Topic: Dual batteries (Read 4011 times)

Delk · « **on:** September 19, 2012, 12:54:55 PM »

I know have a pile of bits so I can install dual batteries and have two options on how to charge them but not sure what way to go.

Option 1.
Twin batteries
Single alternator
Mastervolt 1602 split charger, just happens to be sitting around in the garage
http://www.mastervolt.com/automotive/products/battery-mates-electronic-battery-isolator/

Option 2.
Twin batteries
Twin alternators, I have a spare TJ alternator that I can mount where the AC compressor went.

Looking for suggestions. Option 1 would be the easiest and only take the battery mounts, wiring and I would still have a spare alternator. Option 2 would be a bit more work but I would end up with two complete independent systems.

Warthog · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2012, 01:15:24 PM »

Option 2 is good.

With a small amount of wiring, you would sill be able to switch over from one Alt to the other, if you have a failure.

For batteries i would say for value and longetivity go Numax.

Im running 2 off from the link below:

http://www.leisurebatteryshop.co.uk/113Ah-Sealed-Leisure-Battery-Standard-Layout

willo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 19, 2012, 02:09:47 PM »

You haven said why you would want to run twin batteries. But if it were me for some winches and that, by far the simplest route would be identical batteries in parallel with an uprated 120-130 amp alternator from a cherokee diesel fr memory in the standard tj position. And some decent(35-50mm) interconnecting cable

Delk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 19, 2012, 02:43:43 PM »

Last time out my alternator started giving issues half way up a hill and I said enough is enough. Over the years I have had different minor issues and would like to have the winch and auxiliaries separate from the Jeep.

I already have the spare alternator with new brushes or split charger and have just acquired two new Odyssey batteries!

willo · « **Reply #4 on:** September 19, 2012, 03:32:02 PM »

In that case i would go with the split charge, run all your aux off batt 2 and leave batt 1 for the car. If it was me, i'd also fit a manual parrallel switch so i could have max amps for winching

Delk · « **Reply #5 on:** September 19, 2012, 03:45:23 PM »

Manual parallel switch, is that the same as a flux capacitor?

isle of man · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2012, 04:04:25 PM »

Tough one this..

I used the painless module for the Mafia with duel optima's, for the 75 I went the double alternator for reliability.

I suppose cost would be the driver as both systems work.

Dave69 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2012, 06:39:49 PM »

Single alternator with two batteries. One solely for running engine the other for all your lekky stuff. Carrying a spare HO alternator IMO is the easiest option rather than trying to plumb in a second alternator

Asylum · « **Reply #8 on:** September 19, 2012, 11:46:45 PM »

I run a 200amp mean green alternator with a diode antares split charge system and 2 optima's. definitely notice a huge difference with the 2 batts when winching compared to the 1.

But I have seen the hogs setup with twin alternators but he runs 3 batts so still getts the umff. Nice to have seperate system for the car and for winch etc but think if you do a lot of winching then the 2 batts linked a better idea or use the 2 optimas on the second alternator and leave the standard car bat with the fist seperate

willo · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2012, 08:12:53 AM »

Quote from: Delk on September 19, 2012, 03:45:23 PM

Manual parallel switch, is that the same as a flux capacitor?

Am I correct in thinking the 2 opti's will be in parrallel for the aux. and the car batt will be left on its own?

Delk · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2012, 09:56:28 AM »

I honestly dont know what I am going to do yet and just looking at all the options.

My winter plans are for a full make over and build a new cage. I want to build in a rear winch mount etc so the kids and rear seat have now been crossed out of the plans. It may just be as easy to put the winch battery in the back and if I do that why not have two. This would then leave the main battery where it is and I wouldnt have to trouble it at all.

My other option will be to lower the main battery enough to get a second one mounted above it. This looks to be quite tight so I will pull everything out this weekend and see if I can make enough room.

wildwood · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2012, 10:09:16 AM »

looked into 2 batteries where they stick the factory one and very very tight..... Was a YJ LHD so maybe different but taking complete front wing off for an exploratory was the only way

moving all relays and a rewire was also needed.... Stacking one on top of the other was also an answer but then access to lower battery would be with removable panel in wheel arch..... Not so good..... And then heater fan body was poking through in the way! I still like heat...... But if you can do without you can have another battery backing onto factory battery but on the inside of fire wall..... (double J) did this on his mog axle beast and ran a small MOAB heater in cab.

I bollixed it for myself in the end by raising fenders by 3.5 inches and trimming hood so no room at all then.......

batteries behind front seats to distribute weight I reckon is best way ...... Or as you say in back with rear winch......

willo · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2012, 10:42:51 AM »

Cuffy has twin batteries in the normal location. Works well. But like you say hi-fenderung is then no longer an option

Warthog · « **Reply #13 on:** September 20, 2012, 11:47:27 AM »

Quote from: Delk on September 20, 2012, 09:56:28 AM

I honestly dont know what I am going to do yet and just looking at all the options.

My winter plans are for a full make over and build a new cage.

My other option will be to lower the main battery enough to get a second one mounted above it. This looks to be quite tight so I will pull everything out this weekend and see if I can make enough room.

If you are looking at a bit of a make-over and making a 2 seater? Have you considerered relocating the fuel tank? The TJ's saggy arse fuel tank does hinder them.

In a TJ 2x optimas, fit nicely in the original batt position and with a good alternator etc works well (Asylum, set-up)

Running lots of 35mm and above cable gets pretty heavy and expensive. Longer runs can generally need larger cable too.

If you stick a rear winch bumper on, would suggest some strengthening plates in the original crossmember.

That's my 2pence worth

Delk · « **Reply #14 on:** September 20, 2012, 12:19:32 PM »

My kids love the Jeep but it is getting a bit impractical and the rear seat limits me more then the benefits.

If I do go down this route this winter the plan is to fit the rear winch inside the back of the jeep so it isn't overhanging at all and out of the way. I have a 1 inch body lift and years ago managed to move the rear fuel tank up almost three inches. The stock skid plate was cut and welded back so it doesn't hang down near as far. Looking last night if I do ditch the rear seat I may just cut the floor out and move the tank up flush with the frame rails.

Wildwood, you made a good point I didn't think of. If I move my front tube fenders up in the future I would loose any room for twin batteries up forward.

Lucky for me the cost of cable isn't really an issue. I have a couple of electrical outfits that do work on my boats that help me out when needed.

willo · « **Reply #15 on:** September 20, 2012, 12:51:57 PM »

70mm then all the way

Delk · « **Reply #16 on:** September 20, 2012, 03:42:36 PM »

When I started looking last night I remembered how little space is in the front of the Jeep.

[attachment=1][attachment=2]

Asylum · « **Reply #17 on:** September 20, 2012, 03:51:28 PM »

stacked mounted on thier side?

Thats what I have done with my optima's

isle of man · « **Reply #18 on:** September 20, 2012, 04:01:22 PM »

I have them behind the front seats...

Delk · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2012, 08:01:53 AM »

Dual alternator option using my spare alternator has run into a snag. The stock alternators are multi wire but I completly forgot that they do not have any sort of voltage regulator because this is handled by the computer.

Tis why Asylum and most go the Larger single option

Still does the job though

isle of man · « **Reply #20 on:** September 21, 2012, 09:26:07 AM »

For the double alternator on the 75 I chose a Nissan or Citroen unit, it has two wires one for power and the other is the warning light, very simple small light unit.

bigjeepzj · « **Reply #21 on:** September 21, 2012, 09:47:05 AM »

Or you could use your TJ alternators with an external regulator your mate at the boat place may be able to help as external regulators are used in marine applications
or use something like this http://store.alternatorparts.com/hd-external-voltage-regulator-conversion-kit.aspx

I recon twin alternators is the way to go as you can get more power spread the load.

Delk · « **Reply #22 on:** November 19, 2012, 11:27:57 AM »

Its been a bit slow around my place but thats normal. Finally managed to get the two batteries installed and fully stuffed in the front. Now I just need to sort the wiring out.

[attachment=1]

wildwood · « **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2012, 01:35:33 PM »

nice one, looks like it wasn't an easy fix

Cockney Boy · « **Reply #24 on:** November 19, 2012, 01:49:40 PM »

Snug fit and nice to see a proper use of Gaffer Tape

Author Topic: Dual batteries (Read 4011 times)

Delk

Delk

Delk

Delk

Delk

Delk

Delk

Delk

Cockney Boy