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Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 2:44 pm
by troos
Hi

I'm in the market to get myself a dual battery system.

Went past Snyman 4x4 today, had a discussion about the installation. It seems my Gen3 has a space issue under the bonnet. Discussed with them the possibility moving the vehicle's battery towards the back of the engine bay, so one can fit the second one in its place.

What have other Gen3 owners done to overcome this space issue?

BTW, they will charge me R5500 for a NL system + installation. Is this a fair price?

Regards

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 2:58 pm
by 4ePajero
After all the discussions on numerous forums, I am convinced if a few things:
  • A portable battery box (eg the NL one) is better (for my use) than a fitted 2nd battery. The fact that you can carry it into your (or somebody else's) tent/caravan/house gives you so much more flexibility
  • a DC-DC charger is the way to go. If your vehicle does not have a 20A cigarette / Hella plug in the load area, install one. No thick cables and batteries that won't fully charge. The battery can even be charged whilst in the caravan/trailer
  • an inverter (660W min.) should go with the box.
  • invest in an intelligent 220V charger (or a 12V - 25A power supply, to go with the DC-DC charger)
  • make up jumper cables for starting, to fit the box's BH plug.

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 3:54 pm
by troos
Hmm.... 4ePajero, I like your thinking. I'll definitely take this into consideration.

Thanks

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:09 pm
by CATS
I have installed a 105 Deep cycle in my Gen 3 and also a third battery in the load bay. Space is not an issue on my 2001Gen 3, might be different on later models?

Image

CATS

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 6:33 am
by MR2-Blue
CATS wrote: [ Image ]
Maybe my glasses are worn out...but on the pic, it looks like the rear battery is not connected... 8-)

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:19 am
by SimonB
MR2-Blue wrote:
Maybe my glasses are worn out...but on the pic, it looks like the rear battery is not connected... 8-)
They are worn out... there are secondary terminals to which everything is connected... much easier than using a clamp on the main terminals. This is standard for auxilliary batteries

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:34 am
by Herman
Ek gebruik nie die kompartement waarin die 3de ry sitplekke wegvou nie en het my 2de battery daarin ingebou. het dit sommer self gedoen en nog geen probleme gehad nie. Ek maak gebruik van 'n NL battery split stelsel wat voor by die enjin instaleer is.

Herman

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:36 pm
by cloyd
1. You can fit a 102 amp deepcycle battery in the engine compartment. I did it myself (2004 3.8 GLS) and it works like a charm. A friend of mine
copied my idea and installed a similar battery in his 2001 3.2 DID with no problems. We have just completed a 10 day trip to the Kgalagadi -
crossed it from east to west and from north to south. No problems with the installation.

Regards, Cloyd

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:12 pm
by LowRange
troos wrote: BTW, they will charge me R5500 for a NL system + installation. Is this a fair price?
Regards
I think it is a bit steep. Rather get some more quotes. I have a 75A/Hr in my 2004 GlS in the same position as CATS with the National Luna kit. I have been using this same set-up for more than 8 years (In different vehicle's) and it works like a charm. Make sure they install proper cables and you should have no worries.

Johan

Re: Dual battery system - space issue

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 5:17 pm
by nicbas
This is a picture of a factory fitted additional battery with the common charge distributor. There seems to be enough space.....