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Thread: Dual battery in P38A

  1. #1
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    Dual battery in P38A

    I am keen to install a dual battery setup in my 2000 HSE.

    I have seen good guides and info for other models on this forum, but not RRP38. Specifically I want it to be invisible and I have LPG in the spare wheel bay. My questions are:

    - Is it legal, and safe to store a battery in with LPG tank?
    - Has anyone done it? Can you please show pictures?
    - Any recommendations on battery charging regulator boxes? default seems to be Traxide SC-80.
    - Is there any peculiarities with the P38 electronics that complicates this?
    - Has anyone mounted two batteries under the bonnet in a Thor P38? Pics?

    Main purpose is to run accessories while camping, esky fridge, small tvs etc.

    Thanks!
    Glen
    Now: 2005 L322 Vogue 4.4 M62TU (Black)
    Before: 2000 P38A HSE 4.6 - stately capability | 2008 Kluger KX-S | 2004 Forester | 2000 Yamaha XJR1300 | 1993 VR Calais | 1974 HQ Statesman - 308 V8 | HT | HK

  2. #2
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    I have the same enquiry same reason fridge but for a 1999 HSE Gems

    Gary

    P.S. No gas

  3. #3
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    the battery in itself is not an ignition source (its the connecting and diconnecting of leads which is the problem) and one would assume you would never have a leaking tank therefore i could not see a problem

    i am sure there would be a whole range of electronic in and around the gas tank that could be come an ignition source

    wheather its legal or not i haven't a clue

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by glenhendry View Post
    Is it legal, and safe to store a battery in with LPG tank?
    I hope so, that's where mine is ! One very important thing to note about any dual battery system is to put a fuse at both end of the red wire - right next to the pole of both batteries ! Was talking to one member at greendale that had an under the bonnet fire due to insulation wearing through, shorting and igniting fuel lines - all due to lack of fuses



    Quote Originally Posted by glenhendry View Post
    Any recommendations on battery charging regulator boxes? default seems to be Traxide SC-80.
    Redarc SBI12-100amp (or SBI212-200amp if you're going to winch) is a great bit of kit - they're bulletproof and very good value for money. They don't look glamourous but they do the job.

    Quote Originally Posted by glenhendry View Post
    - Is there any peculiarities with the P38 electronics that complicates this?
    None that I found.

  5. #5
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    Mine is next to the LPG tank in the wheel well. I'm using a Traxide SC40 with circuit breakers at both ends of the cable.



    Ron B.
    VK2OTC

    2003 L322 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 Auto
    2007 Yamaha XJR1300
    Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA



    RIP Bucko - Riding on Forever

  6. #6
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    I was thinking of making a cubby for mine on the opposite side to the stacker/sub unit in the back, although I think that with some minor mods to the battery box i'll fit two in there... Anyone for a triple battery setup :-p

    Cheers
    Keithy

  7. #7
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    A good spot for it Keith. Put it in a battery box to contain any acid, etc.

    I have a storage box in that location.

    Ron B.
    VK2OTC

    2003 L322 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 Auto
    2007 Yamaha XJR1300
    Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA



    RIP Bucko - Riding on Forever

  8. #8
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    My thoughts exactly!

  9. #9
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    If you have a gas tank, then the spare wheel well is the go. But from my research. If there is to be a battery inside the Vehicle (spare wheel well is inside) then it must be a sealed unit. ie you can't use a conventional car battery in there. Most of the deep cycles these days are sealed anyway.

    The only reason I haven't got mine in there is because i'm not on gas yet and still use the tool thingy to store the jack etc.

    You can also get all different sizes of batteries 2nd hand off ebay. You definately don't need to spend $400 dollars on a new one. I picked one up off a mate for a Slab. It is 100mmX350mmx300mm and is a 96Ah 12V.

    Apparently CTEK have actually started making a dual battery system that is a 3 stage charger for Deep Cycle batteries and actually boosts the voltage. I'm sure drivesafe knows more.

    Cheers
    Stu

  10. #10
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    Thanks all. Great info and pics.

    My question is now about the cabling. I am sure that I can earth the negative terminal of the aux battery straight to the body or chassis at the back, but what size cable running through the cabin to the isolator unit? The pictures below seem to have large thickness cables and I dont understand why. It should only be ~14v with low current coming into the aux battery for charging it, and then only relatively low draws of power from the aux battery for accessories - why the big cables?

    The traxide image here shows small wires going to the aux battery from the isolator unit.

    Thanks again! Im excited. Picked up my powered camping fridge today.
    Now: 2005 L322 Vogue 4.4 M62TU (Black)
    Before: 2000 P38A HSE 4.6 - stately capability | 2008 Kluger KX-S | 2004 Forester | 2000 Yamaha XJR1300 | 1993 VR Calais | 1974 HQ Statesman - 308 V8 | HT | HK

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