D4 dual battery isolators - what options

[aquanaught]

Hi all, newbie here just about to take delivery of a D4 SDV6 SE and very excited about it too I may say!

I have been trawling for all I can find on the forum regarding brake controllers and duel batteries management (there is a fair bit) which has been quite useful, particularly for the brake control setup.

Regarding the duel battery install, my basic requirements are to run a fridge in the back of the D4 and to charge the camper trailer batteries when towing.

I am aware that Traxide supply a good bit of kit for the dual battery setup and I may well go with this option BUT I have a Redarc SBI12 (voltage controlled solenoid) carry over from my previous vehicle and a Projecta DBC100 (voltage sensitive relay) from a friend at hand to use.

Despite my investigations I haven't found anything specific about the D4 battery management system and what isolators / chargers may or may not work. As such I would happily take advice as to why these two or for that matter any other types of isolators may or may not work with the D4 alternator.

Looking forward to further enlightenment.

Thanks in advance.

Gary

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Have now: A kitted out but old Pajero
Soon to have: A bog standard D4 SDV6 SE

[apachefreak]

Great question!
what he said
Im in the same boat, looking for a dual battery system for a D4
any suggestions for any dual battery system recommendations?
cheers

[Stuart02]

Redarc and Projecta are both good brands and I reckon there's forum members here running both of them. But the Traxide is more than just an isolator. If you use an Optima for your second battery under bonnet as most here do, its higher resting voltage when charged will actually condition the cranking battery. Our car starts way better since we put in the Traxide/optima.

Have fun with your new toy

[l00kin4]

As to aquanaught's original question (the dual battery system part) , can't give too much advice on which way to go with your current gear. Can however say that there are many very happy Traxide customers on here. From my perspective:


- brilliant kit with everything pre-cut and ready to go;
- straightforward DIY installation;
- if you do need help Tim (drivesafe on here) will help you;
- works like a dream


David


p.s. it's well worth having a read of the D3/D4/RRS FAQ sticky at the top of this section

[Canaussie]

Yep traxide is the way to go

[LandyAndy]

Having fitted Traxide gear to 4 previous Landys I wouldnt go with any other.
The latest was my brand new D4.
Instructions so easy to follow,everything made to fit and it fits perfect.
There are specific wiring needs for these vehicles make sure you get it right before fitting the dual battery system and especially the trailer brake controler.Most of us here have fitted the Redarc Tow Pro,as there isnt much room to instal conventional controlers.Make sure you read the sticky up top as its the only way you can wire controlers in these vehicles.IMPORTANT
ENJOY
Andrew

[Oztourer]

eBay/Gumtree the Redarc and Projecta and put the proceeds towards a Traxide!!

[irondoc]

I use a Redarc - the 200 amp one (SB212 ????), not the 100 amp one as I found them to be more reliable/last longer when I ran them in my previous landcruisers.

The main reason is that it cuts out at 12.5V. Tim/Drivesafe's Traxide kit. as I understand, cuts out at 12.0V, and there are some very good reasons for this to occur given the nuances of the Disco electric system. However, I have the 2.7L engine, and, as I understand, this engine runs a slightly different electrical/alternator system to the 3.0L.

Happy to stand corrected....

Cheers
Lucas

[Meken]

Another happy Traxide customer - is truly a straight forward diy kit. You definitely want to use the optima for the 2nd as it accepts charge at a faster rate so gets to a higher soc faster & then tops up the cranking battery

[drivesafe]

Hi folks and thanks for all the thumbs up.

Hi Gary, and those two isolators will work in a D4.

BUT. if you are yet to buy cabling and everything else to be able to carryout the installation a full dual battery system in your D4, then, as suggested by Oztourer, flog the two isolators off on Ebay and one of my kit would most likely work out a cheaper proposition.

They are definitely easier to fit as well giving you a number of serious advantages over any other type of dual battery system for the D4s.

Hi Lucas, your 2.7L D4 has very similar electrics and alternator operation to a D3.

The earlier versions of the 3L D4 have a different operating system to the D3 and the latest D4s have now got another operating system.

My isolators not only work in all versions of the D3 and D4 without any adverse effects, they also improve the condition and operational life span of the cranking battery in every vehicle fitted with my isolators.

Gary, if you do decide to fit one of my kits, please be advised, while this is supposed to be the quietest time of the year for us, I am flat out supplying all the orders I have and there is a 3 week turnaround time from ordering to shipping.