Thread: Stuee's 101 Rebuild

Very shiney, and looks in a lot better state than my project 101 at the moment.

Stuee do you want dual batteries for running a fridge or camp lights ????.
I would plan for dual batteries in the standard battery compartment.
The slightly smaller size batteries needed still start the motor very well singlely.
I use two very simple and cheap to purchase battery switches behind the passengers seat to switch on or off any battery, they are compact too.
In the battery compatment I have a fuseable link which supplys power to the main fuse panel on the side of the radiator tunnel at the extremely front of the vehicle inside the cabin.
I can post pics if you want too.
Another thing worth thinking about is jump starting the 101 or other vehicles with the 101.
Access to the batteries for battery charging if you use the 101 non frequently is another thing to think about.
On my 101 I have a 175 amp anderson plug at the rear chassis X member near the tow hook and it has heavy battery cable correctly secured running to the battery isolation switches.
I carry a special jump starter lead with a anderson plug on it.
The anderson plug on the 101 is also used for running any camper trailer electrics if needed and small battery charger clips will attach stiaight on to the anderson plug and this saves climbing up into the cabin and removing the top off the battery box.
The battery box is also a easy spot electrically to fit some cigar lighter/power plugs which can be for use in the cabin or cargo area depending which way you want to face or fit them
Ron

I had thought about dual batteries but disregarded them for a few reasons. First being I really wanted to put the electrics in the battery box with the battery, mounting two batteries uses up just a bit too much real estate (which just rules out putting the second battery in that location). Secondly, I had a dual battery on my discovery but rarely used it. I just didn't get out fishing and camping enough to justify the setup (hopefully that will change with the 101!).

I have had good experiences with power-packs though. Being portable means they are handy to jump start any car (without having to pull the 101 out of hibernation), can be moved around the camp site, and aren't vehicle specific. When I first got the disco when I went camping I just borrowed my dads Waeco branded power pack and that ran the fridge fine as well as having juice to jump start if needed. I'll be looking at either an Ark Power pack or DIY my own battery box.

Ill definitely be running heavy duty cable to the rear of the 101 along with a anderson plug like yourself at some point. The future FIL has a similar setup on his jeep for powering his trailer but also an anderson plug inside which acts as a quick connect to his "modified" Ark power pack with built in Red Arc controller. Quite a convenient setup and when not in use the battery can just stay on a maintenance charge in the shed until its needed next.

Here are some pics ........might help you with different ideas.
this a extra cover which hides the fuses on the passengers side of the fan tunnel


This is the anderson plug at rear

Same set up on my studebaker, getting the battery trickle charged

Thanks Ron. Do you happen to have any pics of your battery box? I'd be keen to see the dual battery setup. Starting to make me think about it more.

I had toyed with the idea of using the spare wheel space to mount the power pack but I'll wait till I have my final tyres and see if it is still a feasible to even mount the spare there.

This shows the Two $12 dollar compact battery switch with removable key hidden just out of sight behind the passengers seat.
They take up very little room inside the battery box.

My 101 as I got it had the second battery mounted just in front of the LHS rear wheel and used this as a battery box.
Note the cut out for the winch cable when running it rearwards.

There is now a tool box fitted in the same place and the extra battery is fitted as per standard 24volt system in the battery box, but the system is 12 volt.

I have taken some fresh pics for you today.
First one is looking towards the engine cover.
I do have some extra wiring and stuff fitted inside the battery box


This is looking overhead on the same batttery.
note the lead running from the cig lighter socket.
There is also a european type power outlet near the extingisher too.