2017 Tacoma Receives On Board Dual Batteries and Alu-Cab Canopy

Scott came to us with plans to equip his 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road for overland exploration. After bouncing ideas back and forth it came down to install a dual battery system with power to the bed of the truck, remote winch power connections at both the front and back of the truck, an Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy, and Prinsu Racks on both the cab and new canopy.

First we started with the Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy. This was an ideal choice for Scott as it is engineered with access at both sides as well as the rear, and is designed to be the ultimate in durability.




Once the Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy was mounted the roof racks were installed. Scott opted for the Prinsu Racks over the cab and canopy.




The time came for electrical. A dual battery system is a good thing to have regardless if you plan to be hundreds of miles off the beaten path or just at the local campground running a fridge and recharging devices. For this dual battery setup we outfitted Scott's Tacoma with a Full River DC-85 deep cycle AGM for his auxiliary battery, powered by a Redarc BCDC 1240D 40-amp charger with integrated MPPT Solar charger controller (plans to add solar in the future).




We always utilize circuit breakers to protect the batteries and other electrical components.





Dual voltage LED gauge installed in cab to keep an eye on levels for both batteries.










This project came together and we are excited to see Scott tackle adventures with his newly installed tools. We look forward to future upgrades as he dials in his perfect adventure Tacoma tailored to his specific needs.

- Adventure Ready

 

Oh dang! Guess I just found a local shop to visit

 

Looks good! Nice work

 

That electrical install looks clean! Bussmann fuses are great protection, I wish I saw them more often on rigs. I watched a jeep burn up from unfused circuits heating up, melting wires, and catching on fire.

What are the plans for armor, tires, lift? This looks like a good start, but there's still a lot to go!

 

Nice clean professional work.
Better than factory IMO.

 

Come on down anytime!

Thank you

We will be doing several phases of this build, what you're seeing is the first. More to come as the customer hits the "Go" button.

Thank you!

 

So if I drop off a 2016 Tacoma long bed whats the ball park figure to duplicate this build at this stage?

 

Can you tell me more about the cabling and plug covers you used for the front and rear winch power cables?
How did you route them / where did you start the cabling?

 

I'll send you a PM.

Both sets of ought-gauge cables are run from the main battery. Front set is forward to the center of the grill and terminated with an Anderson Connector. The rear is run along the driver's side frame rail to the center of the truck terminated with an Anderson connector on the hitch.

 

Might I get one as well?

 

Can you tell us more about the bracket you used to mount the battery by the passenger side firewall?

 

Ought-gauge? Nice. What amperage are you planning on running that requires that thick of cable? What size anderson plugs did you use and what kind of anderson covers are you using for dust / water / etc.?

 

Done.

 

It is based on the bracket by Off-Grid Engineering but we created our own top plate. We will be doing a new version of these with some improvements soon.

 

It is for the winch. We have water/dust-proof covers on the connectors.

 

Looking great! Any write up or suggested reading on the BCDC Install? I have to get a new battery today and am moving towards dual battery. I hate having to ask people to help me jump start the truck lol. It's a Toyota damnit! We don't need that kind of publicity. But after helping a friend install the Renogy solar kit I'd like to go with Red arc.

 

I installed a

$465 BCDC1225D REDARC 25A in-Vehicle DC to DC Charger with MPPT — Dual Input for Solar & Alternator Charging, Green Power Priority - 12 or 24V Battery Charger Suitable with AGM, Gel, Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries

BCDC1225D in my power box and it was very straightforward. I think I over fused it as I also put 40 A fuses on the solar in and the DC IN wires.