Does anyone have experience or ideas about onboard batteries? I need more battery power over what the stock size battery in the XJ can provide. I would like to put another one in the rear or where rear passenger seat used to be. Whats the best way to do it and is there any notable safety concerns? Thinking maybe one of the new type crossover batteries that are both deep cycle as well as cranking battery. Need something to power winch and as backup if main goes dead. Any ideas folks? Thanks.
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NWOL EST. 2006
ADVENTURE TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS DEDICATED TO OVERLAND EXPLORATION
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I installed the genesis dual battery kit in my JK. Might check with them to see if they have a kit for XJ
All lead acid batteries outgas when they charge, including AGM. Wet cell batteries will outgas more. The amount of hydrogen gas emitted is probably negligible in the grand scheme. That being said,any battery shouldn't be in a completely sealed box, a vented box allows for some air movement. Cars have been made with batteries inside the drivers compartments for decades and not aware of too many explosions from hydrogen build up.
How important is it to vent batt box? How would I vent if mounted in back seat area? I supose I could run a small, maybe 3/4 -1 inch flex tube out the inner fender well in rear as long as it was highter than batt?
Look into a latching relay by Blue Sea, https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/35/91/Automatic_Charging_Relays/ML-ACRs. Senses when adequate power is available to charge the house battery, disconnects when not. You can manually connect/disconnect on some options, and if you go with the 500 amp one, could act as a "jump" or provide power for other needs on the primary system.
A deep cycle would probably suit you better for a "house" battery. People always think they should have an AGM battery but their charging needs are different than a typical wet cell lead acid battery and may not fully recharge with a mixed set up.
Good links. Interesting setup in avalanch and cheap "kit". Just remember, DON"T get standard Ford starter solonoid. Make sure to ger an agricultural constant duty one made for impliments. Std one will burn contacts and weld itself 'on! A little more $$ but well worth it. Napa sells them.
XJ don't really have room under the hood for a second batt, so will need to mount inside and will probably make compartment big enough to mount my compressor. Comp will have quick disco so a coil hose will reach all tires from mid vehicle location my thinkn! LOL
It will be a winter project. Just trying to figure what I need to do so I can Plan. Thnx for the links. I will look them up.
Oh wait! I just reread your post and saw the hybrid battery part. Gotta go look into that.
Hi Mark,
Try these two links to get started
This is a nice general overview thread
https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/how-to-make-a-cheap-isolated-dual-battery-setup-for-50.77503/
This is a specific build I plan to mimic. It's a really pro build.
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=121779.0
I plan to add some circuit breakers. And I'll do a rocker switch in the cab to isolate either battery. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PT7XBE
This is the isolator I plan on using at present
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBYXVS
My second battery will be a deep cell marine battery. I still need to do the math on my alternator to see if it is adequate.
Tell us what you learn and do a build thread! Can't wait to see what you come up with.