Which dual battery?

[Ranga]

I'm looking to move my current dual battery from it's bracket down on the chassis - where it's likely to get caught up - to under the front passenger seat like usual. Unfortunately, the battery I have doesn't fit under the seat, as it's too big. Hence, I'm looking for something smaller.

Anyone recommend a particular deep-cycle that is small enough to fit? I believe the Optimas a quite small in size, but big in cost. I'd like to stick under $200 if possible.

[numpty]

What size battery are you using Ranga, as I have an N70 under the seat with the OE battery alongside it. A tight fit yes, but it does fit. And I prefer 2 start batteries.

[Ranga]

The 460CCA battery I have under the seat 180x210x200mm . I think I have about 300x200x200mm spare for another battery. My current 105Ah deep-cycle is much bigger than that.

I know there's much debate about deep-cycle vs cranking for a secondary battery. In the end of all my research, I decided upon a deep-cycle as a bit extra insurance if I need to run it down. I'm not adamant on this, and may be persuaded to get a CCA battery for the secondary, especially if it fits and costs half the price!

[Tombie]

Ranga

Catapillar Batteries....

Google the listing, find one that fits your needs and then go to local CAV/Cat dealer...

Cheaper than a Repco, Autoblah etc... and a damn solidly constructed battery - That will take a hiding...

Comparison - Mates Falcon battery died...

Local Auto '**** and Glitter' store - $165.00
Cat dealer - $103.00

[Tombie]

What rating is your current 2nd battery?

BTW- 2x 330mm long batteries fit into a Deefer battery box!

[clankilpatrick]

What size battery are you using Ranga, as I have an N70 under the seat with the OE battery alongside it. A tight fit yes, but it does fit. And I prefer 2 start batteries.

Gidday Numpty,
mate you may be able to help. I have been looking at all of the threads on dual battery setups in the Aulro site and found plenty of info. What my query is, can you fit the cover plate under the passenger seat back on over the batteries? All the threads and photos don't say if you can or not. There are a few who say they put insertion rubber in there as a protection against shorting out but going off my measurements I reckon it'd be near impossible to get both batteries in there and put the cover back on! Most batteries are just too tall!! What have you done? Not sure if the Beloved would like an open battery box under her posterior and I can only imagine the increase in cabin noise!!!
Many thanks
Dave

[clankilpatrick]

Tombie 2,
mate just posted a query to Numpty that you could possibly help me with as well. Would you mind putting your 2 cents worth in as well for me
cheers
Dave

[Tombie]

Lid fits fine with a N70 spec battery..

[clankilpatrick]

Gidday tombie,
Thanks for the reply. mate, sorry to be a PITA, but is that when there are 2 x N70 batteries in the box? How have you fitted them in???? running lengthways like if there was one battery only or perpendicular across the box?

[Ranga]

Ranga

Catapillar Batteries....

Google the listing, find one that fits your needs and then go to local CAV/Cat dealer...

Cheaper than a Repco, Autoblah etc... and a damn solidly constructed battery - That will take a hiding...

Comparison - Mates Falcon battery died...

Local Auto '**** and Glitter' store - $165.00
Cat dealer - $103.00

Hi mate,
I assume these are CCA batteries, which I'm not against trying, especially for the price. This will be used to primarily keep my Bushmaster fridge going whilst touring around. Probably a few hours without the vehicle running for shorter stops, and maybe overnight at most. Longer stays I use my portable 120Ah deep-cycle in a custom box.

The 2nd battery currently in the vehicle that won't fit under the seat is a 105Ah deep-cycle.

[Tombie]

Hi mate,
I assume these are CCA batteries, which I'm not against trying, especially for the price. This will be used to primarily keep my Bushmaster fridge going whilst touring around. Probably a few hours without the vehicle running for shorter stops, and maybe overnight at most. Longer stays I use my portable 120Ah deep-cycle in a custom box.

The 2nd battery currently in the vehicle that won't fit under the seat is a 105Ah deep-cycle.

They are conventional not Deep Cycle Batteries, but stronger construction.
Benefits over Deep Cycle is they recover quicker - seems that would suit your usage better too, as my old deep cycle setup never recovered in the driving I was doing and always needed a charger to get them back up. Start batteries never cause me issues.

I've had the batteries in 2 different configurations.. Lengthways AND sideways in the box. Tried 2 different mounts and either way is successful just depends on what you try to squeeze in there...

If sideways the positive goes closer to the centreline of the vehicle, if lengthways positive to the front (higher and more clearance).

I had a factory battery + N70 spec in there at one stage, then I had 2 same size units fitted...

Send me your email addy and I'll email the Cat listing to you.

[numpty]

Gidday tombie,
Thanks for the reply. mate, sorry to be a PITA, but is that when there are 2 x N70 batteries in the box? How have you fitted them in???? running lengthways like if there was one battery only or perpendicular across the box?

Mine run Nth/Sth (ie same as single battery) OE battery is bigger than an N70 and they both fit side by side with the lid on.

[numpty]

They are conventional not Deep Cycle Batteries, but stronger construction.
Benefits over Deep Cycle is they recover quicker - seems that would suit your usage better too, as my old deep cycle setup never recovered in the driving I was doing and always needed a charger to get them back up. Start batteries never cause me issues.

I had a factory battery + N70 spec in there at one stage, then I had 2 same size units fitted...

Send me your email addy and I'll email the Cat listing to you.

Agree with Tombie's comments. There will always be spirited discussion;) over the merits of deep cycle versus cranking batteries. My experience with 2 starter batteries for the past 22 years more than bears out my view of the merits of my system.

Unless you are doing a lot of running around, or have an alternative charging method, a Deep Cycle battery will deteriorate over time due to lack of use. Same can be said of starter batteries I suppose, but being able to switch between the two (my system) at will, allows greater flexibility.......in my opinion.:D

[VladTepes]

Ranga have a look at mine some time.

The problem i have is the set uop thats in there to retain the battereis (esp the 2nd one) is a complete cobble togetehr hodge podge.

What do other people do for retaining the batteries they have under the seat?
Photos sper helpful !

cheers

[numpty]

Mine are such a snug fit, the original clamp holds the OE battery and the second one is jammed in.

[roverrescue]

Just to add my setup to the mix.

Under the seat I run a pair of N70ZZ marine batts (700CCA rating)
I bought an opposing terminal pair. This means when they sit lengthwise in the box with +ve towards firewall, both +ve terminals are together in the middle out of the way of any body panel or lid.

In regards to restraining them I am a big fan of gravity ;). I have blocks of wood to stop them sliding but they fit well enough not to move vertically. (another good reason for a central battery location).

My dual battery system consists of some 1B+S cable between the +ves and -ves... no splitters no voltage drop. The engel will run for two days no worries, and if we are camping in one spot longer than that we have the full setup with gennie running the fridge. For winching a pair of parrallelled N70s is hard to beat.

Anyways

Steve

[Dave128]

You should only fit a dual battery setup where you can get the cover plate back on!

In a Td5 I originally toyed with two batteries North-South side by side but I was convinced through my research that this causes overheating problems if there is no gap between them. I ended up filling the recessed section in the bottom with 25mm box section and 2mm plate across the top. The original battery was turned East-West close to the front of the seat box and an Odyssey PC1200 (low profile RC=142mins and CCA 875 ) sat East-West behind it. All connected together with a traxide kit. One battery post does end up under the seat box lip on both batteries but you could still get the connectors on in situ.

The batteries were a squeeze to fit through the opening but once in place they had a nice gap all around both batteries. Only negative - real problem clamping and holding down two batteries of different heights and often had to check and adjust them.

On the puma I am fitting a Devon 4x4 tray mounted using existng holes which will still leave the jack in the box and take two East-West Odyssey PC1500's (CCA=880, RC=135mins) with a single easily accessible clamp. Batteries are a bit expensive and will need to be monitored for sulphating if left too long without a charge but close the original battery spec in a smaller package. Again connected with a traxide kit to maximise use from both batteries.

[numpty]

You should only fit a dual battery setup where you can get the cover plate back on!

In a Td5 I originally toyed with two batteries North-South side by side but I was convinced through my research that this causes overheating problems if there is no gap between them.
On the puma I am fitting a Devon 4x4 tray mounted using existng holes which will still leave the jack in the box and take two East-West Odyssey PC1500's (CCA=880, RC=135mins) with a single easily accessible clamp. Batteries are a bit expensive and will need to be monitored for sulphating if left too long without a charge but close the original battery spec in a smaller package. Again connected with a traxide kit to maximise use from both batteries.

Interesting this. After 4 years (Td5) with the same 2 batteries side by side Nth/Sth in the box, and a large marine switch/isolator, I have not experienced any problem with batteries.

[twodoors]

Gidday Numpty,
mate you may be able to help. I have been looking at all of the threads on dual battery setups in the Aulro site and found plenty of info. What my query is, can you fit the cover plate under the passenger seat back on over the batteries? All the threads and photos don't say if you can or not. There are a few who say they put insertion rubber in there as a protection against shorting out but going off my measurements I reckon it'd be near impossible to get both batteries in there and put the cover back on! Most batteries are just too tall!! What have you done? Not sure if the Beloved would like an open battery box under her posterior and I can only imagine the increase in cabin noise!!!
Many thanks
Dave


Get yourself an OPTIMA Blue top battery and mount it on its side...

[Snake2093]

I have the 2 batteries under the passenger seat and I cant fit the cover back on, due the height issue. I have just made sure that the negative end of the battery is away from the rear of the seat. I then fitted a piece of conveyor belt over the top.
I only issue I have is i could not fit the restraint back on the orginal battery. I block of hardwood stops it from sliding forward. There is no side ways movements at all, due to the second battery.
I run a deep cycle as a second battery but have a waeco 11ltr fridge always on.
Just my 2c worth

[miky]

On the puma I am fitting a Devon 4x4 tray mounted using existing holes which will still leave the jack in the box and take two East-West Odyssey PC1500's (CCA=880, RC=135mins) with a single easily accessible clamp.

How / where did you source the Devon 4x4 tray?

The web site says 40 pounds and almost 65 pounds for shipping :o

Is there an Australian supplier?

[VladTepes]

bump - some good info in this thread.