Hello,

I am in the process of updating my main battery for the Runner and have read from multiple threads about the lack of voltage that comes from the stock alternator when upgrading to an AGM battery. Apart from getting an actual voltage booster it seems that the GM diode is a good substitute.

I am inquiring on those who have gone the GM route if they have encountered any issues with over charging the AGM battery or by increasing the voltage coming from the alternator if it lessens the life of the alternator?

I am not doing anything too crazy offroad, mostly 2-3 night camping, and I have been getting by just fine with the regular 24f battery, but I can get a decent priced 24f AGM for the same price. I dont have a fridge just yet and the only draws to the battery are mostly lights. Im just thinking in the future if I get an AGM battery that it would put extra stress on the alternator or does the voltage booster just boost the regular alternator capacity without overworking it?

Either way Ill be getting a quality battery. Thanks.

Have you looked at this thread?


"Voltage Booster" for 31M AGM Battery


I ran the GM diode for awhile and now have the Arclight version. I didn't get as much voltage from the GM diode as was needed to maintain my AGM battery especially when it's really cold

I got a 24F AGM recently and its been great on my 4-6 night camping trips even with my non modified alternator.
But I use a battery charger maintainer every now and then when not camping to fully charge and maintain.

I too would like to do some kind of more integrated charging. But I don't want to just go the GM rout ether.

I second the Arclight voltage booster. You can’t beat the couple of settings you have which can help in colder weather. Just throw it on there, set it, and forget it is what I did. And if you do go back to a regular battery you literally just flip it to off.

Which make and model AGM battery did you guys go with?

I ran an Odyssey 34 series for a while and now a Northstar 27F (Northstar no longer exists. They were purchased by Odyssey's parent company Enersys unfortunately) The Odyssey was fine although due to my lack of knowledge I shortened it's life by not maintaining it properly. The 27F size is a great size if you're not going to run dual batteries. Whatever you choose some sort of maintenance will be necessary. Either periodic use of a trickle charger or one of the fuse/diode setups.

I actually went with the Odyssey 34 with the ArcLight booster since I was only doing long weekend trips, 3-4 days, and didn’t need the extra juice of the 27.

I have a 34 and have been running the Arclight Booster for 2 years and no complaints. Keeps a steady 14.5 at idle and 14.2-3 under load

ArkLight has a fuse where GM diode and offers no fuse protection.

Thanks for the feed back and information. So its safe to say the Arclight voltage booster is the way to go to keep the AGM batteries topped off. Has anyone had any issues with the arclight booster, overcharging the battery or would the fuse pop protect it from damaging the battery?

Dumb question: Is this for rigs that aren’t daily drivers?

I need a new battery and was looking at AGM options from various sources to help survive the hot SE AZ desert to not need a new battery every couple of years.

Thanks!

My rig was a daily driver. I would drive it 70 miles round trip to work. It was a mild build for a little extra capability and capacity on my long weekend excursions. I think the daily driving along with the ArcLight booster was a great combo for the AGM battery. I set the booster and forgot about it. What I mean by that is I never put it on a charger to top it off or anything. Just drove. If it’s not a daily driver rig it’s not too difficult either, but you will have to put it on a charger periodically to help top it off to maintain the battery’s life.

Is this correct place to buy Arclight Booster: Triple State Voltage Booster - 5th Gen 4Runner — ArcLightLEDs

Why yes it is

Thanks!

Pretty basic website but I trust you guys.

I just don't want put it on a charger now and then to make sure its 100%. Plus when i am Overlanding i am not near a charger. So this device is a must.