Do you think carrying a spare battery is wise.

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

I am concerned that batteries can be fickle and pass out unexpectedly (not just flat, but dead). I am thinking I should carry a spare in the second battery compartment, simply as a spare, not hooked up at all . I don't have a dual battery system wired up. Do you think it will be ready and willing at anytime if I needed to replace the original say if I broke down with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. Any views on that.

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

If you already have the second battery spot fitted , you are 60% there. Why not just get a redarc SBI relay and a few
premade battery leads to connect it up. the redarc has a connection so you can jumpstart direct via relay.
Battery will always be charged ready to go without having to worry about remembering to charge it.

Ive had mine in for over 10 years with no issues.

[Andyfive Member Find all posts View Profile Close Andyfive]

Just carry a lithium jump pack, way less weight for the rare occurrence.

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

Thanks. I have very limited time to fit dual system. Prado 2015 has a spare battery bay. I have also got a NOCO50 jump start which was my backup. Just thought that might not do the job if the battery "sh...ts" itself. Maybe just fit a brand new battery ??? and keep the older one as the spare. It still works fine but it's not new.

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

I prefer a 2nd battery with Redarc or similar relay.
I had twin batteries in my 90. One disintegrated internally from corrugations, was boiling the acid and squirting it via the breather hole!
My 2nd battery became the main supply and the dead one was disconnected.

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

So, would anyone think a second battery, sitting idle in the spare bay, not connected, will hold charge and not suffer too much from a trip coming up which will undoubtedly include corrugations?

[Piggy Water pistol pilot. Find all posts View Profile Close Piggy]

So, would anyone think a second battery, sitting idle in the spare bay, not connected, will hold charge and not suffer too much from a trip coming up which will undoubtedly include corrugations?

No hope. The Negatives outweigh any positives.
Extra weight (Known to lead to cracking firewalls and guards on corrugations in Prados)
No charging will see it slowly lose charge over time.

Just buy a lithium jump pack to take. Even a KINGS cheapy would be a better idea than a battery sitting in the engine bay.

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

Thanks, the NOCO50 should suffice. Happy for any other thoughts

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

I carry a folding solar panel when I head off into the bush. It's kit includes a couple of battery clips and an extension cord (all with Anderson connectors). I've never had to use it on the starting battery but it would put enough charge into the battery to start the Prado in half an hour or so on a sunny day.

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

The plates in a cell separated in my cranking battery on a remote trip, around a weak 10V at the terminals. Used my auxiliary battery to start the Prado till I got to civilization.
Not sure if a jump pack would've be useful in that situation.
If you carry a second battery use it - to keep it charged, as it will lose charge and degrade over time if its just sitting there in the heat of the engine bay.

[marcian Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close marcian]

I carry a folding solar panel when I head off into the bush. It's kit includes a couple of battery clips and an extension cord (all with Anderson connectors). I've never had to use it on the starting battery but it would put enough charge into the battery to start the Prado in half an hour or so on a sunny day.

i recently got solar blanket and used it to charge second battery while stationary that i used for fridge
and used to charge friends X5 BMW 3l diesel , for few mornings in the row its battery went completely flat , running blanket for 20-30mins in the morning and it started

[boardgamesaz Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close boardgamesaz]

Online gaming geometry dash is one of the ways that we get to flex muscles with the rest of the friends that we have made all around the world. It can be an addiction, and I think that parents have a lot to do to ensure that things work better when it comes to that.

[Populus Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Populus]

I am concerned that batteries can be fickle and pass out unexpectedly (not just flat, but dead). I am thinking I should carry a spare in the second battery compartment, simply as a spare, not hooked up at all . I don't have a dual battery system wired up. Do you think it will be ready and willing at anytime if I needed to replace the original say if I broke down with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. Any views on that.

Sure!

Who knows what can happen while you are driving? Spare wheels and batteries are "must-have" things. But I hope you will not need them during your travels.

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

Thanks for all your input. I have just completed a Simpson Desert crossing with no issues. I took no spare battery, but had a boost charger. I used an icebox for food and it lasted over 7 days at a suitably cool temperature during the crossing. In the future though, I think a dual battery setup is a more efficient way to go with a fridge because half the coolbox was frozen water bottles. That has an advantage of extra available water if needed, but frozen food only stays frozen for a couple of days and then cool for the rest. All up, I used 78 litres (half a tank) of diesel fuel from Oodnadatta to Birdsville (French Line and QAA line)and never used low range. Air filter and cabin filter full of red dust..... and many other places. Immediately replaced. Cheers.

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

You will never get rid of the red dust. It just keeps reappearing from new places.