Will I need a dual battery?
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sn_85
Senior Member
You'll need some sort of aux battery, whether that be a dual battery system or an external portable battery like a GZ, Jackery, Dometic is up to you. Winch, fogs, arb compressor will all run while your engine is on so you're fine there. Fridge is the only thing that will run constantly when your engine is off. Do you NEED a full dual battery setup? No. How you approach it is up to you.
umidkusername
New member
If you don’t get an aux battery you better have a jumper lol.
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Cymon
New member
If you don't want to deal with the complexity of dual battery, for the same price or less you may be better off with just upgrading the stock battery to a deep cycle and then possibly supplement with solar when you get the fridge. No matter what I would invest in a lithium battery jump-pack just in case.
I don't have a winch, but I've had zero issues running a fridge and lighting accessories with a group 24 X2 deep cycle battery for extended periods off-grid. I do bring our Goal Zero Yeti as back-up for the fridge when we are in one area for more than a couple of days (I can usually get 24 hours of fridge run time off of the battery without starting the vehicle). I'm in the process of adding 90w of hood mounted solar unit to keep the battery topped off...this should allow us to run our stuff off-grid almost indefinitely as the fridge pulls about 60w while the compressor is running. The solar will also keep the battery maintained.
Here is what we will be installing soon, it's currently in transit. Definitely not the cheapest option, but I am a big fan of plug and play.
Toyota 4Runner | VSS System™ | 90 Watt Hood Solar Panel - Cascadia 4x4
I don't have a winch, but I've had zero issues running a fridge and lighting accessories with a group 24 X2 deep cycle battery for extended periods off-grid. I do bring our Goal Zero Yeti as back-up for the fridge when we are in one area for more than a couple of days (I can usually get 24 hours of fridge run time off of the battery without starting the vehicle). I'm in the process of adding 90w of hood mounted solar unit to keep the battery topped off...this should allow us to run our stuff off-grid almost indefinitely as the fridge pulls about 60w while the compressor is running. The solar will also keep the battery maintained.
Here is what we will be installing soon, it's currently in transit. Definitely not the cheapest option, but I am a big fan of plug and play.
Toyota 4Runner | VSS System™ | 90 Watt Hood Solar Panel - Cascadia 4x4
Yes, you definitely need dual battery. Here's my setup. I have a portable battery which you can actually use on a lot of things and you don't have to carry it when not needed. here's my youtube link if you are interested.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbVtZvK-f9s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbVtZvK-f9s
JD914
Member
I agree. Essentially, the only thing running when the engine isn’t will be your fridge (unless you leave your HAM radio on). Since a fridge compressor doesn’t run constantly, a deep cycle battery will power it a long while and a 100 watt solar panel will keep the battery topped up.
I have all the accessories you mentioned, including lots of camp lights, and have no problem going for days camped in the back country with a single deep cycle battery and a solar panel or 2.
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umidkusername
New member
Optima would seem to think if you have anything extra you reallllly need that yellow top.
I’ve seen duals with two yellow tops. Maybe that’s overkill.
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I’ve seen duals with two yellow tops. Maybe that’s overkill.
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That's a neat all in one box solution. Too bad they don't have a model for us poor fools that have hoodscoops.
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Seriously lol
Titanpat57
Senior Member
As [MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION] said...an good group 31 AGM...a 100w Solar panel, a lithium jump pack...I run a fridge 24/7 and have dropped below 12.4, even after 3 cloudy days. The battery is probably close to a wash...so I didn't price it out.
$120 for a panel....Amazon.com : Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Compact Design 42.2 X 19.6 X 1.38 in, High Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging Boat, Caravan, RV and Any Other Off Grid Applications : Garden & Outdoor
$60 for a 10w MPPT....Amazon.com : EPEVER 10A Solar Charge Controller MPPT Solar Panel Charge Controller 12V / 24V Auto Working Max PV 100V Solar Charge Battery Regulator with LCD Display for Gel Flooded Sealed Lithium Batteries : Garden & Outdoor
and $80 for a jump pack...Amazon.com: TACKLIFE T8 800A Peak 18000mAh Lithium Car Jump Starter for Up to 7.0L Gas or 5.5L Diesel Engine, 12V Auto Battery Booster with LCD Screen, Portable Power Bank with USB Quick Charge: Automotive
A little wire and a fuse and done
A 2nd battery would certainly help.
You can always do as they do in boats and add a battery selector switch.
When driving and using/charging it is in the both position and when camping or whatever it is in the 2 position.
That way the #1 battery is always charged for starting purposes etc.
If running low charge on the #2 house battery, just switch to both and charge it up with the alternator.
You can always do as they do in boats and add a battery selector switch.
When driving and using/charging it is in the both position and when camping or whatever it is in the 2 position.
That way the #1 battery is always charged for starting purposes etc.
If running low charge on the #2 house battery, just switch to both and charge it up with the alternator.
sn_85
Senior Member
Complexity is your enemy and if electrical is not your strong suit then don't get a dual battery setup. As previously mentioned, you can get a external battery pack like a Jackery, GZ, dometic and charge while you drive through the rear cargo 12vdc cigarette and have the fridge hooked up to the battery unit. When you shut off your car that cargo area 12vdc is not hot so it'll shut off and your fridge will just run off the portable battery pack. Since you live in the south then just bring a solar blanket with you as there will be unlimited sun.
I have a dual battery setup but I've been toying around with my Dometic PLB40 and it powers the fridge for 48-72 hours without issue and I can recharge it while I drive. I don't have a solar blanket but energy would be unlimited if I did. Honestly that accomplishes pretty much the purpose of my dual battery setup without all the complexity and cost.
If you're still dead set on a dual battery setup then you can get the Off-Grid engineering kit that has everything you need and pre-cut and crimped wires. Something even easier is the National Luna Portable power pack which is just plug and play.
2010-Current 4Runner/ 2010-2014 FJ Cruiser Complete Dual Battery Syste – Off-Grid Engineering
DC-25 Power Pack – Equipt Expedition Outfitters
Titanpat57
Senior Member
Neither is search...doesn't make you a bad guy...lol
umidkusername
New member
I disagree. With YouTube having instructionals, even the off grid you recommended has an excellent YouTube video, even a caveman can do it. You literally just follow the given instructions.
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sn_85
Senior Member
That's up to [MENTION=124143]Signal[/MENTION] to decide. If he says he isn't confident enough to install it himself then that's up to him. It's not my choice to make. I only made the comment about complexity in reference to his electrical competence. It's one thing to install something correctly but another thing to be able to trouble shoot it and fix a problem in the field. You don't want any electrical gremlins and certainly don't want to short anything out and cause a fire.
I do agree with you though, instructions are dead simple enough anyone who can turn a wrench can install it. I installed most of my mods including the OGE kit and I can truly say pretty much everything you need to know is on this forum, youtube or instruction manual. Actually emailed Matt Carter, owner of OGE, on a weekend while installing the kit and he replied promptly. Also had an issue with a cracked battery tray and he sent me a replacement free of charge as well. OGE is definitely a standup company.
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4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
Adding a winch with several electrical accessories can be a deep rabbit hole. Power management, and not using multiple accessories at one time will also be a key factor.
One thing you might consider, whether or not you do a dual battery set up, is the big 3 cable upgrade. (Positive battery terminal to positive alternator terminal, Negative battery terminal to chassis ground, and engine ground to chassis ground)
This will help ensure your winch under heavy load situations is getting all the juice it needs.
Most winch sessions are short in duration and won't over tax your system, but having heavier cable and solid connections will help with that potential problem in the long run. Remembering to power all accessories down (radio, blower fan, lights, etc) during a winch session will be a must as well. A 300 amp draw for several minutes is not uncommon for a winch cycle.
I decided to go with a dual setup to be able to tie both batts together in these situations.
Keeping all your connections maintained is key also. Which reminds me I haven't gone through mine in quite awhile. Your abilities in these situations are only as good as your preparedness, and mine could leave me stranded right now, because of poor maintenance.
One thing you might consider, whether or not you do a dual battery set up, is the big 3 cable upgrade. (Positive battery terminal to positive alternator terminal, Negative battery terminal to chassis ground, and engine ground to chassis ground)
This will help ensure your winch under heavy load situations is getting all the juice it needs.
Most winch sessions are short in duration and won't over tax your system, but having heavier cable and solid connections will help with that potential problem in the long run. Remembering to power all accessories down (radio, blower fan, lights, etc) during a winch session will be a must as well. A 300 amp draw for several minutes is not uncommon for a winch cycle.
I decided to go with a dual setup to be able to tie both batts together in these situations.
Keeping all your connections maintained is key also. Which reminds me I haven't gone through mine in quite awhile. Your abilities in these situations are only as good as your preparedness, and mine could leave me stranded right now, because of poor maintenance.
I have no problem giving it a go. I just don't want to mess it up and have issues.
Jeremy556
New member
No, you don't need dual batteries.
Get a good deepcycle/starting battery like an Odyssey and a jump pack and you'll be fine. I have been running that setup for many years with a 12k winch, dual onboard air, fridge, etc.
IMO, simplicity and less weight far outweigh any extended run time from a secondary battery. My ARB, and I assume most/all 12v fridges will have a lot voltage shut off to prevent killing your battery, so as long as you drive it every couple of days or connect a charger, it works fine.
Get a good deepcycle/starting battery like an Odyssey and a jump pack and you'll be fine. I have been running that setup for many years with a 12k winch, dual onboard air, fridge, etc.
IMO, simplicity and less weight far outweigh any extended run time from a secondary battery. My ARB, and I assume most/all 12v fridges will have a lot voltage shut off to prevent killing your battery, so as long as you drive it every couple of days or connect a charger, it works fine.
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