Thread: Dual batteries for new Puma

Talk to Drivesafe on this forum he is the gun.

I've done that via e-mail, but he told me to try asking around here first.

Originally Posted by jc109

G'day All,

I hope I've not missed answers to this elsewhere, but my searches turned up heaps of info that didn't seem to hit the points I'm after.

I'm waiting to take delivery of a new Defender and have been told by the dealer in very clear language that they are not happy with dual battery systems being installed in new cars. The gentleman was suggesting that I'd seriously risk my warranty by doing this, and advised me to just fit a stand-alone battery pack in the rear.
My dealer (Adelaide) said dual battery was OK. I asked a LOT of questions about adding accessories and the warranty issues.

This doesn't make much sense to me as I thought these kits were just simple bolt-ons that connected to the battery like any other accessory. You're not modifying anything.

Anyway, for the sake of harmony I may have to go down this route so I'm after some advice.

Firstly, I don't really know what size battery I'll need. I'm thinking of getting a 55ah Optima yellow top due to some advice at Battery World yesterday. I'll be running an Engel, a light, and a shower. I may also run other accessories such as UHF etc from the aux battery in time. I'll only stop in one place for a couple of days at a time, and there will always be significant miles between stops.

As far as the 'installation' is concerned, how should I go about it? Can I run cables and Anderson plugs to the rear to charge the second battery? And can I/should I fit an isolator in the back as part of this kit? Ideally (if LR press this issue) I'll want to be able to remove all the stuff in the rear pretty easily, leaving just the connection.
The 50A Anderson plugs are good. Make sure you use BIG wire, volt drop is a real problem when you have long runs of cable. Don't rely on the chassis to return current to battery use two wires red=positive black=negative. Lots of info about this, do a search.

And, lastly, before I take delivery of the vehicle I'd like to be able to use this gear in my current car. I have a permanently connected cigarette lighter in the back, and was wondering if there's any way I can charge a battery from it so that I can run my fridge and other gear without fear of draining the starter as I've done in the past.
Use something that will disconnect your accessories when the battery voltage drops. Since you have an Engel, you may know that Engel make such a device. But any make should do the same job.

Thanks,

James

...

Many on the forum would know I am a bit of a panic merchant when it comes to warranty and insurance. However, provided the auxiliary battery is properly installed with appropriate electronic controls (eg Traxide, Redarc, National Luna), then a dual battery is very unlikely to be a problem. It would be LRA's responsibility to show that the aux battery caused the problem. To be on the 'safe side' I would suggest you get either an auto electrician who is familiar with such a set up (many wouldn't be I suspect) or a business such as ARB or Opposite Lock to do the installation. LRA would have to argue that either the controller was faulty or that the installation was faulty, and if either was the case then you would likely have some redress against the manufacture of the controller or the installer. I had Opposite Lock do my installation.

Cheers
KarlB

Hi karl, I’ll go you one better than having the argument that because professional companies fitted it, therefore it must be OK.

I supply dual battery kits to Land Rover dealers all over the country and they either fit them themselves or have the local auto elec fit them.

So there really isn’t a reason why you can fit them, jc109‘s problem is that he has an over cautious dealer.

MLR in Melbourne fit Drivesafe's dual battery system to new Land Rovers. They fitted the SB80 to my Puma before delivery - and did a very good job I should add. Maybe ask the WA dealer to give MLR a call and ask them why they fit the Traxide units in Melbourne.

If you do get something, the Traxide is the way to go. You're not just buying an off the shelf unit, you also get Tim's knowledge and support.

Piranha Offroad also have a complete dual battery kit for the defender and you can option a voltage drop/battery monitor (DBM4) with their DBE180S+ kit. There is also a tray to securely fit a second, deep cycle battery under the passenger seat.

Regarding warranty issues, I’d mention to LR that they happen to fit a standard lead/acid battery inside the vehicle and I’m not sure how they get around Australian Design Regulations with that one – it’s illegal to fit anything other than a sealed battery inside a vehicle. My guess is that they’d argue that it’s in a metal compartment, but if I had a Defender instead of a Disco I’d be looking at a sealed replacement asap.

Originally Posted by Tyresqueal

Piranha Offroad also have a complete dual battery kit for the defender and you can option a voltage drop/battery monitor (DBM4) with their DBE180S+ kit. There is also a tray to securely fit a second, deep cycle battery under the passenger seat.

Regarding warranty issues, I’d mention to LR that they happen to fit a standard lead/acid battery inside the vehicle and I’m not sure how they get around Australian Design Regulations with that one – it’s illegal to fit anything other than a sealed battery inside a vehicle. My guess is that they’d argue that it’s in a metal compartment, but if I had a Defender instead of a Disco I’d be looking at a sealed replacement asap.

They dont get around anything... The battery is technically "under floor" in a vented compartment... Totally legal - and safe...