Dual Battery

[njg02]

Hi people. I know this has been covered before, but I haven't got the info I need. I have a battery and am going to get an isolator. I'm going to have the battery in the back under my bed and want it removable via anderson plugs. I'm not sure if I'll put the isolator under the bonnet, under the seat or attach it to the aux battery box. I've found a plug through the firewall to bring the cables into the cab, then thread it down and under the rubber to under one of the seats.
Is this the best/easiest way? Can I run the cables under the car somewhere? Any help appreciated.

Neil

[gregozedobe]

I'd put the isolator as close to the original battery as possible (reduce the chance of a short), and keep the cables inside - they are too easy to damage if underneath your van.

Also, seeing as you are putting the battery inside the cabin, please make sure you get one that is safe for interior use (ie gel or AGM), as the std "wet" lead acid batteries are too dangerous to have inside with people.

[njg02]

Thanks Greg.
I scored a Varta battery at 75Ah, which works very well with my fridge in my boat. Its the same as the original in the van which is 85Ah.
I haven't decided which isolator to get yet. I'm leaning towards a marine one which is fairly well sealed with the cable entry from the rear. If I get time and get the info I'll attach the isolotor to the aux box.

[Transporter]

Check also Red Arc.

http://www.redarc.com.au/index.html

Make sure that you wire it up so the second battery is connected only for charging and not connected during starting, since the starter motor could draw very high current through your wiring from second battery. You can also use fuse as close to the main battery as practical.

[Transporter]

Picked up this bargain at Motortraders today, $18 over the counter.
Bought 2 of them. Good for monitoring the battery or second battery.



Plugged it in my T5 cigarette lighter socket and immediately when started one can check battery voltage drop, went down to 10.5V very happy with that, While driving charging voltage stays between 13.4 and 14.1V on hot day, hmm I'd like to see that voltage go up to 14.5V when weather is cooler, otherwise the battery doesn't get enough charge.



The best thing is that it use only 20mA after I disconnected 3 led's.