This provides a dead-set simple and reliable way of doing things and has worked for generations of outback travellers.īut there are drawbacks to this method, the biggest being its susceptibility to operator error: the driver needs to remember to flick the switch to either isolate or charge the accessory battery. The next day, after the vehicle is started, the switch connects the second battery to the vehicle’s electrical system, allowing it to be charged from the alternator. This allows the second battery to be charged while you’re driving, and disconnected (isolated) when it’s time to set up camp and operate the fridge and camp lights – without running the vehicle’s main battery flat. Kilo for kilo, a larger lead-acid battery will provide power for longer than a smaller one, and a vehicle’s factory battery location is often stronger than even the best aftermarket tray.Īt its simplest, a second battery can be wired into the vehicle with some appropriately sized wire (and a circuit breaker or fuse for safety) and a simple high-amperage on/off switch. Many vehicles’ standard battery positions will house a larger-than-standard battery. But the original wiring of these vehicles can usually be easily reconfigured to accommodate a proper dual-battery system. Some people wrongly believe they’re looking at a factory-fitted, trek-ready dual-battery system when they lift the bonnet of these vehicles. Vehicles with factory-fit twin batteries – such as many diesel Land Cruisers, Prados and later D22 Nissans – can be easily re-configured to have a starter and accessory battery, too, rather than twin starters. Situations like this require some lateral thinking from the installer or operator the aftermarket battery tray may need to be configured to carry a small back-up/ starting battery, with the vehicle’s original battery (or a replacement dual-purpose/deepcycle battery installed on the original tray) powering the fridge. The genuine accessory dual battery system for the Mazda BT-50 mounts the auxilliary battery in the tray and uses a Redarc solenoid in the engine bay for charging managment. The only thing worse than a warm beer is a car that won’t start. So having a deap-cycle battery nearby makes sense. The vehicle’s starting battery and its wiring remain largely unmodified for starting and powering the vehicle and its equipment (such as radios and interior lights), while the second battery happily powers the fridge when the vehicle is parked.Ī FRIDGE can drain a lot of power. In most dual-battery installations, the second battery’s task is to power the accessories (such as fridges), and it’s for this reason that a deep-cycle or dual-purpose battery is often installed. You should also regularly inspect the area for cracks or loosening.ĭamage of this type, usually resulting from cheap, poor quality products have wrecked many outback treks. Fasteners must be adequately sized and have large washers to spread the load across the panel work (such as an inner guard). No vehicle will endure a 15kg battery hanging from an inner mudguard with two small bolts or screws. No matter what, batteries hate heat, so batteries should be installed as far away as possible from hot engine components preferably on the cold side of the engine, opposite the exhaust. The fitment of an accessory battery tray can often be achieved by a competent handyman, although vehicle components – such as a power steering reservoir or an air-conditioner pipe – may require tweaking or relocation to provide space for a second battery tray. This means you need to pay extra attention to the wiring and battery type chosen. However, many vehicles – especially more recent models – don’t have spare room in the engine bay, so the second battery must be located elsewhere in the vehicle, such as in or under a load tray or in the passenger compartment. CAMPER BATTERY ISOLATOR RELAY WIRING PLUSFor instance, most diesel Toyota Prados have two batteries, while petrol Prados have one plus a strong factory-engineered foundation for a second battery. Some 4x4 vehicles have pre-installed but unused locations ideal for second battery installation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |