AZ BS Thread 4²0

Seriously tho.. that's the next big phase... Way down the road obviously. But I think I'm gonna dial this setup in.. run it for a good while.. then when that time comes.. SAS 100%.

 

I’m still waiting for ultra long travel and in hub electric motors. That’s gonna be bonkers.

 

Already in development for use on the new cyber truck

 

Yeah but I’m talking one off crawler type stuff, with no driveshafts to worry about plus packaging the battery into the floor you can get something with a crazy low CG and like 20” of shock travel. Thing would stick like a gecko.

 

How are you compensating for the smart alternator voltage output, and are you using wet cells or AGM? I went OGE and Redarc for my setup...can use literally whatever batteries I want, with no matchy-match needed...works like a champ!

 

This is one of the biggest reasons Im gonna go with them too.

 

Damn thats a serious battery.

I assumed that since its a plug and play 2016+ specific kit with a smart isolator that it would be taken care of. Should I be concerned? It seems based on the website you can use any two batteries that are the same size so the clamp holds them in place but doesn't say they have to be "the same" battery.

As for batteries Im planning to run two AGMs, most likely the Duracell Ultra Platinum AGMs from Batteries plus. They have a 4 year warranty, 750CCAs, 55AHs and are under $200 each after all the rebates and coupons. They weigh 42lbs each so its 84lbs for 110AHs for ~$400 which I think is a pretty good power/weight/cost ratio.

 

Unfortunately, the 3G smart alternator varies the voltage to prevent over charging the start battery, which also means it won't correctly charge AGMs with the needed voltage of >14.2V. While they'll partially charge, they'll never reach full charge/capacity. In "smart isolated" systems (like the Genesis, OGE has a similar variant), both batteries should be the same capacity/chemistry in order to charge correctly. If different, they could potentially have different charge requirements, and both may not charge correctly.

Potential solutions include:
1) Tune the alternator charge voltage via Techstream or KDMax (there may be others). @OmegaMan73 has a similar setup with a BlueSea isolator and the KDMax tune solved his issue.
2) Use a DC/DC charger (like Redarc), which enables disparate size/chemistry
(#notsponsored)

I went with #2, and since I added solar, the Redarc has a built-in MPPT controller. I use an upgraded wet cell for the start, and an X2 AGM for the house. Advantage/disadvantage is that the two power systems are 100% isolated, so if you need to jump the start battery, you'll need jumper cables (or a jump box).

I've been deep down this rabbit hole...hope that helps!

 

OGE kit it is..

Might pull the trigger this month. I mentioned it before.. but I'd love to pick your brain on the setup when that time comes. Or.. if I can persuade you to help/oversee my install..

 

Happy to help when you're ready!

 

Perfect... lol

 

So the easiest solution (#3? ha) would be to run 2 of the same wet battery? I have a KDMax tune but it was done by that traveling guy from socal. Is there someone local that could do this for me or will the KDMax tune work correctly simply because I already have it?

 

Potentially two wet cells would work, but you may have the tweaked voltage since you already have the tune...may want to ping who did it to see if it was baked in or if it was a "special" tweak. Think there's a local dude that can do it, too...

ETA: Yes, local guy is @Edge48

 

Thanks for all the info and help Alan.

@Edge48 would you know the answer to this question about the voltage tweak?

 

Anytime...need to do that KDMax tune at some point myself.

ETA...sorry we didn't get to link up in CO while we were both there...damn cell service!

 

Ha, no biggie thanks for trying, we found a preeeeetty sick spot though...

 

Save the money and

Easiest solution would be to get one Group 27f AGM battery and a portable Lithium jumper in case you need it. I was all set to run dual batteries but after looking into I didn't like how the second battery is mostly useless and it forced me into two smaller batteries. My friend has the Off Grid kit and I can run longer without my Voltage getting low because of the battery sizes. I just use the Dometic app to set the voltage cut off of the fridge and I've had zero issues. Those Lithium jumper packs are amazing. I just didn't feel it was worth it for duals.

 

You are ignoring the fact that 3rd gens have the funky alternator situation where a tune is needed to potentially make an AGM battery usable. Is your friend in a 3rd gen? Its possible his dual setup isnt charging correctly thus you have longer run times than he.

 

I'm basing it off the size of the battery. My battery is way bigger. That second battery is basically only there for if one goes completely flat. I did buy a fuse from some company in Australia that ups the alternator charging output and also an Odyssey charger and recondition my battery about every 6 months. I dont know about your needs and third gens so not trying to sound like an expert. I just know I run a Dometic fridge 24/7 365 at 32 degrees and have been more than happy with my setup.

 

I definitely have more than just the fridge.. and we need it for multiple days without charging. This isn't our first rodeo.. and a dual battery is definitely needed. we've made due and have lived off of a nice Diehard jumper power pack over the years, but having a dedicated startup and accessory battery is a huge improvement imo. Just ease of hooking stuff up after and convenience of having power banks ran the back of the truck... Not to mention the peace of mind. Plus.. we still have the power pack for emergencies.