The second battery provides:
- An isolated power source for auxillary loads.
- Self jump capability when the Main battery is low.
- Extra cranking capacity for starting or winching.
- Extra reserve capacity for powering loads while the engine is off.
The second battery provides:
|
|
The stock battery location on the US driver's side. The battery is a Group 27F and with more cranking power and reserve capacity than the original battery. A group 27 battery will fit into the stock tray but be sure to look for a battery with the "F" designation. This means the positive and negative terminals are on the opposite sides of "normal" batteries. This really helps when connecting the stock batteries cables. The large red cable connects the positive lug to the high amp marine switch and solenoid. |
The auxillary battery installed on the passenger side. A stock battery tray from a '91-92 Landcruiser can be bolted into exisiting holes at this location. But first, you'll need to relocate the windshield washer bottle. A few custom brackets from my friend George made this much easy. On the '93 FZJ80, the "silencer" must be moved too. It's an empty plastic box bolted to the air cleaner. Exhaust gases from the PAIR valve go through this chamber to reduce noise when exhaust is routed back to the intake. I simply removed it. I noticed a slight popping noise when the exhaust is being recirculated. Update: after installing the snorkel, the noise is much louder. The snorkel acts like a trumpet and amplifies the sound! |
The marine switch used to direct power to a winch (I don't have). It will allow the future winch to recieve power from either battery individually or from both batteries at the same time. The both positon also provides a self jump capability. The switch is mounted on top of a PVC electrical junction box. It provides a space for the solenoid. The PVC box is bolted to an exiting hole with a captured nut in the fender and another bolt through the side of the battery box. These bolts are difficult to reach during the install, but it keeps everything close, compact and secure. |
I cut out one side of the electrical junction box and mounted the solenoid inside. The large red wires connect the solenoid to the batteries through the marine switch. I slopped some liquid tape onto the terminals. A control wire from the main fuse box provides the "alternator good" signal. This siganl and two relays provide automatic control, connecting the batteries when the alternator is charging and isolating the batteries the rest of the time. |
The two relays attached to the electrical junction box control the operation of the solenoid. |
I used a marine starting / deep cycle battery for the auxillay battery. The battery has extra posts and I used military terminals on the lugs. I also upgraded the negative cables on both batteries to ensure good grounds capable of handling higher loads. |
|
Do It Yourself
details, schematics, material lists, part nos. and more. Excellent write-ups! |
Click these links:
George's Dual Battery Page Christo's Dual Battery Page |
| Back to: |
|
|