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My Duel Batteries
As some of you might know my Commander may sit for weeks without being started, sit at an emergency location all night with scene and warning lights on, support multiple communications devices, jump start others, or winch myself or someone else when needed etc. . So as I have had to do on my other vehicles, I had to find the time to install a reliable 2nd battery and controller.
< My apologies again, because the photos that I had of the OBA project with all the parts laid out before installation that were lost in a digital black hole somewhere; also lost where the photos of the battery box I had made and others at the beginning of my duel battery project. >
My primary battery is an Optima Yellow top # 3478DT.
http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en...cts/yellowtop/
I mounted the 2nd battery next to my OBA compressor in the space where my factory spare tire was. I used a Marine grade ( Ok yes I’m partial ) deep cycle Odyssey AGM 34M-PC1500MS as my backup because my vehicle can sit for extended periods of time and also due to its duel use, as my first responder vehicle that can drain a lot of power and needs to be able to withstand numerous deep cycles.
http://www.odysseybattery.com/marinespecs.html
I used Zero gauge wire from my primary battery to my winch connection and to the relay. I used 1 gauge from the relay in the front of the jeep to the battery in the rear. 1 gauge was also used between both battery's negatives. The 2nd is also grounded to the frame in the rear of the Jeep. I wanted used two 500 ANL amp fuses to protect both sides of the positive run. The fuse set up was very reasonable and I got them from VTE inc.
http://www.vteworld.com/
I used a Marine grade (there I go again) split loom cover that is flame resistant and self extinguishing from the engine compartment along the transmission, past the gas tank to the rear battery.
For the charging, auto/manual connecting and isolating the two batteries, I used an IBS (they call it an Intelligent Battery System) and their Relay Booster. The unit has a controller/display that shows the voltage of each battery, when the batteries are automatically connected and disconnected (disconnects shortly after turning off the engine), vehicle charging voltage and has a manual connect/disconnect button. The unit is rated at 200 amps continuous and 500 surge amps for initial winch ops or self jump starting. For winching, with the alternator and primary battery amps I have available upstream, I felt comfortable with the remaining loads that might be demanded on the system.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/ind..._detail&p=2074
To mount the rear battery I started off with the Odyssey 925 mounting kit. I had a SS box made for enclosing the battery and the mounting kit. I then had four SS threaded rods welded to a SS plate ( looks like a table now). The four treaded rods where then inserted down through four holes from the inside of the Jeep with the table’s “top” now laying flat on top of the rear deck for added support. The four rods go through holes in the battery box and then nuts clamp it up tight to the bottom of the jeep. I sprayed extra bed liner on the bottom of the jeep where the battery box clamps up to it for added rust protection and cushion. Neither the battery in its box or the box under the Jeep has any movement. ;-)
Sorry for the poor descriptions... That’s why I had originally taken the pictures.. Lol…
I had to use my floor jack to lift the battery and its box up to the bottom of the Jeep to then bolt it in.
Gett’n ready for another project!!
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0439-1.jpg
OK where did my battery go ????
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0523-1.jpg
Yellow top with one of my circuit breakers (arrow on the left).
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...SCN06101-1.jpg
I’m using both the top and side terminals
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0521-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0609-1.jpg
The fuse from the starting battery to the IBS.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0520-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...FSCN0614-1.jpg
After the cover was on I later added zip ties to make sure it stayed in place.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0612-1.jpg
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Compressor, Air tank, and Battery.. it was a tight fit !
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0525-1.jpg
The controller
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0707-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...DSCN0586-1.jpg
This duel battery system has worked very well for me so far and has come in very handy ! All of the aftermarket electrical items I have are now run from the 2nd battery. Even the non switched cigarette type outlet in the front dash is now powered by the 2nd battery. I can run my 2nd battery all the way dead and still be able to easily start my Commander. I have even self-jumped myself when my main battery was too weak.
For the way I use my Commander it was well worth the work. !!!
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This is soo cool. I really need another battery since I'd like to have all the accersories that you have.
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What do you think was your total costs to do this project?
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That's pretty awesome man!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
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GREAT project! Since my Commander is gonna remain a DD at this point, I'm wanting to go with a dual battery/high amperage alternator setup in my Ramcharger. Nice creativity MAKING space in the Jeep. All I have to do in the RC, is turn the battery SIDEWAYS... and then slide the next battery in right beside it, and tie 'em down thataway! :p
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