Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Finally got around to fitting the second battery into the engine bay of the GQ. Just thought i'd do a bit of a write up incase anyone else needed ideas on where to put the battery.

First i got the intake piping out of the way, and removed bolts from the coil as the coil will be in the way of the 2nd battery.


I then fit the tray in place to check for fit, and to see what brackets i need to make up. I needed to make 3 brackets, 1 is a 1" strip of steel bent into an L-shape. The other 2 work are square alloy tubes and work like crush tubes in a way, to support the tray and keep it level.



I then bolted the tray in place, had to drill 2 holes in the body (the 2 holes closes to front end) The rear 2 holes were already there, 1 of them was a threaded hole from an un-used bracket, the other was the hole for a clip which holds the steel diff breather tube. The 'crush tubes' were both used on the left hand side (furthest from engine)


I then moved the coil further towards the front of the engine bay, just enough to clear the battery. I had to drill one hole underneath the coolant overflow bottle for one side of the coil bracket, and the other side of the bracket just happened to line up with a hole, used stainless bolts on both. Wiring was long enough, so didnt need modifying.


Connecting up the intake piping, the dust vortex needed one of its 2 mounting brackets cut off (the smaller one). As its mounting position is where the coil is now located. It is still well supported with only the 1 bracket, but when i make up a snorkle i'll probably get rid of the vortex anyway.


And here is the finished product (minus wiring). The battery tray is 'calibre' brand which feels solid enough, and the clamp is 'SCA', both were purchased from supercheap for about $30.


I'll update once ive done the wiring, and fitted power outlets!

Mike

Are you sure that's strong enough? The usual practice is to run some steel up diagonally to the side of the engine bay as well. Batteries are farking heavy.

Once bolted up I gave it a good shaking and it felt solid.
The only point that may be of concern is the (when looking into engine bay from front of vehicle) is the top right. I may modify it for strength when I can figure out a better design. I'll definately look into some diagonal bracing

The front 2 mounts seem very solid I have no concerns there. And the rear left to me seems good enough.

If you have some better designs I'd be very interested to see some pics. I've never installed a second battery before, so it's a learning curve for me. I will be sure to check the mounts during and after any off-road work.

Mike

Make up a braket to replace the one across the top of the battery so that it can be bolted to the guard (using the bolt that's already there).

This will stop the top of the battery being able to move and make the mounting much stronger. (hope you don't mind me editing your image )