Dual Battery RRC

[Datt]

I put a dual battery system into my Disco a while ago to run the new MT45 Engel I bought. The father-in-law to be also got a new Engel, which has ended in me installing a dual battery system in his Range Rover. I took some pics as I went for those who are interested. I certainly don't claim to be an expert in this field but am happy with the final product.

First step was to clear room for the second battery (a Supercharge MRV50 deep cycle). The air filter spout was already chopped.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/365.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/366.jpg

I got a sheet of this from Bunnings and made a bracket to reposition the power steering reservoir. The hoses that run in and out of the bottom of the reservoir had to be shortened too.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/367.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/368.jpg

I then positioned the dual battery unit (I got a traxide one) on the rear of the offside guard. I ran the power to the unit from the main battery, then via a circuit breaker along the fire wall to the auxillary battery. I had to fiddle with the battery harness bolts to make use of existing holes but got there in the end. The auxillary battery is earthed on the same bolt as the coil.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/369.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/370.jpg

I then ran 2 core cable from the engine bay through an existing bung in the firewall to the nearside front passenger footwell, then down under the sill covers, through a gap at the base of the B pillar and up over the wheel arch. I had to drill a hole in the base of the bracket that houses the locking mechanism for the nearside rear seat so that I could poke the cable through into the void behind it.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/371.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/372.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/373.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/374.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/375.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/376.jpg

Next I got another steel plate from Bunnings to mount a cigarette lighter socket and an Engel socket. The Engel one allows for a much more secure connection because the power plug screws into the socket. This socket comes with a fuse on both the positive and negative wires, but I had to put in a fuse for the cigarette lighter.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/377.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/378.jpg

I then terminated the connections and mounted the plate (it was getting late at this point).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/379.jpg

Last thing to do was hook up all the connections under the bonnet and test. Everything worked as it should have.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/380.jpg

I hope the father-in-law to be will be happy with it ( he better be). We're heading to Inskip point next weekend so will see how it goes.

Matt.

[tombraider]

Nice work!

But theres a distinct lack of conduit over the wiring!!!!

[Cap]

Thanks for the pics Matt, ill certainly refer to them when I get to do the same.

Cheers,

[Corgie Carrier]

Instead of putting fuses in each line, I put a fuse box up near the coil and ran a heavy cable to it, then ran leads off there to all my accessories.

I think it is tidier and keeps all your fuses in one place.

Your power steering reservoir mounting looks good.

Nice job