Prado 150 2015 limited space for aux battery

[DeeBee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DeeBee]

Hi, I am determined to fit a LiFePO4 lithium battery as a accessories power supply and basic dual battery system in a 150 2015 3L Prado GXL. The air con piping seems to interfere with the area designated on the driver side of the engine compartment. The battery is 306mm long and simply does not fit. Has anyone had this problem and was able to fix it, work around it or come up with great solution. Even thought of putting it in the back somewhere but nothing stands out as a well disguised place or that doesn't restrict loading the back with gear. Any ideas would be welcome.

[DeeBee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DeeBee]

pics of restricted area by air con pipes

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that lithiums are not recommended under the bonnet as the ambient heat will kill it prematurely.

[Loddo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Loddo]

Most people relocate the air cond pipe work.

[DeeBee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DeeBee]

I have found a couple that are not as long (around 260) which should fit without relocating pipes. Any recommendations on quality products from experience. Also wondering about heat issue under bonnet. I have seen them mounted there and no apparent issues , so anyone had problems?

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

I too have been looking but most I have seen are 330 mm long. In the 2.8 motor the 300 ish mm ones fit fine as the AC pipes are in a different place to the old motor but the 330 are within a mm or 2 of various pipes. My current old deep cycle is about 300 and fits fine on the TJM tray I have and am not about to change. If I could get a lithium at that length I may go that way as there would be cooling space to the pipes.

[DeeBee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DeeBee]

I found an X-CELL 100Ah 12v Lithium-Iron LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery with BMS, that is 265 long . Does anyone have any comments on this one

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Looking at the X-CELL specs for operating temperature a Charging Temp range of 0 -40 degrees is definitely not suitable for under bonnet use imo.
Unless the battery warranty specifically states warranted for under bonnet use I would not fit one there.

I have a Enerdrive 100Ah slimline battery behind the second row seats with a Enerdrive DCDC charger mounted on the cargo barrier which works well.

Lee

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

FWIW, I've got a 100Ah DCS lithium under the bonnet. It's a tight fit in a 2021 2.8L model but my sparky got it in. The 90Ah may be an easier fit.

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

Most people relocate the air cond pipe work.

And paid the $, it's a double skin aluminium pipe that cracks very easily. Lots of info on this forum.

[snewby Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close snewby]

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that lithiums are not recommended under the bonnet as the ambient heat will kill it prematurely.

I have been running mine for over a year with no problems todate (cross fingers)
specs say...
The VoltX 12V 100Ah lithium battery is composed of brand-new A-grade prismatic cells, making them super reliable and energy-dense.
Its super-effective integrated battery management system (BMS) keeps the battery to safe operating limits – disconnecting it to prevent damage from temperatures/voltage changes, overload and short-circuits

These are not Lithium Ion batteries which have a real problem, they are LIFePO4 with proper BMS chips built into them to protect them.
Time will tell.

DeeBee: how about a battery box in the rear that you can take out when camping? and connect to the alternator when driving? if you don't want to take the risk/expense of moving the aircon pipe.

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

When I've looked at the battery specifications, the temp range is usually below the temps seen in an engine bay. Possibly no short term harm, but perhaps an effect on longevity.

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

When I've looked at the battery specifications, the temp range is usually below the temps seen in an engine bay. Possibly no short term harm, but perhaps an effect on longevity.

Agreed… but I would be interested if anyone has had one there for 3 or more years.

Another option if you definitely want lithium under the bonnet is to go smaller.
100ah of wet cell is about the same as 60ah of lithium due to the depth of discharge available in a lithium. This means you could go smaller, potentially.
I’d also look at the charging as well. Lithium really needs a lithium charger, they don’t charge well off an alternator alone.

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

I have dual batteries but bought a Lithium Power Powerstation for my son to use in his xtrail. Amazing bit of kit. Sits in the back nicely and much more versatile than just a second battery

[DeeBee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DeeBee]

Thanks for the input from everyone. I like the idea of a smaller battery given my intended usage (fairly basic). The dcs 75ah looks good.... a bit expensive but has great specs and a bms internal. I also like the idea of a removeable unit in the back. Happy to hear more ideas and input. Thanks