Battery Storage/Enclosure for 4WD Trips?

[eric_rosenwald]

I want to start bringing an extra battery with me on my 4WD trips to isolated places.

What's the best way for me to secure the battery? Is there an enclosure that would work well? I'd like to be able to pack it in with plenty of other gear. If it were in a sturdy box or something, I imagine it wouldn't be as much of an issue if I stack equipment on it.

Thanks for the feedback,
Eric

 

[eric_rosenwald]

The battery would solely be be intended to install as a new battery. I have a GoalZero solar setup and I love it!

What's an AGM battery?

Thanks

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Also:

I assume that after I buy the battery, I should have it plugged in with a trickle charger all the time. Or is it better to do something else? since it's new?

 

[Bumbo]

The battery would solely be be intended to install as a new battery. I have a GoalZero solar setup and I love it!

What's an AGM battery?

Thanks

AGM stands for absorbed glass mat.

In a nutshell it’s basically spill proof and can be mounted in any orientation unlike a regular flooded lead acid battery.

AGM is just a type of construction, and its available in various application blends from a regular starter to a deep cycle just like their flooded counterparts.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

So it's essentially like a normal car battery, but just using a spill-proof technology? If so, are AGM batteries hard to find for a 200k T4R?

 

[Bumbo]

Also:

I assume that after I buy the battery, I should have it plugged in with a trickle charger all the time. Or is it better to do something else? since it's new?

If you are storing it long term with no plans of using it, it would be best to connect it to the charger / maintainer.

If it’s just sitting in the back of the truck in a battery box for the purpose of having a spare for the trip, you can get away without doing anything other than making sure its full before you leave.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

I should be more specific: I would be taking it in the battery box (thanks for the recommendation) a maximum of 5 days per month. Otherwise, I can leave it connected to the charger / maintainer in my house.

Given that, what kind of charging schedule/method would you recommend?

 

[Bumbo]

So it's essentially like a normal car battery, but just using a spill-proof technology? If so, are AGM batteries hard to find for a 200k T4R?

Yes, it’s a normal car battery.

AGM batteries are very common, but they generally cost a little more money than a flooded unit. You should not have a problem locating an AGM that would fit our 4Runners.

Many auto manufacture like BMW who install their batteries in the truck of vehicles all use AGM by default.

It is worth mentioning that some AGM manufactures will have a slightly higher top end charge voltage than others. It’s usually found on the more expensive high end deep cycle variants, but it’s not always the case. Nothing that would prevent you from throwing it in as a drop in, but would be worth noting for settings on your trickle / maintainer.

 

[Bumbo]

I should be more specific: I would be taking it in the battery box (thanks for the recommendation) a maximum of 5 days per month. Otherwise, I can leave it connected to the charger / maintainer in my house.

Given that, what kind of charging schedule/method would you recommend?

I would be perfectly comfortable leaving it in a battery box for the duration of the trip. 5 days is nothing for a battery just sitting especially if its stored at home on a maintainer.

You will be fine.

 

[KWSRStorm]

You could get something like this and attach it to the box. Then all you need to do is plug it in. Internally it would be connected to the battery. So youre not dealing with unscrewing terminals each time you take it out of the car and have to charge it.

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-Genius-...ords=noco+charger+4+amp&qid=1578589134&sr=8-3



Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[Akkording]

A marine battery box would work if you want to have it a sealed box, Google it and see if it would work for your intended use.

Goal zero make excellent products, they know how to market to their targeted audience.

 

[sn_85]

I still don't see the point of carrying a spare battery in your vehicle. When was the last time your battery died on you? I'd recommend bringing along a lithium battery jump pack instead. It's a lot less weight and easier to pack. You can jump yourself and then get a new battery once you're back on the road. And if you're going to bring a second battery with you at least make it functional and work for you. Run it as a dual battery setup or build an aux battery box to charge electronics from. Otherwise you're just carrying a 50lb battery that you will like never use.

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB40-Ul...t=&hvlocphy=9053049&hvtargid=pla-449394730282

Portable Power Pack – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

Auxiliary Battery Box – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

 

[Bumbo]

He has a point… if you are carrying the battery primarily for the purpose of jump starting then there are other solutions worth considering that take up a lot less space and weight. The likelihood of experiencing a battery failure is also pretty rare, especially if you maintain the truck well, meaning changing the battery slightly ahead of schedule (3-5 years) to keep it fresh.

If you use the battery for running accessories, then you can consider just building it into the truck similar to a dual battery setup, or make a battery box / portable power pack and make it usable. You could easily make something like a goal zero unit for far less money and even be able to charge off the 4Runners electrical system when its running, just like a dual battery setup.

You can also downsize a project like this into something a bit more manageable depending on your needs. I built a very simple solar generator out of a 30 cal ammo cam. It includes a 17ah sealed lead acid battery, MPPT solar charge controller, USB charging, and 12v outputs to connect gear. I generally use this inside my tent to provide power for charging and lighting… and a 12v heated blanket because glamping.

I have a couple different solar panel I can use with it as well. If its connected in parallel with the trucks electrical system, can be used to charge the main starter battery as well.

 

[AWDLiFE]

Sick