dual battery setup ideas
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Mgyver1
Member
My plan is this
Columbia Overland Toyota Tacoma 1st Generation Dual Battery Tray (1995 - 2004) ? Columbia Overland
And I'll wire it up similar to how I had my Tacoma set up which was tapping a wire from the DRL circuit that was only hot when the truck was running. I had it on a 3 way switch so it could be off (batteries separated), auto (connected when truck was running. This is how I left it) and forced on so I could jump start myself if my starting battery was dead.
Columbia Overland Toyota Tacoma 1st Generation Dual Battery Tray (1995 - 2004) ? Columbia Overland
And I'll wire it up similar to how I had my Tacoma set up which was tapping a wire from the DRL circuit that was only hot when the truck was running. I had it on a 3 way switch so it could be off (batteries separated), auto (connected when truck was running. This is how I left it) and forced on so I could jump start myself if my starting battery was dead.
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Red October
Member
I have been considering dual batteries for a while. You don't happen to have a wiring diagram for this setup do you?
calimobber
Member
To be honest it would help if you explained more of the purpose for your dual batt. leaving that statement open like that leaves allot of work for everyone here to track down pictures and write up info if its not something your looking for.
Check out my build, I made a simple tray out of angle iron for a yellow top. Right now they are still connected as one but I have purchased a blue sea automatic relay but am trying to get motivated to install it.
I believe the 2000 is like my 2002 and doesnt have the abs stuff in the back left corner.
Check out my build, I made a simple tray out of angle iron for a yellow top. Right now they are still connected as one but I have purchased a blue sea automatic relay but am trying to get motivated to install it.
I believe the 2000 is like my 2002 and doesnt have the abs stuff in the back left corner.
habanero
Senior Member
Blue Sea 7622 ACR (foreground) w/switch, neg bus, military terminals, Blue Sea fuse block, bike bottle w/cage, had to reinforce the inner fender when it cracked, Ruff Stuff Optima Box, homemade battery brace, homemade ACR and fuse block brackets, single voltmeter switched to read either battery.
mountian runner
New member
habanero
Senior Member
Your set-up has advantages too.... Weight of battery solidly on the fender. Weight of only one battery on each fender. Probably easier to change the headlight bulbs (I have to pull the headlight assembly from the front which isn't hard but it isn't releasing a wire and pulling a bulb either). No figuring out where to stash the coolant overflow. No cutting the fan shroud to fit the batteries.
MTD
New member
I have a bunch of info in my build and I can make up a diagram over lunch if you would like. I didn't keep it in the engine bay because I went with a 31M, which is huge, and I didn't want any more weight over the front axles.
I used all Blue Sea Systems (BSS) products on the build, because they are simply better than anything else out there. I know you get sticker shock when you see the prices on their webpage, but I have sources to get stuff cheaper, namely ebay and some other websites that if you want you can PM and I will look up for you. :smokin:
Here is a link to my current setup:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ed-jeremy-clarkson-james-may.html#post1743203
Here is a link to my old setup with more info:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ld-narrated-morgan-freeman-9.html#post1704587
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ld-narrated-morgan-freeman-9.html#post1705141
I used all Blue Sea Systems (BSS) products on the build, because they are simply better than anything else out there. I know you get sticker shock when you see the prices on their webpage, but I have sources to get stuff cheaper, namely ebay and some other websites that if you want you can PM and I will look up for you. :smokin:
Here is a link to my current setup:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ed-jeremy-clarkson-james-may.html#post1743203
Here is a link to my old setup with more info:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ld-narrated-morgan-freeman-9.html#post1704587
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ld-narrated-morgan-freeman-9.html#post1705141
I like the separate setup. Easier and less mods. You already have the room why not use it.
Konkordmusk
New member
As with [MENTION=94545]MTD[/MENTION] , I used all blue sea gear in my setup except for the isolator. I run a 500a PacWest (I think) isolator. Strong enough to self jump. Both batteries are connected to a single voltmeter using an on/off/on switch. The isolator is on a switch; I flip the switch when I want the batteries connected. The house battery (yellowtop) is running a small 500w inverter for 110v inside the truck.
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MTD
New member
If I had to do it again I would use a select-able relay like the BSS ML series. They allow for the select-able connection like your PacWest. I have the BSS SI-ARC though and it is still great. If I ever need to combine the batteries manually I can just pull the control ground and jump the terminals with a jumper wire that I made. Which isn't the worst since I only have to do that once in a blue moon.
Here is the one I would get if I were to do it again:
https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/Automatic_Charging_Relays/ML-ACRs
velomatt
Member
I installed one of these two weeks ago.
Mgyver1
Member
Pics or it didn't happen! j/k! How'd it go, any install issues? Did you get Odysseys or go to Sears and get Napa Gold? Do they offer the battery size in a deep cycle version? My ideal setup would be one starting battery and one deep cycle, that's how I had my old dual batt set up in my Taco.
J-money$$$
New member
Dual Batteries: Installed - YotaTech Forums
Old link to my dual battery setup. I finally put a bosch blue top agm battery next to the optima. Never had a single issue with the setup. Never have to think about it. I just used a cheap battery isolator for a motor home. both charge, neither battery can drain the other. Its great.
I also made a bracket to hold the batteries now that i don't have a standard battery with the vents on top. I used a ratchet strap for the longest time. never had a problem with that either, but i always thought it was kinda ghetto
Good choice if you use a winch. I have found that winches can ruin batteries. nice to not mess up the one running the truck.
The small optima is for a honda civic. Fits great nice and small and plenty of juice to run run a winch or lights
Old link to my dual battery setup. I finally put a bosch blue top agm battery next to the optima. Never had a single issue with the setup. Never have to think about it. I just used a cheap battery isolator for a motor home. both charge, neither battery can drain the other. Its great.
I also made a bracket to hold the batteries now that i don't have a standard battery with the vents on top. I used a ratchet strap for the longest time. never had a problem with that either, but i always thought it was kinda ghetto
Good choice if you use a winch. I have found that winches can ruin batteries. nice to not mess up the one running the truck.
The small optima is for a honda civic. Fits great nice and small and plenty of juice to run run a winch or lights
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IBallEngineer
New member
You didn't quote him but I assume you are referring to the solid state isolator that J-Money used. If so, I agree with you 100%, I despise those things, I've been replacing those with solenoids since 1984.
But you don't "always" get what you pay for. Sometime you pay too much. Now let me tell you, I love Blue Sea products, I've purchased at least 10 Fuse blocks, and 4 or 5 Maxi fuse holders. But the name Blue Sea is fitting, cuz you need DEEP POCKETS to buy their stuff. Ha ha!
I spent some time in the RV world so I lean towards the products that work for them. This example is a solenoid that acts like what you are calling an ACR. I actually like that ACRonym, because it accurately describes what it can do. I grew up calling them Continuous Duty Solenoids, but who cares. ACR is fine. Here is what I use.
Intellitec Battery Disconnect Relay-Prevents Dead Batteries-pplmotorhomes.com
You can also use a delay so if you get the battery pretty low you don't overwhelm the alternator and main battery when you start your rig. One like this.
Products - DC Power Management - Intelligent battery charging - Isolator relay delay
Anyway, just my two nickels and a dime!
:snacker:
