Dual Battery system

[gphcald Member Find all posts View Profile Close gphcald]

Looking at fitting a dual battery setup in my 2001 TD to run lights and fridge whilst camping, What isolator/controller is reccomended? Looking around the prices range from $170 for a Bainbridge setup to $1000 plus, Just looking for a good isolator but dont want a second mortgage.
Looking at mounting it where the battery for the V6 is mounted on the passenger front. mounting and running wiring no prob just dont want spikes to fry my engine puter and other leccy stuff
Any suggestions would be appreciated

Rgds

Gerry

[MRW82 Member Find all posts View Profile Close MRW82]

Re: Dual Battery system

I've just had dual batterys wired up to my prado (2000 V6) and I looked at a few different systems out there and basically unless your getting the second mortgage to go the absolute top of the range system then they all work the same way in the fact that it charges the main battery first, then brings the second battery in parallel once the main reaches a set voltage. I went with the redarc as it was only $99 off ebay brand new. (keep an eye out for one to come up at the right price)

I have heard good reports about the redarcs and they are a simple relaible design. don't bother spending $3-400 on a system that does the exact same thing.

where it got expensive for me was getting the wiring done. mechanically im all good (mechanical fitter by trade) but when it comes to electricals im a dunce. I knew it was over my head so I just paid someone else to do it for me. expensive but its a quality job and I know it's right.

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: Dual Battery system

go to the newsagents and grab a copy of this months 4x4 action (issue 141), it has about 30 battery isolators tested and it tells ya everything ya need to know, decision is up to you in the end, ive got a surepower isolator in my setup and its been faultless for the 2.5 years ive had the prado, it was an ex gov b4 i had it and i would say its been there since new (03 model). cheers samo

[zookcubr Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zookcubr]

Re: Dual Battery system

Gerry,

buy the latest 4wd Action Magazine, there doing a dual battery comparo as their main feature. They have heaps of different brands that all do the same thing. There are many ways to charge 2 batteries, it all depends on your budget. Ive got a Redarc brand solinoid and ive installed a change over switch to charge the camper trailer battery. It works fine, wasnt too pricey. It all depends what system you go for, the type and thickness of cable, how long you cables are and having good connections . Im a sparkie by trade so I at least I know mine works and havnt had any issues except for faulty heat affected batteries. The heat up here kills batteries, anyhow I hope this helps,

Zook.

[01Rod Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 01Rod]

Re: Dual Battery system

Have a look at the new Redarc DC -DC system.

I have fitted one to my Prado article is here
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=6712

Just be a little carefull with the 4WD Action Article...
As a qualified Auto elec there are quite a few things in that article that certainly rasied my eyebrows..

A couple of things they have not accounted for is the change in battery technology...
like Calcium batteries.
and Regulated voltage control and Load sensing alternators found on the latest vehicles.
whilst the technology is all very new.. it is not at all being understood by most mechanics /auto elecs let alone aftermarket manufactures.
as this info is still filtering down from many manufactures.

Most of this has certainly been missed in that article...
In your case it will only affect you with your choice of battery type for your aux battery. (assuming you have a 90 series)
If its a calcium battery (to which most now are) then you should look at the redarc unit posted above...

Hope this helps
Rod