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

Any of the brackets, like on the PS reservoir.

 

Dual battery set up is complete.

 

Definitely will!

 

@anthony250f Does the air duct go through the firewall or is bolted to it? I routed mine to the front next to the radiator. I had the same battery hold-down, you will see the top bracket will move and start rubbing on the fender-wall. I ended up strapping down the battery with nylon straps.

 

it does not go through anymore. Instead I bolted a flange plate to the cowl first wall and attached it that way so there’s zero vibration/sound

the battery hood down is actually pinned sup against the fender wall. I will keep an eye on it but it seems really secure, was thinking about using the same one for the starter battery location.

 

@anthony250f If you don't offroad, the bracket may not move much. Or, maybe I didn't bolt mine down hard enough. The straps are working for me and they are easy to unfasten to remove the battery.

 

Hooked up the dual battery voltmeter today. Had to use a relay so it was on with the ignition only

 

Slightly different take on a dual battery system using a 206Ah LFP inside the cabin. Full write-up here, thanks to everyone who posted on this thread in the past for ideas over the years.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wi_taco-12v-system-v1-rear-delete-fridge.782543/

 

@71tattooguy

 

I have a Leitner designs rack. I'm thinking of mounting the second battery and related components in a gear pod ... https://www.leitnerdesigns.com/products/gearpod-gen-2

Thoughts? The weight capacity is 65 pounds for the single pod.

 

I am thinking that it is going to be extremely tight to fit everything in there and might be heat intensive.

 

Even if I fit only the battery, it would I think be easier than an under the hood mount. As for heat, wouldn't it be cooler than in the engine compartment? I would drill or cut a couple of vents.

Do any of the dual battery components produce heat?

 

The charge controllers do.

 

Easier yes but a black box mounted in full sun? No heat there. The battery in the engine bay is already a compromise to shorten cable lengths, it’s not there because it’s good for the battery. A sealed battery lower down and positioned to help balance overall weight while still benefiting from the cushion of body mounts would be better. Passenger side in the back of the cab on the floor. Taco lean is a thing because they put the tank and the battery on the same side as the driver.

 

I wouldn't worry about heat for the battery there. Compared to a steel box with an engine running at 190deg.

But the electrical components may not tolerate it such as inverter, charge controller, solar controller.

Most of those components have ventilation requirements.

 

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'm still considering using a Leitner pod, but will consider all the feedback.

It does seem like I need to NOT include (in the pod) the sensitive and/or heat producing components. Clearly I would need to create some vents. Separating batteries and components may create a need for more cabling than I'd like. Hmmm

 

Quick question about the Renogy/off brand battery monitors..

how does it work when I have a starter battery connected to my dcdc charger? I know my starter battery charges the secondary battery (lithium in my case), when solar is not charging it. And the dcdc charger also trickle charges my starter battery, from solar or the secondary.

Will the battery monitor pick up on that?

 

Renogy Battery monitor available on Amazon for $62. Normally $105? Im going to snag one.

Limited-time deal: Renogy 500A Battery Monitor with Shunt, High and Low Voltage Programmable Alarm, Voltage Range 10V-120V and up to 500A, 20ft Shielded Cable, Compatible with 12V Lithium Sealed, Gel, Flooded Batteries

$80 Renogy 500A Battery Monitor with Shunt, High and Low Voltage Programmable Alarm, Range 10V-120V up to 500A, 20ft Shielded Cable, Compatible 12V Lithium Sealed, Gel, Flooded Batteries,Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP5B5P7

 

I use one on my set up.

Pretty happy with it even though the first one I ordered was defective

 

Ordered. It was kind of off putting when I was testing my diesel heater yesterday, and I couldn't see what it was drawing. The instructions are also dumb, so that didnt help either.