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

On my model year, thats where my ABS pump is. You have yours on the drivers side.

 

I was thinking of Updating the OP with REAL pertinent info for people looking to do the Multiple or dual battery setups.

 

I had a friend make me a custom tray for the bottom and the metal bracket for the top.

 

I like that. Did they make a heatshield for the side? Also, what terminals are you using? Looks like Stinger.

I have the stinger digital ones. That way i can spot check voltage issues. Saved me a trip to the dealership the other day!

 

No, there is no heat shield for the side. Didn't think it was necessary.

I have Scosche terminals and one random generic-type terminal.

 

No biggie. I saw someone on another board that made one and they had a heat shield for whatever reason. I use the Stinger Digital Terminals SHT301 and the SHT303 - Makes life easier when I want to spot check the Volts.

For all that are currious, 2 x 31M's DO fit in the stock tacoma place with some minor work.
--relocated the fuse box back to the next hole over.
-- cut the battery hold down tab off
-- cut the bottom mount off the plastic fuse block
-- cut the top of the fuse box mount off. (well to be honest, I broke it off accidentially)
-- cut the screw studd off that the fuse box mounted to .
-- took a couple of the clips holding some of the wires out to relieve the tension.

I need to make a tray. That is the next thing. It will need to be stepped so the batteries sit properly/ level in the engine bay.

Here are some of the quick shots of them floating in there.

 

I just picked up the ATO battery tray and am probably going to use on of the Painless Power products to isolate the batteries. There is another kit that's 250A and waterproof-that's probably what I'll go with.

I looked at the IBS and NL kits and honestly, the only feature I really want is isolation and I think, in this situation, less is more. I'll leave the switch under the hood too.

As far as wiring goes, I will wire the winch to the starting battery and everything else to the AUX battery. The reason for doing this is because the winch draws so much current that keeping it next to the alternator should provide the most power while winching and reduce the load on the battery. I currently run a Blue Sea circuit breaker between the battery and winch and a circuit breaker between the AUX fuse panel and battery. The circuit breakers allow me to isolate auxiliary loads as well as protect the battery.

Anyway, those are my current plans for the battery bank.

 

Hey guys. So I really don't know much about battery banks but was wondering what the perils are of running a M8000-s winch without one?

 

I didn't have any issues running mine with the truck running. I have done ~70 recoverys/ uses since I got mine the past year and a half. (not sure on timeline right now)

Only last week I jump started 7-8 vehicles, they wanted to do a 'quick' turnover and not let their battery recover. SOOOO my battery took all the load. Happened more than I expected and I have a feeling THAT is what killed my 84 Month Toyota battery.

You are not using your winch daily right? Probable not even as often as I do. You should be fine. Most of the people here or elsewhere do NOT use a dual/ multiple battery bank for their winching or other accessories.

 

The perils are you run the winch enough to drain the battery. A constant charge/drain isn't good for the battery. Plus an AUX battery allows you to run some things without fear of draining your starting battery.

I would put it in the "nice to have" category for most folks.

 

Thanks for the insight guys. Someday I'd love to ad a tray for onboard air and a fridge. But that will be a while.

 

While it is not always 100% the same, when we were running dual batteries in all the rigs in Florida, the thought was that in SOME cases you may have a stalled engine in the mud or water. You never want to start one that has stalled because you CAN draw water into the engine. So the idea was to isolate the batteries so that the winch only drew from the aux battery. Even if you drained the battery totally winching yourself out, you could easily use the main battery to start your engine, and recharge the aux. That was part of our thought process for the isolation of the winch.

 

Here's mine.
Smaller non-spillable. 85 amp hour battery with a 150 amp isolator.



Went with the smaller battery due to limited space (had a cold air intake taking up a lot of room). This second battery is for my rear winch and onboard air system. I found I was losing winch power all the way at the rear.
I went somewhat over board with the strapping to ensure no sloshing around.

 

Makes sense.

 

Sub'd need to do this soon for my winch.

 

Can I ask you a question? Uh... was your father a meat burgler? Here's why I ask: because it looks like somebody stole two fine hams and shoved them down the back of your dress.

 

Under the bedside...

 

that is pretty cool well done.

 

Good info in here guys. Subbed as this is second on my project list.

 

That was a 'rough in' - I needed to see if I could get them in there first. I am out the door right now to a METAL fab place locally to see if I can get them to make a plate for me.

Scientific method


First one

1. Will A Type 31 fit in the stock battery location without modification?
2. Measured, seems like it should
3. if* I remove the pan, and cut out the factory hook on the fuse block side and replace with a wing nut battery tensioner hook.
4. removed stock battery and it fits 'DRY'
5. Results are conclusive
**6. Yep, works!
7. Fits like a glove.

Second one!

**1. Will 2 x Type 31's fit in the stock battery location?
2. Measured, there could be enough space.
3. if* I remove the fuse block and relocate it, cut the fuse block mounting stud, cut the hook tab for the battery tension system, move the Grounding point
4. did above and they 'dry' fit
5. Results are conclusive
**6. Yep it works
7. It is a tight fit, real tight.

Third Question

**1. Can I make a battery tray to fit the 2 x Type 31's in the stock location.
2. measured, looks like it, just needs to be "stepped" (two level platforms)
3. If I make a battery tray, will they sit level and clear the hood still?
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It is a work in progress. I will say though, seems I am a pioneer in this size field for the Type 31's!