Off-Grid Engineering Dual Battery System Q&A

Gotcha sounds good. I have been using welding cable to date looks like it will continue to be welding cable.

 

Ive used this site in the past for various electrical needs. Including wire. Seems to be good stuff so far as I can tell
https://crimpsupply.com/wire/welding-cable

 

I’ve been using royal excelene (made in usa) over the last few years with good results and it’s relatively inexpensive per foot. Prowireusa has some nice battery cable id like to try but it’s pricey for long runs.

 

Good to know thanks for getting back to me. I’ll be keeping my oem battery also as my truck is new also.

 

thanks!

 

I just purchased the complete dual system (below) and will be running two optima yellow tops. The second battery will power my fridge. I have 100w solar panels.

Anything helpful anyone can offer regarding install tips or tricks or shortcuts or don't touch that or anything you learned? Maybe a good joke....

Thanks!

https://offgridpowerproducts.com/co...acoma-trd-offroad-trd-pro-dual-battery-system

 

The Split Tacoma system is a pretty easy install overall. The biggest tip I would provide is to remove your air box, and the front treaded rod the battery tray, this makes getting the battery in easier. It can easily be done with out all that but sometimes we have seen scratches from the treaded rod on the side of that battery. Take an additional 20 minutes but is more convenient. Other than that it's a straight forward install. My guess is that yours will be build and shipped out end of the week or early next week.
As always feel free to give us a call or shoot me a message with any questions you may have.

 

Do y'all have a PDF set of the instructions for your ML-ACR kits? I have an older one and have misplaced the instruction sheet that came with it.

 

Hi Daniel,
Shoot me an email and I can send over the instructions for that ACR Kit, just let me know what truck you have and I can get a PDF sent over to you.

 

Wyatt - email sent.

Thanks a bunch!

Daniel

 

Sent the instructions over!

 

I have the split dual battery setup. My truck sits a lot and the battery just drops way too much, way too often.

Has anyone’s setup have a disconnect to the battery terminals or just the negative?

Looking to install something so I am not removing my terminals over and over.
Just concerned that anything I get won’t make a proper solid connection, or may be a fire hazard.

I have seen the disconnects race cars/trucks use, which may be exactly what I should use.

Thoughts?

Thanks
JB

 

So, my Tacoma is mostly a daily driver, so I don't have that issue. However, I also have a Jeep with a National Luna split charger that sits months at a time, which that split charger module draws on the auxiliary battery, and yes, over time drains the auxiliary. So on my Jeep, on the starter battery, I installed a disconnect knife switch (

$30 WirthCo Battery Doctor 20148 Battery Disconnect Knife Switch for Top Post Terminal – 12v Car Battery Kill Switch for Negative Post – with Stud and Wing Nut for Extra Connections - Made In USA

found on Amazon). It works great to cut power to the Jeep so nothing drains the starter battery.



Then on the auxiliary battery (which sits in the back of the Jeep), I installed a switch on the negative wire to the module (see bottom left corner of picture), which when switched off, cuts the power to the split charger module, and prevents the drain on the auxiliary. Not the same setup as the OGE, however I'm sure you could install a similar setup.



I'll note, I have a fridge that is usually in my Tacoma, however, I also put it in my Jeep at times, which is why I have dual batteries in both vehicles.

 

If your batteries are draining you almost certainly have a parasitic load. Or they are very old.. The ML-ACR should not draw any appreciable power as it is magnetically latched bi-stable

If you really want a disconnect consider using a BlueSea battery switch like the 6006 along with proper sized wire, properly crimped compression lugs, and high quality heat shrink.

 

Thanks Zack. I have gone thru testing it out over a week sitting and I don’t see anything that is abnormal.
I don’t have the ML-ACR, I have the Redarc BCDC controller.
I think what’s happening is this truck is sitting for long periods and just slowing hitting it over time.
It doesn’t stay on a trickle charger, for fire safety reasons, but disconnecting it seems to be the way to go.

 

Did you ever get it all sorted out?

 

I noticed the Off-Grid Engineering / offgridpowerproducts site is down. Anyone know what happened to them?

 

Hi Everyone,
Off Grid Engineering has shut down the Manufacturing side of the Business. We are no long producing dual battery systems. We have chose to focus all out attention to our in person shop Off Grid 4x4. Its not an easy choice but its what we have to do at this time. The Products are all discontinued at this time. All Orders have been fulfilled, and we thank each and every one of you that purchased any of our products through the years. If you are in Colorado we are happy to serve as your local 4WD shop.
It's not impossible that we won't reopen the OGE side of the business however at this time it's not something that we have any plans of doing. If you need technical questions answered Tag me here and give me a few days to get back. I am happy to help however I am not on here every day.
Thanks!
Wyatt

 

^Wyatt, I wish you all the best. I love your dual battery system I have in my Tacoma. Thanks for engineering it.

 

I am glad you enjoy it! We love the community that we have created around the systems and they should provide many years of service for you. If you have any questions about it feel free to let me know!