dual battery or Diehard Platinum Marine?

[jediwebdude]

Recently acquired an ARB fridge. Was looking at the whole dual battery concept so I could have a constant power source during overnight outings. Then I saw a post by an overlander who said the Diehard Platinum Marine can run the fridge overnight and start the truck the next morning. This seems to be a better solution.

Thoughts?

 

[riceandpho]

Why not run dual die hard? More power and also you wont be stranded. But using isolator on dual battery with the aux bat powering the fridge is a better idea.

 

[Mtn.Runner]

I'd suggest an optima red top or two. Best battery In my opinion. High vibration resistance. Long life. High CA and CCA

 

[tollboothwilley]

The platinum batteries from die hard are gel cell comparable to the optima batteries. They are very good. I have been using them in my car for a while now

Marine batteries are bigger with a much higher reserve capacity for running accessories while still having high cranking amps

That said, if you are going to be running a fridge a lot it would be smart to have multiple batteries in my opinion

 

[ebg18t]

I would look towards a dual battery system and keep the fridge on the 2nd battery.

I am in the same boat, I just picked up a Engel Mt-45 fridge. I will be using the dirty parts dual battery wiring/battery tray and dual diehard platinum batteries. They are re-badged odyssey batteries. Make sure you run big enough wire to power the fridge. aRB & Engel recommend 10 gauge wire. ARB does sells a nice 10g fridge harness to wire a separate plug from the rear of the truck directly to the 2nd battery.

 

[emoore924]

You want a deep cycle to run the fridge, which is what the marine battery will do. Auto or regular batteries aren't really for that kind of duty (think camping).

 

[eddiebx]

Personally, I would rather have a separate battery to power the fridge, just in case something expected happens. This way you'll still have your starting battery ready to go. Diehard platinums (marine or not) are great batteries though and from what I understand are basically rebranded Odysseys at a better price.

 

[fedrlbiker]

Just do the dual battery system. I'll help you install it. After doing it once, it's super easy.

 

[albertomc]

Ive been looking into this as well and cant quite justify the 400 dollar price tag on the national luna system for just the Fridge. For sporadic use, wont it be easier to run a single deep cycle battery and when camping keep one of those 50 dollar jumpers available just in case? None of my camping is in the same place for long, I drive at least some 3 hours every day so that shouldnt be a problem...

What dual battery system would you recomend? Blue Sea systems? National Luna? or other with parts?

 

[jediwebdude]

Ive been looking into this as well and cant quite justify the 400 dollar price tag on the national luna system for just the Fridge. For sporadic use, wont it be easier to run a single deep cycle battery and when camping keep one of those 50 dollar jumpers available just in case? None of my camping is in the same place for long, I drive at least some 3 hours every day so that shouldnt be a problem...

What dual battery system would you recomend? Blue Sea systems? National Luna? or other with parts?

I'd go with Odyssey for dual battery...see write-up on Toyota120.com.

But I can't quite justify the cost just for the fridge. I already have a portable jumper. That Platinum Marine seems to be ideal for replacing my AutoZone battery. It is deep cycle and thus can handle the drain of the fridge overnight, and will start the vehicle the next day.

 

[ebg18t]

So here is the setup I am waiting to install.

Duracell AGM group 34's
http://www.driveduracell.com/default.aspx?pageid=133

Dirty Parts

The link goes to the dirty parts dual battery system with battery tray. The battery tray is the hardest part to find.

Using the ARB fridge wiring harness to run to the back of the truck.

ARB Fridge Freezer Wiring Loom

Fridge needs to slide out for easy use:
ARB Fridge Roller Slide - Sierra Expeditions, ARB 37QT/50QT Fridge Freezer Slide (10900020)

Then the Engel MT-45 fridge with transit cover to keep everything cool

Engel MT45 Fridge/Freezer * Package Deal*

Should be good to go once I get it all installed.

 

[CXS]

I had dual batteries in my previous truck and am now a fan of keeping things simple and having only what's really needed but I agree with those saying dual battery with one devoted solely to the fridge. It might be overkill but it sucks waking up to a dead battery when after years of great service it doesn't make it through the night and you're alone in the middle of nowhere.

 

[ddnww]

i would run your stock regularly, then a second marine or deepcycle hooked up to the alt so it gets charged, but not in connection with your main batt , that way you dont run the risk of being stranded with a dead battery.. ive done this before for car audio when i want to run my stereo all day at a carshow.. then when the shows over, you just flip the switch back to your main batt.. and startup and drive off.

 

[philskeeter]

I would look towards a dual battery system and keep the fridge on the 2nd battery.

I am in the same boat, I just picked up a Engel Mt-45 fridge. I will be using the dirty parts dual battery wiring/battery tray and dual diehard platinum batteries. They are re-badged odyssey batteries. Make sure you run big enough wire to power the fridge. aRB & Engel recommend 10 gauge wire. ARB does sells a nice 10g fridge harness to wire a separate plug from the rear of the truck directly to the 2nd battery.

How are you liking the dual battery kit? Easy to install? What two batteries are you using?

 

[Rocket61]

i would run your stock regularly, then a second marine or deepcycle hooked up to the alt so it gets charged, but not in connection with your main batt , that way you dont run the risk of being stranded with a dead battery.. ive done this before for car audio when i want to run my stereo all day at a carshow.. then when the shows over, you just flip the switch back to your main batt.. and startup and drive off.

Not intending to hijack this thread but could you elaborate on this? I'm running a 12w7 off my stock Panasonic battery. It's been ok but I don't think the amp is getting as much power as it wants. I can hear a small difference in volume when it's idling vs on the highway. I wanted to hook up a second battery to give it more juice. You're saying just run a line off the alt and to the amp? I was consider a dual battery setup with a solenoid and all but if I can avoid having to go that route, that'd be great.

 

[robaroni]

I know I'm a cheapskate and an old fart but wouldn't a cooler with ice be way more cost effective? :shrug:

 

[ebg18t]

How are you liking the dual battery kit? Easy to install? What two batteries are you using?

Well I ended up using the DirtyParts battery tray, BlueSea battery isolator and Duracell AGM batteries for both starting & 2nd battery. Been about 1.5yrs and still rock solid. I had a few issues initially with the battery isolator in the a DirtyParts kit, so I went back to BlueSea stuff like I use on my boat.

I know I'm a cheapskate and an old fart but wouldn't a cooler with ice be way more cost effective? :shrug:

Yes, $900 for a fridge + $300 for a slide might be considered not cost effective to some. But for many if us eliminating the need for ice (and sloshing water), dealing with everything being soggy wet and being able to use all the space just for food/drinks is awesome. Not to mention being able to enjoy an frozen Klondike bar 3-days into a trip is awesome.

As I get older I appreciate these comfort features more and more.

 

[philskeeter]

Well I ended up using the DirtyParts battery tray, BlueSea battery isolator and Duracell AGM batteries for both starting & 2nd battery. Been about 1.5yrs and still rock solid. I had a few issues initially with the battery isolator in the a DirtyParts kit, so I went back to BlueSea stuff like I use on my boat.
QUOTE]

So you just switched the battery isolator and all was fine? did you keep the kits wiring or did the new isolator come with its own wires? I thought about the kodiak set up with the dual odyssey baterries in the stock location but 1) It is very expensive and 2) I like the idea of having a battery on the passenger side to sort of balance out the other battery. OCD I know but its an added bonus with a purpose
Edit: [MENTION=86678]ebg18t[/MENTION] Sorry It didn't quote you

 

[ebg18t]

So you just switched the battery isolator and all was fine? did you keep the kits wiring or did the new isolator come with its own wires? I thought about the kodiak set up with the dual odyssey baterries in the stock location but 1) It is very expensive and 2) I like the idea of having a battery on the passenger side to sort of balance out the other battery. OCD I know but its an added bonus with a purpose
Edit: [MENTION=86678]ebg18t[/MENTION] Sorry It didn't quote you

I have a mix of parts but here is how it ended.

BlueSea ACR Blue Sea Systems Automatic Charging Relay Only - Overton's
DirtyParts Battery Tray
0 gauge wire from 2nd battery (+) to BlueSea ACR
0 gauge wire from BlueSea ACR to primary battery (+)
0 gauge wire from 2nd battery ground (-)

This ends with a simple automatic charging system.

If you want more features you can step up to the next level BlueSea ACR Blue Sea ML-Series Heavy Duty Remote Battery Switch 12V DC Manual - Overton's