The NorthStar AGM Battery + Voltage Booster Upgrade

Also had another question. I just inherited a 150w Solar panel and wanted to know if that injunction with a solar charge controller feeding to my aux battery and my current MCLR, would that eliminate the need for the HKB voltage booster?

 

No, two separate topics. The HKB voltage booster is to bump up the final 'charge to' voltage for an AGM battery in the start battery position. What you are describing is a solar panel via an described solar charger charging your auxiliary battery. You would want to know if your solar charger can be set for different battery types, to match to your auxilary battery type. I believe the MCLR disconnects your starting battery from your auxilary battery with the key off, so you would not be charging your start battery from solar. Ideally your aux battery type and start battery type should match (ie both AGM or not) so that your vehicle charge system can charge them properly.

 

Thanks for the feedback Rob. Both batteries are identical, Group 35 Odysseys. I think you might be right about the MCLR shutting off, I think it's around (2) minutes..once car is turned off.. That being said, if the correct solar charger is used for these types of batteries, wouldn't the AUX battery still get topped off (Sun permitting) while vehicle is off and then when turned back on and MCLR is on AUTO shouldn't the extra charge from the AUX top off the starter battery..? Sorry if I am way off base here as this is all very new to me. Still enjoy putting in the time to make sure it's done correctly.

 

Correct.

 

Thanks!

 

Has anyone tried those little lithium ion jump packs on an agm battery? I’ve heard they don't work very well with agm batteries, but I don’t have any experience. I’d like to updgrade to an agm battery but still want the extra security that a jump pack provides. Thanks.

 

Get a

$300 Noco GB150 3000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 9.0L Gasoline and 7.0L Diesel Engines

Noco GB150 to jump your AGM. That thing is a beast and will have zero problems. I’ve used it on countless of cars and trucks at work and it puts all our other jumper packs to shame.

 

I don't understand how they wouldn't. The pack is basically providing starting amps to satiate the hungry starter. After that, the alt takes over.

 

So please forgive me if I’m missing something. I just bought the 27f x2 battery yesterday. My voltage meter in my truck is reading 13.1 running. Shouldn’t it be somewhere closer to 14.00? Or is maybe this battery not charged fully yet ? Also would the hbk diode be what I need to get everything back up to where it’s supposed to be

 

13.1 is low. When the battery is topped off you should be in the mid-13s with your alternator, you'll only see 14 right after starting since the starter drew significant amperage from your battery and the alternator runs at higher voltage to replace it. If you are at 13.1 when running, either your gauge is off or your alternator may be starting to fail.

Don't see why it wouldn't work the same as any other battery, you are just providing temporary power to start a vehicle, it isn't trying to cycle charge the battery.

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess it’s time for an upgrade then!

 

I'm upgrading to a single group 31 AGM in my manual transmission-equipped 2019 Tacoma. Was sad that there is no voltage booster available for 3rd Gen running only a single battery until I found this ECU Tuner thread, and it sounds like they have just added the capability to change the alternator charge voltage specifically for this!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma.662948/page-37#post-23326969

 

It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get initially delivered in the tune you need for your truck, tested, modified and tested again. I know a couple people that would buy the tune *if* the alternator charge charge modification worked as this thread describes it would needs to. It may well be a user tune that accomplishes that. Not holding my breath in any case.

 

Some updated info on the Tune and increased voltage for AGMs

 

thanks for all the research and info @crashnburn80 - i recently purchased and received (the shipping took @7 weeks due to covid restrictions) HKB electronics 'booster' and it all seems to be working as advertised. also the communication from Leigh at HKB was awesome

they also have an ebay store https://www.hkbelect.com/products/toyota/?model=tacoma&year=2015

 

hey yall - just something to consider: if youre going to go for the adjustable booster, you might also look into the Renogy Dc-to-Dc charger. The 20A version is $130 on Amazon. It's pretty smart and will adjust the charge curve for whichever type of aux battery you are running (including Lifepo4).

Again, just something to think about

 

Subbed.

 

for those adding a built in battery charger to the trucks, found this gem:
https://voltsafe.com/

A magnetic power connector for 120Vac that is safe. If you drive off, the cord releases, no harm done.

 

@crashnburn80 In your opinion, do you feel the three big players in the AGM battery market are still Optima, Odyssey, and Northstar (X2Power)? If you had to rate 2nd-tiered AGM batteries, what brands would you consider? (Deka, AC Delco, Exide, etc?)

I'm looking to replace an Optima red-top Model 25 in a vehicle that's not used very frequently. Your opinion/input in automotive 12V is much appreciated and valued.

 

Yes, I’d still consider them the big 3. However Optima is included because of popularity, their quality certainly doesn’t match Odyssey or Northstar. They used to be good batteries before the brand was bought out and production moved from the US to Mexico, and since then quality has significantly declined. However the brand is well known for their past performance and they are now readily available on the shelf at many auto-parts stores making them a popular choice. And while Odyssey is a quality brand, their size offerings are more limited. They don’t have a competing 27F for example. I’d still recommend Northstar AGM 24F or 27F as the best plug and play battery for the Tacoma today.