Thread: Dual Batteries question for Puma 110

Hello,

After fruitlessly searching the forum for specific details on how and where to run wiring etc for a DBS on my 110 I turn to you all for advice.

I've just received Drivesafe's kit in the mail and intend installing an SC80 to connect a yellow-top Optima to the OE battery under the passenger's seat. I'm also going to run wiring to two sockets and one Anderson plug in the rear.

I also have a lighting upgrade kit that I'll be connecting.

I know what connects to what, and am happy I can get everything working, but aesthetics and efficiency on the other hand are not looking good right now. My question is "how should I do this?". I will eventually be fitting one of Mulgo's Ex-boxes and I want to put some drawers in the rear too. Will this have any bearing on what i do now? How do I run the wires so they're out of the way and unobtrusive but also accommodate future work such as panelling in the rear for the drawers? I don't really know where to start.

Any and all advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

James

Originally Posted by one_iota

JC109 how do you intend to secure both batteries?

I've just completed the installation of a dual battery setup in mine and will be documenting this as a project as soon as I get back from outback SA

I used Tim's SC80, an Exide Orbital Battery and a Piranha battery tray.

I elected to use the latter because it is an "off the shelf" solution to accommodating both the original battery and the smaller auxiliary battery.



It is not cheap and it is not easy to install: there are a couple of significant issues with its design, but at the end of the day it provides a robust solution for securing both batteries.

Edit: I should describe the two issues:

1.The length of the main battery in mine is 360 mm. The tray length is 330 mm. I overcame this small obstacle by bending the front upturn down. I have been advised today by Piranha that LR changed the Battery to a euro spec and therefore longer. A new longer version will be in the market shortly. So if any one is contemplating this check with Piranha prior to purchase.

2. The holes in the floor pan for the original tray did not coincide with the Piranha tray. I had to drill four holes offset about 20mm centre to centre from the existing holes.

There are some tricks to getting the battery strap hold down bolts in position before getting the main battery back into position.

one_iota,

Thanks for this advice.

I finally pulled my finger out and went on the hunt yesterday for a tray. Before I headed off I did a search on this forum and found your two replies (which I'd missed before). Without your input I would have bought the wrong tray, but now both I and the retailer are suitably educated and I'll end up with just what I need.

I love this site.

As an aside, while digging around in the compartment to measure things up I noticed that there was battery acid at the base of the OE battery that had done some damage to the clamps. I thought it might have been a cracked battery. It turned out to be a crimp in the vent that caused overflow inside instead of out. Easily fixed and acid neutralised. And the damaged parts will be replaced by Piranha's in due course.

Thanks again Mate.