Off-Grid Engineering Dual Battery System Q&A

Once you get into it.....it takes you down the rabbit hole......btw, you coming to the meet this year?

 

Which are well worth it

 

Found a complete setup plus AGM battery on Craigslist... installed today, pretty legit and highly recommended.

 

On my 2019 SR5 there is some equipment in the area where the second battery goes? what is this? can i move it? Is it only the SR5 that has this?

 

Watch their install video. He talks about something that gets moved. I forget what it is as I did not have it on my OR.

 

from his website:

“The TRD-OR/ TRD Pro models have the unique advantage of ATRAC. Besides being a great traction aid, ATRAC deletes the ABS module on the passenger side fender, creating a perfect space for a second battery!”

If it’s the ABS module in the way, ya can’t move that.

 

Thank you ...Tacoma World always solving my problems and questions in minutes.

 

Using K&N Filters, with their wrench lug on top helps remove the oil filter

 

Matt's (Heli Medic) / OGE post was talking about the fuel relay/resistor, which is moved simply by removing two 10mm bolts and turning 90 degrees clockwise and mounting it back on the tray's side panel.

AS A SIDE NOTE !! Some earlier TRD OR (as in my 2006 TRD OR) were made before ATRAC, and have the ABS module on the passenger side where the tray is designed to go.

 

I ordered and paid for my dual side by side tray from OGE yesterday afternoon. This thread was invaluable. Matt's (OGE) customer service was succinct/terse or whatever else you might want to call it. He declined to answer any but the most basic questions about my personal vehicle needs/requirements. Basically you buy what is offered on his site or you don't. Unfortunately, most of us have done enough modding that a generic approach is no longer adequate and customization/coordination/discussion is needed at least a bit.

It's a business model, and perhaps his stuff is good enough to warrant his attitude/approach.

OBVIOUSLY I decided his tray would fit my needs well, so I committed/bought his tray offering. I also decided that his current offerings in wiring were not, so I declined those products. ​

I've dealt with worse attitudes from people who are overtasked or prioritize other than what one might expect. You may have better or worse experience(s) or reactions. I gave Matt/OGE the benefit of doubt.

 

I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience, with OGE/Matt. It could just be some personal stuff related to COVID19.

I had battery trouble a couple of weeks ago, and submitted an email, and Matt personally called me back and walked through all the possible causes. Very friendly guy.

I think you may have just caught him on an off day, but as we all know around here, with all things YMMV. You will not be disappointed by the product quality, I can assure you of that.

 

I agree, appears to be a top notch product. Obviously I was not that put out of whack on his attitude, as I bought the product. I'll let y'all know after I install it how the design criteria goes. Not my first rodeo. Good on you for sticking up for him, as well.

 

Which battery do you hook the blue sea to? driver or the passenger battery?
I have everything hooked up to the passenger battery. Is that correct? When the switch is on
Or in auto on both batteries are connected but when it disconnects which battery is the main battery? The passenger or the driver side or does that not matter? thanks

 

The only thing the ML ACR does is connect or disconnect the batteries. It doesn't really matter which one you call the main or the auxiliary.

As long as you followed the instructions and the wiring diagram to hook it up, then you should be good.

 

Still trying to map out a system for my 2012 before buying anything. I have it narrowed down to this kit with two AGMs but was wondering why the Group 35s are recommended for both batteries? I understand the Aux battery is in a tight space but why would you put a smaller Group 35 in place of the stock 24 or 27?

 

I went with a 27F in the stock location and a 35 over on the passenger side near the firewall.

 

Thanks. I figured the physical size wouldnt matter with pairing, only the type of battery and age so the charging properties are as close as possible... just wanted to make sure.

 

"They" say it does matter, but I think its a very small consideration compared to two batteries of different age or even worse, different type. Thats a much bigger deal

 

Im going to wait until I get the kit installed to fit check but I think I will get two 24F batteries since they are slightly larger than the 35 and come stock on non tow package trucks. Just to be safe since “they” say it matters. But nice to know I could run different sizes in a pinch.

 

Did you use a regular lead battery for your starting and a AGM for your secondary? Does it matter if they are different? While going through multiple threads, I have read that going with an AGM or two AGM's would need a higher output alternator or a way to bring up the voltage to charge the AGM to its fullest capacity. I am planning on moving in a DC-DC charger for the second one so that should be able to charge the second one at a higher rate correct?