Dual battery set... In the works

[05x4x4]

I've been collecting items needed for this to happen. So far:
Two Optima Yellow Tops
Painless Performance dual batter kit (40102)
4AWG welding cable and copper lugs
2x2x1/8 angle for my trays
1.25x1/4 flat for my hold down
Two 10x 1/2 bolts and wing nuts.

My intended purpose for the dual batteries is to have a dedicated battery for my winch and be able to run and other lights, and accessories without imposing on the engines battery. My accessories right now consist of:

Warn M8000
Pair of Hella 4"HID'S
VIAIR 200psi compressor
Vision X Tantrum Rock lights

I'm planning to add:
Reverse work lights... LED
2k watt inverter
4 red TrailGear LED's for interior night vision

I'll try to remember to post updated pictures, but I'm really bad at it. If there is any suggestions I'm all ears.


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[gorillamel]

Well, I do not know ish in terms of dual batteries (researching it myself), but good luck and take lots of pics! *jealous*

 

[TKDx00]

You might want to reconsider having only 1 battery for the winch. Everything I've read (which I'm sure isn't everything there is to read) and spoken to says to have 2 batteries on the winch. just a piece of info to pass along. Good luck, I'm in that same process.

 

[metzican]

most things I read suggested to have the winch on the main battery, Most battery management systems charge this battery first. you can use one battery and if you drain that battery and kill the vehicle you can always restart it on the second one. Or you can link them if your systems allows it.

 

[05x4x4]

Thanks for all the input.
Here's where we are at, at this point:

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[05x4x4]

My original dual battery bracket, I ended up modifying it, a updated picture of it will be posted tomorrow I forgot to get one.

Here is a test fit of the two batteries under the hood:

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[05x4x4]

I did forget to mention that when I was test fitting the batteries under the hood, I hadn't removed the forward most anchor for the single battery that I relocated, so the batteries in the photo are sitting off kilter, once they are mounted they will sit level and about a 1"-1.25" lower.

If you plan todo this you will need to cut out both of the original J hook brackets that hold down the single battery in order for the new duals to fall into place. With the two batteries in there should be enough room between the fender and the forward most battery to hook up the solenoid for the batteries and a winch if you have one installed.


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[metzican]

This is turning out sweet. Nice to see another duel battery setup being worked on.

 

[05x4x4]

It really is, thanks. I knew it would be some work, but it'll very worth it once its all tweaked.


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[metzican]

I was going to do it this way, but the batteries I wanted just would of been a little to much fun.

 

[05x4x4]

What batteries did you use?


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[05x4x4]

I have finally finished the install, here is the finished product:

The whole project took me about 15hrs todo, I figure if you break it down it really turns into 3 projects- relocating the power steering reservoir, mounting two batteries in a location only designed for one, and wiring the whole this without shocking yourself. Overall I'm very happy with the wiring kit from Painless Performance, and I'm a big fan of Optima batteries.

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[metzican]

Tell me more about this painless wireing kit. I know I already have it done but there is always a 3rd battery.

 

[05x4x4]

Tell me more about this painless wireing kit. I know I already have it done but there is always a 3rd battery.

It's made by Painless Performance part# 40102, there is no thinking about how to set it up all super simple, the only thing it doesn't come with is the actual battery cables, which was fine for me. I just used some #2 battery cable that I had left over from another project. The kit comes with two indicator lights to know what setting you on. The only thing I wish it did have was a battery monitor


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[CaptainMorgan_SOS]

Nice! I've seen this a few times, but usually they go ahead and relocate the batteries to the rear of the vehicle to help out with weiht distribution. It looks good! I'll have to check out that wiring kit. I plan on doing something similar to where my lights, winch and compressor would also be on the aux. battery but I plan on moving it to the rear.

Also, are those vent louvers in your hood?

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Where and how did you relocate the steering reservoir?

 

[05x4x4]

Nice! I've seen this a few times, but usually they go ahead and relocate the batteries to the rear of the vehicle to help out with weiht distribution. It looks good! I'll have to check out that wiring kit. I plan on doing something similar to where my lights, winch and compressor would also be on the aux. battery but I plan on moving it to the rear.

Also, are those vent louvers in your hood?

The problem I had with putting the batteries in the rear was that would be a long long amperage pull from the batteries to your winch up front. Plus this keeps everything centrally located and compact, keep in mind these arnt race cars that need equal weight distribution.

Yes, they are made by Gen-Right they are made for a jeep. But I thought they looked better on my Xterra.


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[05x4x4]

Where and how did you relocate the steering reservoir?

To relocate the power steering I built a bracket that mounted off a unused tab behind the throttle body, and just bolted the factory mount to it, I did have to cut off a portion of the factory mount to make room for my bracket to fit, after that it was just a matter if getting longer hoses to reach back there.


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[CaptainMorgan_SOS]

keep in mind these arnt race cars that need equal weight distribution.

Yeah, but the reason they did so was because they already had SO much weight up front with the huge plate bumper, winch, etc. It helped keep the front from sagging too much and kept the tire alignment longer. But that does make alot of sense about the draw from the winch with such long wires.

Have you noticed if the vents help with any heat dicipation at all?

 

[05x4x4]

How about this for weight, you al ready have a 180lbs I'm bumper and winch, is another 30lbs going to make that much difference....

As for the vents, you can see heat waves that bellow out from them. So I have to believe that they do help.


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[FaroutX]

Very nice job,! I'm getting around to this mod soon myself and I'm building my own kit, same as Kodiak Industries/Dirty Parts kit, I figured out all the wiring without having to buy the kit, this is the kit I will end up with:http://www.4wheelparts.com/Electric....aspx?t_c=72&t_s=12&t_pt=3691&t_pn=WNP100-105 I'm using a OTRATTW switch instead of the old toggle style! Heres's my parts list:

(2) Odyssey PC1500 batteries
(2) Battery Trays and clamps
(1) Nertsert Tool, M8 serts
(50') 2/0 AWG OFC - Red - Power Cable
(4) Military Style Top Post Battery Terminal
(1) PAC-200
(1) OTRATTW dual battery switch
(8) 3/8" Copper Lugs
(2) 5/16" Copper Lugs
(2) 1/4" Copper Lugs
Lots of heat shrink tape and a few odds and ends!

Xantrex Prowatt 1000W True Sine Wave Inverter
Xantrex Prowatt SW Remote Panel
Class T 150amp Fuse w/ block

 

[05x4x4]

Sounds sweet, can't wait to watch it come together.


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