battery to behind the seat.
So the kit we offer for the 2nd gen Sport is the Side by Side kit, currently only available with the Blue Sea ML-ACR. However, we do have a RedArc Side by Side system in the works at the moment. This kit should be available once testing is complete.

 

I am trying to avoid the dual battery up front, especially a side by side for weight purposes, hence the reason to mount it towards the rear of the truck behind the rear seat. Thank you anyway though. It might be worth your while to come up with a system like this. Have it come with proper awg wiring, mounting points, fuses, and connections for other devices. A set it and forget it type system to help the novice without the hassle.

 

I think currently the only way to do that set up is custom. But you can use the OGE RedArc BCDC tray under the factory battery location, then run the Auxiliary battery wiring back to the second battery in the cab. It is something I can bring up in the next meeting.

 

that might be something to look into. I know that the amount of wiring that would be necessary could be made to fit most Toyota applications and have a come with may be of Blue sea fuse box, a 12 volt plug, or even a chance to hook up a power inverter. I do understand that this is more of a custom set up, but I think you might be able to have the option of having a setup like this, with set up directions, as a full package so then a lot of people would not be running around trying to buy different things from different companies trying to figure things out on their own. It could come with all the hardware, pre-crimped wiring, and maybe even some type of ABS mounting plate for the customer to mount the fuse box and power inverter on. Just a thought. the aspect of a Redarc is great as well knowing full well that if a person wants to have a solar input, it is automatically set up for them.

 

Its an interesting idea. I can bring it up to Matt and maybe if we have a custom install in the shop that requests it we can see how likely it will be to be able to produce this in the form of the kit.

 

Not to complicate things but the only difference between a second battery in the front, and one six feet away is ah....six feet of battery cable? LOL. I have my second battery in the bed, (I have a cap). The problem with a battery in the cab of the truck is venting the gasses, and having a 50lb missle behind you. I've seen some of the battery tie downs on here. LOL
Zim

The farther away you go is a issue maybe, amperage drop???

Here is a quick link to a possible solution.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Perform...MI4p6x3qCl7AIVAtvACh3qYAegEAYYASABEgL7YvD_BwE

 

I do agree with you in a couple ways where there might be an amperage drop, but this would be the reason for a thicker gauge wire making sure that it is copper infused, to ensure proper amperage. In with regards to the venting, correct me if I'm wrong, but Isn't a AGM battery completely sealed and does not need to be vented? The third aspect is whether or not there will be a 50 pound missile behind you. This is why I had originally asked him if there can be a way to mount the battery behind the seat, secure it, and not have to worry about that specific thing. Thoughts?

 

Yeah I was going that direction a while ago. I was going to mount it under a box I fab'd but started thinking about space and other things. The venting thing was from my application. I was using a wet battery before I went solar/agm. I never did like the idea of a battery in the cab of the truck tho. It's just not up my alley but it was going to work. Then I built the cap/topper. I would still reconsider it in the cap. Lots of things to go wrong in my opinion. A good fabricator can secure the battery. I'd weld the bracket to the bare floor, and use a commercial heavy duty metal tie down, commonly used in racing. I made my own and I trust it. It really boils down to each guy's capability's. I'm blessed to have the gear and training. I've seen bungee cords and clothing belts used on batteries....lmao.
My old idea below.
Zim

Edit: The Cadillac and Tahoe have the battery in the car, but inside a secure area with a lid...

 

AGM batteries still off-gas....significantly less than a lead acid. Enough to do long term poisoning or cause an explosive environment in the cab of the truck? ...that I don't know.

 

I was under the assumption that they are completely sealed, can be mounted in anyway, and do not gas off. I do understand the aspect of a battery degrading over time comment being overcharged, or even Buildup and corrosion with the connections. Can anyone clarify this?

 

You might be thinking of a gel or Optima yellowtop AGM battery which is a solid core and can be mounted upsidedown or whatever.
Here is a great page that discusses the difference.
https://interstatebatteries.com/blog/what-is-an-agm-battery-and-whats-the-big-deal
Zim

 

I didnt see Off Grid Engineering on the list- been extremely happy with the system and support etc. Great product.

 

Patiently waiting for my Offgrid Engineering/Redarc kit to arrive. Trying to decide between running a yellow top for weight savings or duralast platinum AGM for matchy-match with my starter battery.

 

dual odyssey's or gtfo!

 

So heavy though. And my starter battery is less than a year old.

 

i feel you. but i said fuckit lol

 

I posted this once before and didn’t get much response. But has anyone installed the RedArc BCDC with the self jumpstart feature? It sounds like the best of both worlds between the RedArc setup and the Blue Sea ML-ACR.

https://www.redarc.com.au/bcdc-dual-with-jump-start-feature-the-ultimate-battery-setup

 

Go Duralast. Optima batteries were awesome until they closed the "union factory" in Colorado, and moved it to Mexico several years ago. I've run red tops in my race cars for years. They're boat anchors now. Now there will be many to comment on how their Optima has lasted 89 years, and never failed or jumped out of the truck to save a baby deer. I'm just offering this as a ASE cert guy who's sold and installed hundreds of batteries.
Zim

 

Odyssey are good as well.