Best Dual Battery Setup for a 5th Gen 4Runner

[Bumbo]

I know very little about Dual battery set-ups at the moment, but where would a fridge wire into this diagram?

...in that diagram it would be the sPOD source...

It could be wired to anything that supplies +12v... the fridge has literally nothing to do with the dual battery setup, its just a 12v accessory like anything else on the car... radio, lighting...

You can supply power it in in many different ways, the dual battery people just prefer that happens off their 2nd battery instead of the starter.

That dual battery is often times connected to a low voltage disconnect, that is often times connected to a AUX fuse panel.

Its really more of a design question than anything else... you might want it switched, you might not, you might want it ignition controlled... sky is the limit.

 

[Liquidmantis]

I'm in the early stages of this right now and hope to get my dual battery setup installed in the next couple of months, depending on sale of some guitar gear. Here is my plan though:

Main battery:
- original wiring
-- starter
-- truck switched power
- air compressor
- winch

Aux battery:
- relay/constant hot accessory box under hood
-- ham radio
-- accessory lights
-- front 12v outlets
- distribution fuse block in rear
-- 12v outlets
-- fridge
-- rear lighting
- battery tender (will top off both batteries once aux is high enough)
- solar charger connector (will top off both as above)

 

[greatape]

Nice rundown [MENTION=138432]Liquidmantis[/MENTION] on where you plan to draw from..

To stay on topic but to add, locations of ones batteries and draw comes into the picture too.

We are speaking of electrical so wiring is paramount and can present challenges. Of course, most have there dual battery system in the engine bay, however what to wire to the main and aux could differ dependent on setup. For example, my aux battery is located in the cargo bay.

If not, there could be a discussion on it's own what to wire to what battery.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=139970]greatape[/MENTION]

I agree... location matters, and where you draw from also matters. There are so many things to take into consideration for a new builder.

From a application design standpoint its pretty easy to just slap together a diagram of a working system.

Even if you do a good job and work out all of your accessory loads, and calc out all of your line distances and sizing for acceptable voltage drop you still have to build the thing.

Often times reality steps back and slaps you across the face with an entirely new set of challenges when it comes time to execute. Relay and switching infrastructure is where a lot of new builders cheap out, but to get something nice is a healthy investment. But you simplify so much because of how flexible that item might be. Cost will often times get in the way of doing it right.

Even something as simple as which side of the truck to put the aux fuse panel can become something that drives you crazy... The more stuff you have, the worse it gets.

I hate wires running all over the truck. I like a clean install, and I like to keep things as simple as possible without making compromises...

My solution was to make everything modular... I can quickly swap anything in and out of the truck without creating problems for myself. Now what I take is based on where I am going and what I am doing.

 

[raptore]

Have you been able to verify the Shrockworks relocation kit will accommodate the air compressor and the smog pump together?

Design considerations:

-Aux battery: Odyssey 25-PC1400 (850 CCA, 65 Hrs at 20 Hr Capacity)
-Aux battery tray: Shrockworks with air pump relocator
-National Luna Isolator and battery controller
-Support all non-factory accessories via an auxiliary battery
-Ability to jump start from the auxiliary battery
-Support Warn Xeon Platinum 10-S Winch (311 to 465 Amps)
-Support ARB Dual Air Compressor (CKMTA12) with room for bracket
-Power sPOD Source SE with 8 channels for smaller sub-30 Amp accessories
-Support future accessories: Inverter, camper trailer anderson plug, upgraded sound system

Per National Luna, no fuses are to be installed between the isolator and batteries, to ensure the winch may consume high non-continuous amperage draws from the system. Per Warn, no fuse or circuit breaker is installed between the winch and battery.

 

[Cytronus]

Shrockworks dual battery tray is in...ARB twin compressor coming soon

This past weekend I installed the Shrockworks auxiliary battery tray kit with smog pump relocated back by the firewall. I'm planning to install the Bandi ARB twin compressor mount this weekend, which should fit above the Shrockworks bracket holding the newly relocated smog pump. I'm crossing my fingers it'll fit nicely. More soon with lots of pics and commentary.

Have you been able to verify the Shrockworks relocation kit will accommodate the air compressor and the smog pump together?

 

[HerT4R]

This past weekend I installed the Shrockworks auxiliary battery tray kit with smog pump relocated back by the firewall. I'm planning to install the Bandi ARB twin compressor mount this weekend, which should fit above the Shrockworks bracket holding the newly relocated smog pump. I'm crossing my fingers it'll fit nicely. More soon with lots of pics and commentary.

I am trying to get my compressor set up in this weekend as well. Though i do not have to work around the smog pump. So i was able to toss in the shrock dual battery tray without issue this past sunday (permalink to "what did you to in your 4runner today?" thread).

 

[Cytronus]

Good call

Yes, I was planning on adding all possible switches to the sPOD for LCD touch screen control inside the cabin in order to simplify installations and not have physical buttons all over the place. I'm having a custom LCD panel made up that will clip in to the factory front center console cup holder area.

Why not have the switch for the compressor through the SPOD? The ARB uses a relay switch so it only pulls a couple milliamps.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=81106]Cytronus[/MENTION]

I assume you have done the research already... but is there a reason or something you like about the sPOD vs the Switch-Pro, specifically the SP-8100.

Was there something you liked more, or was one better for your needs/application? Just curious because right now I am leaning towards the Switch Pro for my next build.

 

[sovat4r]

This past weekend I installed the Shrockworks auxiliary battery tray kit with smog pump relocated back by the firewall. I'm planning to install the Bandi ARB twin compressor mount this weekend, which should fit above the Shrockworks bracket holding the newly relocated smog pump. I'm crossing my fingers it'll fit nicely. More soon with lots of pics and commentary.

I'm anxious to hear of your outcome with this. I already have an ARB Dual sitting on a Bandi mount in the passenger rear location. My SPoD and wiring are mounted at the other potential location for the compressor on the drivers side beyond the electrical panel, so I don't plan on moving it from its current mount. At the same time, I've been eying dual-battery mounts for a few months now, so if the Shrockworks kit is confirmed to work in conjunction with ARB Twin / Bandi on the passenger rear location, I'll be one happy camper.

Next question for when I ever decide to upgrade my front bumper: where the hell to move the washer fluid bottle when I have a compressor, Smog pump, and new battery in any other potential location!

 

[Cytronus]

sPOD vs. Switch-Pro

I did look at the Switch Pro and it is a great unit. I personally chose the sPOD with LCD touch screen because I like that it's immediately programmable for new or existing accessories without having to change out the physical push buttons. It's a slight difference really, both do pretty much the same thing. I think you'll love the Switch-Pro. Where are you planning to mount it?

[MENTION=81106]Cytronus[/MENTION]

I assume you have done the research already... but is there a reason or something you like about the sPOD vs the Switch-Pro, specifically the SP-8100.

Was there something you liked more, or was one better for your needs/application? Just curious because right now I am leaning towards the Switch Pro for my next build.

 

[Liquidmantis]

Next question for when I ever decide to upgrade my front bumper: where the hell to move the washer fluid bottle when I have a compressor, Smog pump, and new battery in any other potential location!

That's the potential dilemma I've been juggling. I think I mentioned it upthread, but that's why I moved my compressor over to the Slee compressor mount on the driver side and plan on running the Off-Grid Engineering dual battery system. Then if it comes down to it I just have to get the Expedition One washer reservoir kit.

 

[Bumbo]

I did look at the Switch Pro and it is a great unit. I personally chose the sPOD with LCD touch screen because I like that it's immediately programmable for new or existing accessories without having to change out the physical push buttons. It's a slight difference really, both do pretty much the same thing. I think you'll love the Switch-Pro. Where are you planning to mount it?

Mounting locations I have been considering something overhead since the wiring can be a lot cleaner when compared to using standard toggles switches.

I just think this system is a nice way to keep things clean and minimize a rats nest of wiring. Also saves space over the traditional Bosch style relay.

The primary reason for looking at these system in the first place was because I need/want control from outside of the truck... I find myself constantly opening/closing doors to control accessory loads right now.

I have some Anderson Powerpole quick disconnects in my bumper/grill for power, so before calling it a night I plug a 10AWG extension cable I made into the truck from my tent... would be nice to have a little control over that outlet as well depending on what is connected to it... sometimes that accessory has a switch, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes I split up the power using a Y cable once inside the tent...

 

[Cytronus]

Dual battery selected and ordered: Odyssey 25-PC1400

After finally installing the Shrockworks dual battery tray, I measured the dimensions of the tray and decided it should fit the desired Odyssey 25-PC1400 Battery.

Battery Specs: 850 CCA, AH - 20 Hr rated capacity - 65 Hours, reserve capacity @ 25 amps is 130 mins, 52 lbs.

Battery dimensions: 9.47" L x 6.85" W x 8.75" H

Shrockworks advertised max battery dimension: 10.1" L x 6.8" W x 6.9" H

Also beginning planning on the location of the sPOD Source 8 channel unit. I am not a fan of any of the left/passenger locations, especially not when the air compressor and aux battery are taking up most of the space there and not a fan of mounting it on top of the air box. I'd like it to place it on the driver's side, behind the fuse box, elevated above the fuse box lid for easy access and plenty of room underneath for accessory cable management. I'll use L brackets mounted to the 2 existing threaded holes on the driver side wall. I will have some accessory lines route down, underneath the sPOD and back toward the firewall and then out to their various locations. For forward accessories, will route wiring down, to driver side wall and forward. The battery cables are too short so I will have to install new, longer wiring to route to the passenger side aux battery.

A quick update on the rig: I just installed the SS Slimline front bumper with 20" RI LED light bar (awaiting sPOD install) and the Warn Zeon Platinum 10-S winch (wired directly to the starter battery), which works great. Very impressive and simple operation with the wireless remote. I was super OCD on wire routing and protection. More coming on that soon in a detailed write up on my build thread.

A couple shots - how the sPOD will look and new bumper. Warn Epic D-ring shackles going on tomorrow with Daystar shock absorbers.

 

[Bumbo]

That looks like a solid place for the sPOD... its a good serviceable location.

I would mount it as high as you can so you can maintain as much space as possible under it.

How many of the 8 channels are getting used right out the gate with your build?

I have some ideas that have proven themselves useful if you have a spare channel or two.

 

[WallyT4R]

here is nice writeup using the Shrockworks dual batt kit.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/201689-2015-dual-battery-installation.html

Also everyone always wants to put the air compressor under the hood. If I go with a hard mounted compressor it will be in the back mounted to the side wall or to a bracket off a drawer system or fridge. Another solution is mount it under the vehicle and run a remote air chuck to the bumper. Point is you are not limited to putting the compressor under the hood where there is very little and valuable space.

 

[Cytronus]

@Bumbo, let's hear your ideas for sPOD accessories!

I'll be connecting the following accessories to the sPOD initially:

1. Rigid Ind. 20" LED light bar in bumper
2. Under hood LED light strip
3. Roof rack forward mounted LED light pods
4. Roof rack rear mounted LED light pods

What ideas do you have for some useful adds?

 

[Cytronus]

Twin ARB air compressor location thoughts

I considered placing the twin compressor in other locations, like the cargo area or under the body in the rear, however, I felt that under the hood offered the most of what I was looking for - with the hood open, it's easy to access and service, easy to wire up, well above water & mud, relatively well shielded from trail dust, will have plenty of clean, cool air to draw from right behind the air box, somewhat mutes/muffles the noise. Also, when not in use and while wheeling on dusty trails, a simple shower cap will cover it nicely to keep it clean. With all the other planned under-hood items, everything I want should fit nicely.

here is nice write up using the Shrockworks dual batt kit.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/201689-2015-dual-battery-installation.html

Also everyone always wants to put the air compressor under the hood. If I go with a hard mounted compressor it will be in the back mounted to the side wall or to a bracket off a drawer system or fridge. Another solution is mount it under the vehicle and run a remote air chuck to the bumper. Point is you are not limited to putting the compressor under the hood where there is very little and valuable space.

 

[Liquidmantis]

Yeah, it's a hot, loud box that I'd rather be under the hood. My cargo space is also precious and limited so I want to maximize the engine bay nook and cranny utilization.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=81106]Cytronus[/MENTION]

Check out the Anderson Powerpole connector... by design they are a Quick Disconnect... Often times you will see a bigger Anderson connector on a removable winch or something like an APC unit at its battery service point; these are just a smaller version of those.

https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors

I found adding some switched outlets to the external facing side of the car to be very valuable... It helps keep the car cleaner, I dont need to leave doors or windows open depending on what I am doing, and I run a line into my tent from the bumper when I camp... I get 30 amps worth of fused service into my tent all from my cars 2nd battery. (wife loves the heated blanket).

They make a panel mount... but they work out pretty nice on a bumper if you want something cleaner than just a pigtail.

Considering your sPOD outlets can be programmed, LVD protected, and switched in various ways, a couple of those Powerpoles in some strategic places in the rig would give you a lot of flexibility plus better control. IMO this is where things like the sPOD shine.

Here are just a few examples from one of my builds...
Front Bumper

Rear Trunk

For the times I want to keep my fridge running before a trip or when its garaged, I just plug in my 7.5a battery tender which is enough to keep the fridge up and my batt topped off.

I could easily adapt any of those outlets to whatever I want... you can cram 45-50 amps thorough those connector. It supports from 20 AWG up to real 10 AWG wire.

I really do use these things everywhere... I am fully invested in their stuff for my 12v toys. Its real popular with the Ham Radio guys too, that's pretty much how I came about these things.

I even attached it to my electrical tools... and basically integrate that all with my cars troubleshooting kit...

Hopefully that gets some creative juices flowing... just something nice for the truck that really helps you take advantage of a dual battery setup and the sPOD is a nice compliment to it as well.