Dual battery installation

[loneranger]

The time has come for me to install a dual battery (not yet purchased) and the traxide kit I bought in December. I've been reading a lot of the threads relating to the placement of the second battery and have taken the battery and battery tray out of my 2014 Defender to have a look and play around with different options.

Unfortunately after 2 days I know a lot about what won't work ;).

So from reading other threads can anyone help with the following:

If I keep the batteries in the same orientation as the factory instal how do you clamp them down?

I've seen pictures of blocks of wood etc being used to flatten out the base and move the cranking battery over to give more room but I cannot work out how the clamps have been applied.

The other option I'm looking at is to turn the batteries 90 degrees which gives plenty of space to instal but the +ve cable is to short. How do you lengthen this? Or is the answer to use a smaller battery as the cranking battery?

Or is there a third option I am missing. I feel loathe to buy a Piranha tray at $250plus. Any tips will be much appreciated.

[Bundalene]

This is how we did our daughter's car a bit over 5 years ago. This has stood the test of time and extremely rough roads - no bitumen at all where she lives,



We installed new batteries last year and used similar batteries again. A tight squeeze. Note the battery terminals are below or just level with the battery top, Also there are several layers of insulation under the joint. There is a piece of marine ply down the side and a sheet of rubber insertion across the top under the seat cover, The switch is mounted on the front of the seat base.







http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/901/BFGRXp.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p1BFGRXpj)




http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/aLTDoZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/idaLTDoZj)




https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/01/812.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ipKf9KZWj)




The winch gets a regular workout and this set up allows both batteries to be used anytime. Also allows an individual battery to be isolated if camping for a few days.




Erich

[robh]

Hi Loneranger,
I recently went through the same scenarios with my MY13 Puma and this is what I did. Excuse the very rough drawing but its the best I can do now. I can take some photos tomorrow and post.

Below are two section views of the battery compartment (blue), battery tray (red) and battery (black). The first is the existing, the second is what I modified it to.

I cut the side wall of the battery compartment with a small angle grinder and bent down the edge to create a level(ish) area. I got some flat steel off-cut from a local steel yard ($10-$20) and bent up a new tray to fit both batteries. Drilled holes to align with the original tray's fixing screws and fitted the new tray. Using rivnuts, threaded gal rod, wing nuts and some aluminum square tube, I made the battery clamps as indicated, all for a few dollars from a hardware store. Maybe not so obvious, don't cut the entire length of the battery compartment, just whats needed to fit the homemade tray. You also need to cut the plastic cover underneath. After I finished, I used some silicone caulking compound to waterproof were I had cut and applied a bit of kill rust paint.

To be honest the end result was a little rough but it enabled me to comfortably fit and secure both batteries and the VSR into the battery compartment.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/90-110-130-defender-county/89299d1421067168-dual-battery-installation-battery_tray.jpg

[Drover]

A nice new new 2014 Defender......buy the Piranah battery tray. Do it once - Do it right.

Fits beautifully, very neat, perfect match for Ultimate Yellow Top. I have had mine in for 6 year without issue.

[noyakfat]

I am going the easy option, by having Daniel at Mulgo install mine for me :D

:BigThumb:

[VladTepes]

Is under the passenger seat (battery box etc) the same in the Pumas as it was for earlier models?

[Loubrey]

Vlad,

Puma Defenders only have different engines and gearboxes to Td5 Defenders...

The bulkhead has two less holes, the dashboard is different and the bonnet has a bulge for the different engine's height and that's about it!

So yes, the battery is exactly where it is in any Defender.

Cheers,

Lou

[robh]

Pictures as promised.

1 - With crank battery moved to the driver-side (i did not want to disconnect it) you can see how I've cut into the battery compartment to insert a flat battery tray and also the first threaded rod screwed into a rivnut.

2 - Crank battery moved into that space, second threaded rod added (needs to be removed to move battery) and aluminum square pipe as clamp. Also the VSR (Sidewinder DBi140R) mounted to the back of the compartment and the third rivnut at the edge of the battery tray.

3 - Second battery securely in place.

4 and 5 - Under view of battery compartment where it was modified.

[Simon]

I'm with noyakfat on this one, Daniel installed my traxide kit for me, did a great job.

Original battery moved slightly outboard with Optima Yellow placed alongside

Simon

[RVR110]

If I keep the batteries in the same orientation as the factory instal how do you clamp them down?
In my 2013 Puma I put a long bolt that goes through a hole I drilled in the bottom of the battery compartment, securing the battery with a flat bracket:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Toxic_Avenger]

Pictures as promised.

1 - With crank battery moved to the driver-side (i did not want to disconnect it) you can see how I've cut into the battery compartment to insert a flat battery tray and also the first threaded rod screwed into a rivnut.

2 - Crank battery moved into that space, second threaded rod added (needs to be removed to move battery) and aluminum square pipe as clamp. Also the VSR (Sidewinder DBi140R) mounted to the back of the compartment and the third rivnut at the edge of the battery tray.

3 - Second battery securely in place.

4 and 5 - Under view of battery compartment where it was modified.

What group size batteries did you use here RobH?

I've been looking at the devon 4x4 tray, suitable for 2x Group 34 size batteries (similar to the optima).
From what I understand, the pirahna tray retains the stock battery, which is huge (I plan to run all battery control gear within the battery box).

[loneranger]

In my 2013 Puma I put a long bolt that goes through a hole I drilled in the bottom of the battery compartment, securing the battery with a flat bracket:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

What auxiliary battery did you use and did you move the main battery over at all?

Thanks

[loneranger]

Thanks for all of your replies its given me a lot to think about. I now understand how to get the tie down points in using rivnuts. :D

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Would one of these suit what you have in mind?

Front Runner Dual Battery Hold Down Clamp - Defender | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover/defender/front-runner-dual-battery-hold-down-clamp-defender.html)

Cheers,
Ant

[loneranger]

Would one of these suit what you have in mind?

Front Runner Dual Battery Hold Down Clamp - Defender | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover/defender/front-runner-dual-battery-hold-down-clamp-defender.html)

Cheers,
Ant

How would you instal it? I assume you'd still need some sort of tray.

[loneranger]

I'm with noyakfat on this one, Daniel installed my traxide kit for me, did a great job.

Original battery moved slightly outboard with Optima Yellow placed alongside

Simon

Any chance of some photos & a description.

[robh]

What group size batteries did you use here RobH?

I've been looking at the devon 4x4 tray, suitable for 2x Group 34 size batteries (similar to the optima).
From what I understand, the pirahna tray retains the stock battery, which is huge (I plan to run all battery control gear within the battery box).

Toxic_Avenger,
I've used a Century deep cycle, N70T.
306x171x222 (LxWxH)
I went for this as I have an old car fridge which is a little less efficient than the newer ones and this battery is 100 AH. However, it is wet cell and if I was buying again I'd at least get maintenance free which are sealed better. AGM and GEL also seem good (if not excellent) but start costing more.

Size wise, height is the main problem, trying to avoid contact with the compartment cover. Because of the shape of the compartment, the shorter the battery, the more height available. I spent some time in Battery World, and auto shops measuring various batteries. In the end its all a trade-off between, AH, physical size and available funds.

[Willow4]

Hi Loneranger,

here is the link to my dual battery install - it may give you some ideas/options.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/174836-dual-battery-install-2013-110-a.html

My installation required the replacement of the original LR battery, and the installation of two Optima's.

I also used Tim's excellent USI-160.

Anyhow, have a look and hope it might help.

cheers,

Wayne

[loneranger]

Hi Loneranger,

here is the link to my dual battery install - it may give you some ideas/options.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/174836-dual-battery-install-2013-110-a.html

My installation required the replacement of the original LR battery, and the installation of two Optima's.

I also used Tim's excellent USI-160.

Anyhow, have a look and hope it might help.

cheers,

Wayne

I'd read your thread previously before I started playing with my set-up so a lot of it went over my head. At least I now know what that thing hanging off the +ve terminal is and how to extend the battery cable.

I'm going to go with an Optima yellow-top for the deep cycle so I'll get that then explore my options for fitting it now I have a better understanding of how it all works.

[loneranger]

I bought the battery today. Optima yellow top D34.

Came home took out the original battery tray, dropped a couple of lumps of wood in the bottom, put the main battery in and wedged the Optima in. Its a nice tight fit. :).

Now I have to try and get them out so I can work on securing them properly over the weekend.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Progress pics would be sensational!

[loneranger]

I took some pics as I was doing it and will post them tomorrow.

[loneranger]

Slight delay in the photos as I need to change the battery terminals tomorrow on the main battery. Will post photos once I have resolved my current issue.

[loneranger]

I finally got the battery tray in and the batteries installed (sort of) and have decided I don't like it.

I ended up changing the standard battery terminals as after the many times taking them on and off I couldn't get them to tighten up properly. The new terminals mean the batteries are sitting right on the top of the height limit.

So as a starting point I'm going to get rid of the original battery and put something smaller in. I've ordered 2 Devon 4x4 trays. 1 for each car to save on postage costs. I wasn't planning on doing the 90 yet but I already have an isolator installed so once I have a battery I just need a outlet plug and both cars will be set for power.

On the plus side I have taken off the Mega fuse and installed a new fuse holder for this. I eventually tracked them down at Jaycar as they also sell those fuses.

Hopefully next week I will be installing either drawers in the back or if my Rijidij wheel carriers arrive 2 wheel carriers. :D

[loneranger]

Can anyone who has installed the Traxide ABG-25 in the back of a wagon advise where and how they installed it so it can be seen?

[loneranger]

Just an update and word of warning for other buyers.

I ordered my trays from Devon4x4 on the 18th January. On the 19th I received an email stating they did not ship to PO Boxes and to provide an alternative address which I did. As they still had not turned up I checked the order status today and it was still showing as Awaiting Dispatch.

I rang them only to find out they are waiting for some to be made and they will advise me when they have a date. They have just emailed me to advise it will be at least another 2 weeks before they can ship them.

Not happy considering they have already charged my credit credit card for the trays and postage.

[austastar]

Hi,
I'm considering doing similar to allow for installing a winch. However in researching batteries I think the Yellow Top Optima will have the right characteristics for my use, I find they do not recommend connecting them in parallel with any other type of battery or a similar battery of a different age.

Optimabatteries.com (http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/experience/power-source/can-i-connect-dissimilar-batteries-parallel/)

I'm already running a Traxide SC80 from my original LR starter battery to an Anderson Plug supplying power to a Full River deep cycle battery in the slide-on camper, so theoretically that is already incorrect according to Optima.

I had considered using a dc-dc charger for the Optima (winch) battery, but up go the costs.
From what I'm reading, the winch and starting battery should be in parallel for winching, and wired via a heavy duty battery switch for the task.

Any thoughts on 'best practice' for this dilemma??

cheers

[drivesafe]

Hi austar and I think you will find that the Optima recommendation is about getting people to buy more Optima batteries.

I have been supplying DBS kits for the D3s when they first came on the market and I would take a guess and say that of the more than 4,000 kits I have supplied for D3s and D4s, world wide, 99% of them are running different types of cranking batteries and an Optima D34 Yellowtop.

Of all these and numerous other setups with dissimilar batteries paralleled with Optima batteries, I have never had a single report of any problems caused by paralleling any types of different batteries in any of my DBS.

Mind you, my own Optima Yellowtop failed just yesterday and I am some what annoyed, as it was only 10 years old.:thumbsup:

[Brian Patrick]

Hello forumites,

I am planning to install two auxiliary batteries and one 2000w pure sine inverter in my 2013 Defender Puma 110.
The two batteries are AGM deep cycle 170Ah Kickass slimline and the inverter a redarc.
I will also have a solar charging set-up.
Does anyone know if the factory-fitted alternator will be sufficient to do the job?

Thanks for responses in advance.

Brian

[drivesafe]

For just a little more, you could buy a good quality 100Ah lithium battery.

This would save you a heap of space and weight and the lithium would outlast the AGMs a number of times over.

NOTEyou need to get a lithium battery that is designed for the type of current you 2000w inverter would draw.

[Scotty85]

For just a little more, you could buy a good quality 100Ah lithium battery.

This would save you a heap of space and weight and the lithium would outlast the AGMs a number of times over.

NOTEyou need to get a lithium battery that is designed for the type of current you 2000w inverter would draw.

Considering this when the I replace the Exide ones!