Auxiliary battery, how to?

[TacoVenturer87]

Hi all

I'm contemplating adding an auxiliary battery to my 2010 Tacoma V6. Do any of you know how to get around that upgrade?

What do I need?
Controllers?
Which type of battery is better (deep cycle vs. regular)
Wiring (gauge?)
Brackets?

Any help is really appreciated!

 

[BigDogKona]

There are quite a few kits available via a google search. You pay a premium... but the kinks have already been worked out.

 

[TacoVenturer87]

There are quite a few kits available via a google search. You pay a premium... but the kinks have already been worked out.

Would you know of any better than others?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Porschetech29]

The link has good information regarding dual battery setups.
http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/dual_bat.htm
After looking at different kits online I decided to piece together my own kit. Most of the kits use 4 awg cable and with my secondary battery in the bed I wanted to use a larger gauge cable. I used a Battery Doctor isolator, 0 awg cable and terminals, and two AGM batteries. I have had the setup installed for only 6 months but so far have not had any issues.

 

[Overland_Mike]

If you are doing a simple second baterry, go to painless wiring and buy the battery isolator kit. Been 10 years strong in my tundra. If you wanna get fancy then let me know, I have a pile of links saved.

 

[TacoVenturer87]

If you are doing a simple second baterry, go to painless wiring and buy the battery isolator kit. Been 10 years strong in my tundra. If you wanna get fancy then let me know, I have a pile of links saved.

I'll take any useful information. As for the set-up, I would like to do it myself but if the only way I can guarantee long term reliability is getting it professionally done I'll get all the parts and have a shop do it.. Im pretty good mechanically and with electronics so we will see.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[VCeXpedition]

I've heard good things about this as a simple controller.



This would probably be my next update if I were to go from the homemade controller that I've had for 12 years.

Dan.

 

[Overland_Mike]

Battery wiring easy, don't let it freak you out.

Complete Option -
https://www.offgrid4x4.com/collections/dual-battery-systems offers a complete kit with the highly regarded Blue Sea's ACR - Pretty easy to wire - http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/wiring_diagram/ML-ACRs.jpg or http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990180180.pdf ( I hope posting the vendor is okay)

But the price might make you blush.

Good alternative and it's what I am going to do on my next build.
CTEK offroad kit which also has a built in solar voltage regulator but no battery tray - http://bit.ly/2hWnzZZ
Puts you in the same ballpark and needs a mount made for the CTEK's too so although a more complete electrical solution it's not the easiest.

The DYI option is
Lastly you can source a battery tray from many vendors and do the battery solenoid from painless. The solenoid is commodity but they label everything and provide great wire and connections.

And search the google for outbackjoe 12v design guide for GREAT info.

 

[v_man]

A writeup on my 100 series. My advice would be to install an auxiliary fuse box while you're doing the dual setup....

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/dueling-batteries-a-dual-setup-on-my-07-lx.9245/#post-140811