Thread: Defender second battery location

Will it fit. Yes!

Are you about to get chastised for opting for a DCDC charger set up - probably!

I have a ctek , two batteries n70ish, a cut off switch, an alarm unit, fuse box, and custom electical box for voltage sensitive switching. All tucked in there

If you go for DCDC, its not a bad idea to have all your load switched to the alternator when driving. That way all the DCDC amps are dedicated to charging your aux.

Or keep it simple, avoid the ctek and just have a voltage sensitive relay.

I went with ctek for solar and to limit load on the alternator when starting up on a depleted aux.

Que drivesafe

2- 130 ah and even a roll of shock absorber bushes

I’ll do it Manic...

A DcDc charger is a woftam in these vehicles.

Put the money into an SC90 or equivalent and use the rest for beer tickets.



There, all done.

May the OP has a good reason for dcdc. Lithium perhaps?

Originally Posted by manic

May the OP has a good reason for dcdc. Lithium perhaps?

Certainly wouldn’t be fitting a Ctek to control a Lithium

A good single Lifepo4 will have it’s own BMS now.

Its for an AGM, also want the ability to add solar.

Originally Posted by Rexy

Its for an AGM, also want the ability to add solar.

Simple system and a Victron Solar Charge controller.
Ctek will cripple your charging system reducing charge capability and increasing time to recharge.

I had this dilemma, but went a different route, because of the limited space in the battery box.
I had Off Road Systems (ORS) build drawers for the rear, but got a short drawer. That left space behind the drawer for a battery on its side. There is a lift off lid, or the rear seats can be folded for access. Wiring and a DBC connect the first and second batteries. A solar panel on the roof rack is permanently connected through a simple PWM regulator next to the starting battery. Anderson plugs connected to both batteries allow extra solar or a generator with portable 25 amp charger to be connected to either battery just by opening a vehicle door. No need for a DC-DC charger in the vehicle.
Having it all hidden works well. We are on the road for three months and it's all good.
I'm very happy with this setup.

BTW lithium need special chargers which can charge at 14.7 volts.