Thread: Dual Batteries TD5 110 Defender

i researched CAT batteries, the company I work has an account with CAT as well.......they didn't stock the battery I wanted (aux), they could get one in but it the price wasn't that great..........considering our yearly spend with them

I assume you have an isolator?

We don't have an isolator as yet, but will get one with the new batteries.

I believe the original configuration was a simple parallel setup - no electronics or complicated electrics that I've been able to find. The only device seperating the batteries was a 100A circuit breaker, like this one:
100A Circuit Breaker - Jaycar Electronics

**EDIT** - I've only just started research isolators, but something like this was what I was thinking:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3680

My defender runs 3 batteries
The third mounted up in the left Quarter Panel
Peviosly I used a solenoid
But last week installed one of these
I like the fact that the starting battery is isolated until the alternator starts working
Dual Battery Isolator ABR Sidewinder DBI140 NEW Model Charge UP TO 3 Batteries | eBay

Michael, I realise cost is always a factor but an AGM is a much better proposition for the axillary battery.
They handle cycling better (more cycles), you can run them down further and if kept charged have a longer service life.

Either of those Cat batteries would do for starting based on their CCA although I prefer a dedicated cranking battery than a dual purpose as the latter is a compromise IMO.

I guess a dual purpose as an aux. would get you out of trouble if your cranking battery failed but I have never had that happen (yet).

I run an Optima redtop AGM for starting and Fullriver AGM for the Aux.
Fits under the seat easily and pretty well worry free.

Cheers,
Paul.

Thanks Paul,

Yes, cost is always a factor - but money wasted spent on the wrong thing is more of a waste than more money spent correctly.

Thanks for your input on the AGM deep-cycle as the auxiliary. That would probably be a better solution.

I've had a quick search of the Optima options - there appears to be a multitude of models. Do you know which of the Optima and Fullriver models you have that fit together under the seat?

Thanks all!
Michael and Anneleis.

Originally Posted by TeamFA

Thanks Paul,

Yes, cost is always a factor - but money wasted spent on the wrong thing is more of a waste than more money spent correctly.

Thanks for your input on the AGM deep-cycle as the auxiliary. That would probably be a better solution.

I've had a quick search of the Optima options - there appears to be a multitude of models. Do you know which of the Optima and Fullriver models you have that fit together under the seat?

Thanks all!
Michael and Anneleis.

Hi Michael,
Optima one is the standard group 34 redtop 800CCA dedicated starting battery
Fullriver is only a 60 A/h (that I acquired)but the dimension for most of them up to 105 A/h will fit. There are a couple of tall ones in the range so just make sure not to get one of those if you decide to go that way.

Main concern under the Defender passenger seat is height and neither of those causes issues. Just a bit of modifying of tie down brackets, mine actually sit in an aftermarket dual battery holder that I have bolted in.

Cheers,
Paul.

Don't know if this helps but a bought a 950cca 100ah maintainence free Cat cranking battery last week. They have them in stock.
It cost me $253 incl GST at Westrac in Sydney.

Originally Posted by harro

Hi Michael,
Optima one is the standard group 34 redtop 800CCA dedicated starting battery
Fullriver is only a 60 A/h (that I acquired)but the dimension for most of them up to 105 A/h will fit. There are a couple of tall ones is the range so just make sure not to get one of those if you decide to go that way.

Main concern under the Defender passenger seat is height and neither of those causes issues. Just a bit of modifying of tie down brackets, mine actually sit in an aftermarket dual battery holder that I have bolted in.

Cheers,
Paul.

Thanks Paul,

The Optima Red Top 34 looks to be very popular.

Would I be close in guessing that the Optima Yellow Top would also be a contender as the auxiliary/secondary battery?

I'll have to work out a system of securing them under the seat - previous methods were very basic. You've done well to fit a battery holder in there as well as the batteries - it's pretty tight in there.