2nd Battery

[ScottD3]

Maybe its a bit much but with all the kit I got in Audrey that uses power and my paranoia, I started thinking about 2nd batteries or battery backups.

Two thoughts.
One was a secondary battery and split charging but I can't think where to put it.
The second idea was mounting some external terminals in the engine bay and connect them up to a leisure battery when I'm stationary for longs periods of time and want to watch TV, A film or use the projector.

I think the leisure battery would be a better idea over split chartering. I don't mind carrying a 2nd when I know I'll need, like shows or camping.
My concern is what damage or problems I might have by connecting a large leisure battery to my battery/car leads.

Any one got any thoughts?

 

[hades-]

place it in the boot

 

[ScottD3]

place it in the boot

That is the obvious idea but not an option for me.

 

[B5NUT]

Why not, on the right hand side of the boot where the alarm horm is, you could even run the wires under the car behind the heat shield.

 

[ScottD3]

Why not, on the right hand side of the boot where the alarm horm is, you could even run the wires under the car behind the heat shield.

It's all full up.

Right hand side is pump, triangle, hand cleaner, straps and hang grenade.
Left hand side is TV Tuner, Pi, 12V socket, 240v socket, first aid kit.
In the middle is my false floor.

I don't think there is any room in the bay for a 2nd battery.

I was thinking of mounting a Anderson connector in the bay to connect s leisure battery.
But need to make sure that it won't damage any thing on car when I connect it.

 

[B5NUT]

Only thing I can think of is to buy a larger battery, you may have to do a cut & shut on the standard battery holder for it to fit.

 

[Arrkon]

bin off the spare wheel? carry tyreweld instead?

 

[CraigG]

instead of 2 batteries, just get one massive one from a large diesel engined car (V10 TDI Tourag comes to mind, the battery in that has got to be massive)

you can then mount it in the original location with abit of modification, or you can relocate the battery to the boot and stick it in the wheel well.

 

[ScottD3]

instead of 2 batteries, just get one massive one from a large diesel engined car (V10 TDI Tourag comes to mind, the battery in that has got to be massive)

you can then mount it in the original location with abit of modification, or you can relocate the battery to the boot and stick it in the wheel well.

I got the largest battery possible.

I like my spare wheel, plus I need the spare wheel for my spare fuel tank.

The V10 TDI has 2 batteries.
One for the electronics and the 2nd one to start the unit.
Which is kind of what I'm wanting to do with the leisure battery and Anderson clips.

 

[CraigG]

I got the largest battery possible.

actually largest possible, or the largest possible without modifying the OE battery mounting point?

 

[ScottD3]

actually largest possible, or the largest possible without modifying the OE battery mounting point?

The largest one that would physically fit with out cutting it about and the largest amount of amp hours that had.

 

[aragorn]

Attaching a second battery is fine, it wont cause any issues whatsoever, HOWEVER, it also wont stop you draining both...

Sit for long enough at say a car show with all your electrical goodies on, and it will happily run down both batteries and leave you no better off (bar the additional run time) than your current situation.

Split charging obviously gets round that by disconnecting the starter battery from the load while the engines off. Thus even if you drain the second battery, you can still start the engine from the main one.

Maybe a small jump pack would be a better idea? At least then you know you've got something to get you started again should you flatten the main battery.

Also its worth remembering that continually draining your main battery is going to seriously shorten its life.

The main battery tray takes 3 sizes of battery, however theres a fourth even larger size you can use, by getting a different clamp from the dealer (as the biggest size covers all three holes on the battery tray)

 

[Arrkon]

Use a marine battery switch for simplicity, then just "plug in" the second battery when needed?

 

[ScottD3]

Use a marine battery switch for simplicity, then just "plug in" the second battery when needed?

Cracking idea.
I like that.
Thanks mate.

 

[robbiemac]

I think the leisure battery would be a better idea over split chartering. I don't mind carrying a 2nd when I know I'll need, like shows or camping.
My concern is what damage or problems I might .............

Any one got any thoughts?[/QUOTE]

 

[Ste_Nova]

fit a 2nd and split charge unit, run all your accessories off the 2nd and keep the main for starting