Battery Location Questions

[Mudzuki]

Just got a winch finally, so i will need to upgrade the electrical system.

At the moment i am thinking of changing to a dual battery setup that are located in the cabin, looking at optima yellow tops, approx 500cca each.

Im thinking of modifying the floor pan behind the front seats, to drop the batteries in nice and low, to keep the COG good. The setup would be in a box similar to that which was constructed for the GQ dual cab in 4WD Monthly. Does this sound like a good idea?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Richard

[HRZOOK]

I just got an optima Yellow top it is awesome

I have been told 1 Optima yellow top would be enough for a small amount of winching with the car running.

If you feel you still need 2 batteries why not move the charcoal cannister on the opposite side to the battery and put second yellow top there.

I have done this mod on mine was extremely easy and leaves plenty of room for another battery but I am going to just try using 1 to start with

If you want pics just ask

[grimbo]

A couple of things with running batteries in the car. You will need really good quality and weight battery cables, try welding cables. The cables need to be very well insulated especially where they come into the car. Keep them as short as possible.

Greg has his battery mounted behind the passenger seat and I don't think he has had any problems. Obviously you don't want a normal type of batery in thhe cab with you, an Optima should be ok. Make absolutely sure the battery can not break lose in the event of a rollover or accident. the last thing you want flying around the cabin is a battery, they are heavy and you don't want the contents spilling out over you.

As you said it is a nice way to help your COG and weight balance

[christover1]

Our Greg has his behind the passenger seat, which was fine for ages, till I got in as passenger...
Within a few minutes a burning smell arose, then my backside started getting hot.
It had been touching back of seat for ages, just took a full size passenger to short it out on the seat ..me full sized
After we put fire out, which was burning inside the back of seat, all was well.
He has put battery in a protective cover now...
A christover proof one I hope.
In a battery type box, I think your's will be fine.
But just keep in mind the possibility of tools dropped on it, and fat passengers, when designing the mounts/box

christover (full sized)

[rgzook]

i've been able to squeeze a N50 which is what they run in the falcons and commodores into the original position on my coily and it runs my 6000lb low mount beautifully it;s 550cca i think only prob is thats it a wet cell.

[Pinball]

Mounted my second on the opposite side of the bay to the original, move the charcoal canister and all is sweet.

Use marine batteries at the moment, mp400, lotsa grunt and heavy construction plates to take a pounding.

Spock

[Wanderer]

piranha (piranhaoffroadproducts) sell a second battery holder (mounts on the passenger side engine bay) - price quote, ACT, this morning $120! check the picture coudn't be too hard to replicate.....

[Wanderer]

piranha (piranhaoffroadproducts) sell a second battery holder (mounts on the passenger side engine bay) - price quote, ACT, this morning $120! check the picture coudn't be too hard to replicate.....

[aodhfin]

like pinball i mounted mine in the same position only i used agm (absorbed glass matting) batteries they are the same technology as the odessy batteries. here's where i got them http://www.powerdiveonline.com now under http://www.absorbedpower.com/
i have killed a friends one by accident reversing the poles and within 3 months just sitting on the shelf it corrected itself and still works awesome. from memory i got the batteries for just over $250 for the pair. they no longer carry the same battery as i have it was 75 amps.

[grimbo]

I've also set my second battery in the front on the other side to the opriginal, but Mudzuki asked about what needs to be done for moving them into the cab behind the seats to try and keep thhe extra weight nice and low. So the Piranha kit etc doesn't answer the question

[Mudzuki]

Looks like the floor pan mods will be big $$$

Probably just go in the engine bay, means less cable to the winch as well.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Pat Murray]

Mine is in the engine bay and if you move the washer bottle a couple centimetres forward you can fit the solenoid box next to the battery. This is a very cool idea as it prevents it being tampered with and keeps it well above water level--we hope! A dry solenoid box means no corrosion, probably the single biggest issue on a rarely used electrical winch. Add internal controls on top of the dash and you're all finished.

[Gwagensteve]

Looks like the floor pan mods will be big $$$

Probably just go in the engine bay, means less cable to the winch as well.

Thanks for the help guys.

Grinding disks are $1.70 each

[Mudzuki]

Looks like the floor pan mods will be big $$$

Probably just go in the engine bay, means less cable to the winch as well.

Thanks for the help guys.

Grinding disks are $1.70 each

But my welding ability is limited to say the least, arc welding the floor wouldnt be fun.

[geckos]

I have an ARB one in my 94 sierra, they put the second batt in the opposite corner. (Left hand side). Big tray, so should be able to fit the optimas. They also used that smart soliniod they sell, too!
The tray was $120, the 12volt smart soliniod was $120, and the wiring kit was $70. It was also recommended that I upgrade my alternator. Got a 85amp HD one for $440.