Dual Battery Disco 4

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi Disco4SE, from the info I’ve been able to get, that “Black box” was originally located on the other side in a D3 behind the cranking battery and fuse box and was susceptible to water problems.

If this is the same device then moving it outside the auxiliary battery compartment may lead to the same problems and could cause some hassles with warranty.

I’m not meaning to sound like a bit of scare mongering being done and I’ll see if I can get some exact info on that “Black box” and I’ll post it up here if I get anything.

At present, with the auxiliary battery compartment and the only other place for a battery being mounted in the engine bay being just in front of the cranking battery but the auxiliary battery will not be projected from the heat, the only reliable auxiliary battery mounting location for the D4 at this time, is in the rear cargo area.

There is a major advantage to mounting a battery in the cargo area in that you can fit a much MUCH larger battery.

---

Had a look at the 'footwell' area in the cargo bay. There is room for 2 x 230high x 300 long x 200 wide battery boxes. Have to confirm the usable size with an actual box, and whether the size available is compatible to any decent batteries

Hi Admiral, my intention is to cater for removable battery boxes for the rear cargo area.

The likelihood that there would be many people using all 7 seats while on a trip is fairly remote so with the rear seats ( actually just one seat ) folded down, a battery box can be secured in the rear cargo area utilising the D4’s tie down anchor points.

This simplifies the requirements of having an auxiliary battery when needed and the cabling installation in the D4 is a snack.

Thanks Disco4SE. Nice, simple solution that I'll copy.
I did the same with my D3's. Never had an issue with heat - even on a hot Nth Simpson trip.
(I wonder if you fellas considering a in-cabin solution will incl an airtight box with external vent for battery fumes? I don't know if this is necessary but that's how it's done in light aircraft)

Disco4SE, have you had any feedback from your dealer about whether the mod will affect your warranty? I'd be interested to hear whether they likely to be fair in this instance?

Hi Hooroo, there is no reason or legal requirement to externally vert the battery box, even when using a non sealed standard flooded wet cell battery.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi Admiral, my intention is to cater for removable battery boxes for the rear cargo area.

The likelihood that there would be many people using all 7 seats while on a trip is fairly remote so with the rear seats ( actually just one seat ) folded down, a battery box can be secured in the rear cargo area utilising the D4’s tie down anchor points.

This simplifies the requirements of having an auxiliary battery when needed and the cabling installation in the D4 is a snack.

---

Thanks. I saw the detail on your box on another thread. All we need now is a few pics to see how it all comes together.

Here are some pics of the finished install.

This is the kit. NOTE, the second 120 amp Anderson plug will be pre-assembled on the end of a 1m cable for connecting to a battery box.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/339.jpg


This is the pre-assembled main cable.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/340.jpg


This is the location of the control module in the Auxiliary Battery Box, on the driver’s side of the engine bay.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/341.jpg


This is the 120 amp Anderson plug laying in the cargo area.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/342.jpg


This is the 120 amp Anderson plug stowed away in the Jack Compartment
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/343.jpg


This is the finished and stowed 50 amp Anderson plug at the rear of the D4.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...010/02/344.jpg

What type of circuit breaker has been used ? It is affected by heat ? ( I guess that is qualified by it's location ) It does not seem to be manually resettable ?

Hi ADMIRAL, I use 50 amp auto resetting type circuit breakers ( CB ).

The CB is mounted in a box to make for an easier installation, no holes to drill, plus being in a box means, like all the rest of the installed kit, there are no exposed positive connections.

The system is capable of handling 90+ amps continuously and by using a 50 amp CB, the CB not only protects the system form short circuits but it also acts as an overload protection device.

When the new battery box is finished, this too will have a CB in the battery supply cable so the whole system is fail safe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hooroo

Thanks Disco4SE. Nice, simple solution that I'll copy.
I did the same with my D3's. Never had an issue with heat - even on a hot Nth Simpson trip.
(I wonder if you fellas considering a in-cabin solution will incl an airtight box with external vent for battery fumes? I don't know if this is necessary but that's how it's done in light aircraft)

Disco4SE, have you had any feedback from your dealer about whether the mod will affect your warranty? I'd be interested to hear whether they likely to be fair in this instance?

---

Hi Hooroo,
My Landrover dealer doesn't yet know about the second battery. I am still 4,000Klm's away from my first service.
Disco4SE

Now being aware that the D3 aux battery nuts are in the D4, I'm going to move my in-cabin battery to that spot which will allow battery cable connection to the cranking battery via a switch. My 80ah AGM will fit when I shuffle the control units out of the way.