2016 L494 SDV6 HSE - Auxiliary Battery Tray - Fabrication & installation

**WizudOfOz** · 6th January 2019, 10:38 PM

Hi All

I have been investigating installation of an auxiliary battery into my MY16 SDV6 HSE, mainly to conveniently run a car fridge and lighting without having to worry about draining the main battery.

After some online research I discovered that there is a lack information readily available in regard to such installations on my model. I suspect the reality is not many RRS owners are likely to have a need. I did contact one auto electrician which has documented installations but after initially telling me they would sell me a tray, they then said they wouldn't - but would sell me a "kit" with everything but the battery for $1,800.

Based on that I decided to have a crack at fabricating & installing one myself.

This is not intended to be a step-by-step "how-to" guide - it's more a "how-I-did-it" record which I hope some might find useful.

In my car, the existing factory tray behind the RHS cargo trim, which I understand held a stop/start battery on earlier models, is in use with some electrical kit fitted on a bolted on upstand. The only option was to fabricate one to install behind the LHS cargo trim.

I made mine from 1.5mm stainless steel with the main portion of the tray a single piece folded using a pan brake. I've got a separate upstand on the back end which will be used to mount the DCDC charger etc. This is a removable section which can be taken out without having to take the whole tray out.

If I was to do it again, I'd make it a bit narrower. It's nominally 200mm wide but my lack of folding expertise (first use of a pan brake!) meant it's a bit over. I'd mark it at 190mm and by the time it's folded it should be a bit less than 195mm.

The height above the floor will depend entirely on exactly where the tray is mounted, as the further forward the higher it has to be to clear the wheel arch. I wanted mine as far back as I could so it's as low as possible. Selection of the mounting bolt positions is also a factor.

Rather than waffle on here - commentary, dimensions and the like are on the photos.

Hope you find it useful.

Cheers

Craig

1. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 2. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 3. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 4. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 5. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 6. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 7. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 8. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg 9. 2016-L494-SDV6-HSE-Battery-tray.jpg

**Gregz** · 7th January 2019, 09:05 AM

Hi Craig,
excellent write-up.
I am thinking of using that space for something too.... but will probably end up cutting a hatch door and keeping some smaller recovery items in there... 12v air compressor, tow rope, 1st aid kit etc (hmmm.... wonder if I can fit a chain-saw in there)
...Greg

**WizudOfOz** · 7th January 2019, 08:44 PM

It's a pretty large space.

I don't know why JLR doesn't give us a cubby hole to at least make use of it.

I'm aware that in the models with the rear air-con option, that's where that kit goes but I'm told the trim panels are a different moulding anyway.

Probably a small chainsaw!

Cheers

Craig

**el_Davidor** · 13th December 2019, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by WizudOfOz

It's a pretty large space.

I don't know why JLR doesn't give us a cubby hole to at least make use of it.

I'm aware that in the models with the rear air-con option, that's where that kit goes but I'm told the trim panels are a different moulding anyway.

Probably a small chainsaw!

Cheers

Craig

I will need to have a look at that space, as my RRS has the rear AC.

hopefully it's an empty spot and can utilise for a spare battery.

I don't have the tools to make the mounting kit, maybe I'll use your measurements and get it made up. See how that goes in finding someone to do it.

Might make a template using cardboard cutouts and test fit see how it looks.

Then to find a good battery to put in there, thinking of also running dash camera on constant supply.

**Geedublya** · 14th December 2019, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by el_Davidor

I will need to have a look at that space, as my RRS has the rear AC.

hopefully it's an empty spot and can utilise for a spare battery.

I don't have the tools to make the mounting kit, maybe I'll use your measurements and get it made up. See how that goes in finding someone to do it.

Might make a template using cardboard cutouts and test fit see how it looks.

Then to find a good battery to put in there, thinking of also running dash camera on constant supply.

Dashcam is easy I just tapped off the fusebox hidden behind the glove box. It is likely the space in the rear is empty for you as there isn't many cars with a complete separate aircon in the rear, it was only really for 7 seaters. Mine has separate climate control and heated and cooled seats for the 2nd row passengers but no rear aircon unit.

**el_Davidor** · 16th December 2019, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by Geedublya

Dashcam is easy I just tapped off the fusebox hidden behind the glove box. It is likely the space in the rear is empty for you as there isn't many cars with a complete separate aircon in the rear, it was only really for 7 seaters. Mine has separate climate control and heated and cooled seats for the 2nd row passengers but no rear aircon unit.

Fuse box behind the glove box? Any photos of that and how to remove?

I found a workshop manual but not that easy to search through it.

**Geedublya** · 17th December 2019, 03:58 AM

Originally Posted by el_Davidor

Fuse box behind the glove box? Any photos of that and how to remove?

I found a workshop manual but not that easy to search through it.

If you look in the owners manual it describes how to access the fuse box. You can download the owners manuals from Topix but only one section at a time.

1. To access the upper and lower luggage
compartment fuse boxes, open the rear
tailgate. See 8, OPENING AND CLOSING
THE POWERED TAILGATE Remove the first
access panel. Grasp the top of the panel and
pull sharply. A label on the rear of the
access panel shows the circuits protected
and the fuse locations.
• When refitting the access panel make
sure the locating/securing pegs are
aligned with their respective holes
before pushing the panel fully home.
2. To access the passenger compartment fuse
box open the glove box. See85, STORAGE
COMPARTMENTS Firmly press the top of
the support stay at each end, and lower the
glove box into the foot well. A label on the
rear of the glove box shows the circuits
protected and the fuse locations.
3. To access the engine compartment fuse box
remove the under bonnet cover. See210,
UNDER BONNET COVERS -
REMOVALRelease the clip at each end of
the fuse box cover.
4. Lightly lift up the leaf screen panel to allow
the removal of the fuse box cover.
5. Remove the fuse box cover. A label on the
inside of the cover shows the circuits
protected and the fuse locations.

**georgien** · 29th December 2020, 09:17 PM

Hi Craig, beautiful job for your battery holder !
Did you post anywhere here how and where you wired your battery to the electric system of your car ?

Thanks

**WizudOfOz** · 2nd January 2021, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by georgien

Hi Craig, beautiful job for your battery holder !
Did you post anywhere here how and where you wired your battery to the electric system of your car ?

Thanks

Hey mate

I posted here:
2016 L494 SDV6 HSE - Auxiliary Battery - Part 2 - Charger installation
about how I wired everything up.

I didn't include anything about the connection to the battery under the spare wheel as that's pretty straightforward.

Cheers

Craig

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