Dual battery install (vehicle not boat) - recommendations
Submitted by Ben Derecki on Wed, 2012-12-05 20:01
Want to get a second battery installed in the Prado for running fridges etc off when the vehicle is not being driven. While I understand you can do it yourself I don't have a blue clue when it comes to this sort of thing. Anyone got any recommendations on someone who can do a cheap but good install?
Cheers
wadetolley
Posts: 2258
Date Joined: 27/06/08
cheap
The words,Cheap and good..should never be used in the same sentence..lol
chris raff
Posts: 3257
Date Joined: 09/02/10
For the battery try
For the battery try Goodchilds in Jandakot just provide abn = good prices...any auto sparky no more than a hour I'd think if that , presuming you already have the extra battery tray
“Intelligence is like a four-wheel drive. It only allows you to get stuck in more remote places.”
kempy
Posts: 810
Date Joined: 28/05/09
There is so many different
There is so many different systems. The simplest and most reliable way is to have the dual battery connected to a solenoid that is activated by ignition. This therefore means the car will start/run on both then once the key is turned off it will be isolated.
Dinkum Auto Electrical A/C & Mechanical Unit 10/16 Kent way Malaga 0438755754 Also Mobile
Open 7 days except when we are fishn For all your auto electrical needs
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
piranha
Hi Ben
I have an piranha system that I installed myself over 10 years ago in my patrol. It has been fully submerged a couple of times and has offered flawless service, definately go with a quality system as a flat battery is a pain in the ass.
the biggest issue with dual batteries is finding the right spot to put the battery/cradle, lots of modern cars dont have much spare room under the hood
heath
Posts: 29
Date Joined: 06/01/12
I have the red arc system in
I have the red arc system in the dmax which runs the engel 24/7. Had it installed at opposite lock for around $1000.
quadfisher
Posts: 1146
Date Joined: 28/09/10
Wades on to it
Even though I think some of the prices payed for dual systems, done by "big name"
4wd mobs is a total rip off ( have heard of $1500 ) Wades right , in that if you have no knowledge yourself
the only way to get a reliable , well installed kit, that will do you for years is to pay a premium.
no such thing as a free lunch!
However doesnt mean you cant do some research yourself, on firstly what kit would suit you, ie
do you really need the latest whiz bang deal , with in car monitors etc etc, or could you get away with a mid priced
, well made kit , that will prevent you getting a flat starter battery.As for installers me myself would maybe trust a lecky shop more than a
name brand 4wd , do it all mob , but thats just me.
I have a red arc, bottom to mid range price range kit,and it does all I require.
Over many years , I have found the deering group to be quite good, although I think there
probally franchised, so each dealership can be very different.
quadfisher
keg
Posts: 399
Date Joined: 17/07/07
even doing it yourself
it`s not a real cheap excersice. i fitted mine myself about 6 months ago using the redarc isolator.
isolator $100. battery tray to suit vehicle $ 150, decent deep cycle battery $250,some cable and terminals and bits and pieces $100.there`s $600 before you even put any labour into it.between $800-$1000 would be about what to expect to pay anywhere i think.
willo64
Posts: 27
Date Joined: 27/06/11
Another way is the thumper
Another way is the thumper battery pack which I know you can get from Battery World which is a seperate battery you carry in the back of car but you can also buy a car charging kit which can be transferred fron car to car if you sell your vehicle. you can then also leave your battery pack charging your fridges etc if camping wherever you leave your gear eg at campsite while you are off fishing. Just another option not one for everybody.
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
spot on keg and quad
thats about what it should cost, they are pretty easy to install once your tray is in(depends on model)
my tip is dont scrimp on the solenoid I paid about $300 10 years ago for mine and I can plug a solar panel straight into it if it died tomorrow I would still be happy considering the treatment it has copped.
electronic battery monitors are pretty much a waste of money and for the most inaccurate if your car has a voltmeter on the dash you can see by the position of the needle whats going on but a flat battery will still show 12V anyway
Redbucket
Posts: 160
Date Joined: 10/03/10
check out prado point .com
check out prado point .com they have all the part info and jnstall instructuions to do it yourself for all the prado models. Dont recreate the wheel when someone has already done it for you.
Josh90
Posts: 43
Date Joined: 22/04/12
Im a sparky and finally got
Im a sparky and finally got round to putting a second battery in my 100 series a couple of weekends ago, do a bit of research buy a kit and diy. Its pretty simple and you learn for next vehicle :) it took me about half an hour.
Frank F
Posts: 481
Date Joined: 17/03/09
Can you use a BEP VSR like
Can you use a BEP VSR like you would use on your boat?