CVyota's "gonna take a while" build

The 31M battery case cracked on a rugged trip so I am ditching that idea. I have gone to 2 yellow top 34s deep cycles and got Bama's wiring for the dual battery setup. Also got a 200 amp alt that I will install before I get the winch.

 

Nice. Will you keep your OEM alt as a trail spare? That's something on my list to add...

 

It is really heavy but yes I will, I also replaced the timing belt and kept the old one as a spare. I can't believe the old one looked that good after 124k.

 

Hey @CVYota, I'm lik'n what I see. The dual battery setup looks nice. Can I bother you to give more detail on the battery carrier setup that you used? Is it available commercially or did you fab the bottom and top plates to fit the two batteries? Wiring setup looks nice as well. Can you link me to "Bama's wiring"
A portable front/rear receiver winch is in the future for me and I want to think through the entire plan, including a possible dual battery setup like yours.
Thanks

 

Thanks, it is a good way to go Imo
ATO makes the holder
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-dual-battery-tray-kit-for-05-tacoma.253166/


And @BamaToy1997 setup includes a controller, solenoid, wiring and a 200 or 250 amp alt he even has solar kits. The kit keeps the 2 charged separately and has a switch to jump start the car if the main battery drains.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rical-system-upgrade-is-now-available.318682/

 

SWITCHES!!!!!!!

 

Switches look great!

 

Installed a Warn VR10000 winch

 

I just put in a quote request for @BamaToy1997 for a stage 4 w/o alternator. Also need to get the ATO battery tray. Can't wait to get this project going. Is there a reason you chose 2 yellow tops? How about the Blue tops? Or a yellow and a blue top?

 

Where's a good source for Optima Batteries?

 

I wanted a deep cycle, but could have gone with a red and yellow. I had a bad experience with the heavy marine battery cracking on me so I stuck with yellow, cheaper and has good cca. I priced out the yellow but found little price difference, so I went to O'Rileys and got 2 on sale. Watch out there are many different yellow tops, I got the 32 R I think, I will check on that.

 

@CVYota - did you get the jump start option? Price seemed a little steep when I got the quote.
Not sure if worth it.

 

The price was for the computer and solenoid to isolate the 2 batteries. Every system I looked at, that was a true isolation system, was costly. I went with Bama's because for the same price he included the wiring and it was a group buy. The jump start option is just a switch that connects them both together, momentarily. You can do the same with jumpers.

 

Replaced the outside temp gauge with a dual battery gauge from Redarc in Australia. Shipping was only $8 US for 2 day.

Gauge turns red and beeps if voltage drops too far, 13 different background colors (sorry, colours).

 

CVYota's Amazing DCLB rig! Spotted in the wild!

 

Great Pics Crom!

Now back to work...My fender/Core have separated and started to crack. There is alot of opinions as to why, most think it is a combination of too much weight from the batteries and wheeling too hard. I have read about race trucks that used the dual batteries in this location and dont have issues. Are they modified? I dont know. The other possible reason is the battery holder I am using, although the ATO looks good I noticed the batteries can move and jump around THAT could be a cause of the damage. Not to mention the battery has hit the headlight and it is now pointing downwards. SO I might try and strap it down before I move it, why? because relocating the 2nd battery behind the passenger seat sounded good but the JBL subwoofer amp is in the way. SO that would mean cutting plastic and relocating the amp, either under the pass seat or above the sub. Moving to the bed is simple but it is full of work stuff and unsecured. I will work on it this weekend. Stand by.

 

Ok, after inspection I realized I had to move the battery. Too much weight and not enough room. So I pulled out the back seat and the cover to see how much room the sub woofer takes up and I found this:


No room for a battery as it is, so first step is to take off the amp and relocate it.


And the sub will have to be cut down before I can reinstall it, so out it comes for now. Lots of room now!

Had to take the standoffs from the amp so you have to take out ALL of the screws to slide the board out to get the last 2 screws.



Relocated the amp in between the ribs on the back wall, fits nice.

Spent time returning the primary battery to its original state and fit the 2nd battery in place. Ran a line from the controller to the back. Time for a beer, more work tomorrow.

 

Got the rest of the wires set and everything back in place. Tied the battery down but I am not happy with that, couldnt find the right stuff at the hardware store so I will look online for something. I don't miss the subwoofer at all, I am not much of an audiofile so I may just leave it out, sure is nice to have the extra room.

Also replaced the cb with a 25w radio that fits perfectly in the cubby

 

Finally found a battery tray I liked, made of aluminum for the optimas. It bolts to the floor and has clamps for the base. I was worried about the strength of the base but it holds it securely, I added a strap to be sure.
Next are shelves.

 

Nice clean build! Still need to do my OBA