Any passenger mount dual battery issues?

yes it is, and it wasnt hard to install at all.Instructions are pretty clear, was an 8-9 week lead time when i ordered it

 

Which level did you end up going with for the charger? Last I looked they had a couple of options with redarc being Numero uno.

 

I used the complete kit they offer using the blue sea relay. I didnt do a DC to DC charger because i have the 130amp Alt

 

I made my own mount and just put it in the back corner of the engine bay on the passenger side. It charges using a blue seas charging relay. I also fished a 2- gauge cable from it all the way to the back for power where I can run a third battery or other accessories, Including my refrigerator and a cradle mounted winch if I have to pull backwards. I have a DC to DC charger on the third battery, and put fuses on both ends of that long cable running from the front for safety reasons. I also have a folding solar charger to recharge any of the batteries as needed.

 

I like the OGE kit, I just think it's way too expensive for what they provide. $800 and it doesn't come with a charge controller . I got all the wiring and tools from Amazon, Battery from a battery company online (delivered in a week), and my charge controller with bluetooth monitoring from Renogy (1 week) and only spent about $900! And depending on your AH goal, you end up with almost double the AH that you can get out of a group 35 battery. not nocking the OGE set-up, I think its great and it works for a lot of people. I just want to get the most amp hours for my budget/goal and this meets my goal now and future.

 

I dont understand the need for the charge controller when you have a 130amp alt. The relay isolates the battery from the system when needed. The redarc charge controller is $400. Now if you have a solar panel as well then i would understand the need for it. unless im missing something

 

A charge controller is the most effective way to properly charge a secondary battery with the most effective, smart charge voltage and amperage settings (especially for an AGM or Lithium Battery). This will extend the cycle life of your battery significantly and ensure its properly charged to it's specified settings. Ultimately a charge controller will protect your investment and make it last longer and preferably add the capability to add solar in the future, if you choose to. FYI, my Renogy 50A DC-DC controller with MPPT was only $279, on sale.

 

You just need the relay, a separate charge controller is unnecessary from the alternator.

Blue Sea Systems Automatic Charging Relays (ACRs)

$111 Blue Sea Systems 7610 SI-ACR Automatc Charging Relay - 12/24V DC / 120A

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OTIPDQ?_encoding=UTF8

 

By all means, you can certainly do without a charge controller. It's just not going to be as good of a set-up longterm, especially if you think you will ever want to add solar or if you care about properly charging an upgraded AGM or Lithium battery.

 

Just one more point to drive home: If you customize your own kit like I did, you can afford the charge controller and 115ah premium AGM battery for less than an OGE kit without charge controller (considering the $800 from OGE does not include the battery) The $900 I mentioned earlier included the Battery.

 

How do you determine its amperage? I thought I had the tow package on my truck but I had thought it came with a group 27 battery and my truck has a group 24.

 

How do you like the renogy unit? I was considering buying their DC-DC charger and doing an install this winter but I've been hearing good and bad about them so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

I love it. It works great, the bluetooth module and app provides me all the information I need to monitor and charge my battery. I can check amp draw and charge, so I always no the condition of by electrical system. Installation was easy and everything seems very quality.

 

I installed the ORE kit with the Blue Sea Relay. The trays, the fit and finish, and cabling are what you pay for. Beautiful system and no problem with the Group 35 AGM battery on the passenger side.

I am thinking that I should have gone with the DC to DC option for the solar charge controller on the Redarc? I could see mounting a solar panel on my Diamond Back cover to help power my fridge that I now keep full time in my Tacoma.