Dual Battery

[01xjcny]

I have been looking at different ways and saw this does anyone used this

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2074
seems nice but a little pricey but looks nice

[thesupercroc]

WOW $380 for a glorified volt meter and some leds! :bang::confused:

Ok plus you get a mount and 4Gu wire plus a relay.

Not for me.

[01xjcny]

was kind of thinking the same thing i want to get something set up soon

[thesupercroc]

this kit looks like a better way to go

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2265


But not knowing the gauge of wire that come with the kit give me some thing to consider.

[NW99XJ]

You guys are killing me....
The cheapest way to go would be a relay and a solenoid....(under $30)
But if you need something a little more serious...
http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=31099&SID=20&DID=131&CID=395

And still under $100 (even after you buy the wire)..... PLUS -YOU get to choose the wire you use.
These are what I have installed in countless vehicles.
Inexpensive, reliable, compact, and able to handle 120 amps of charging or draw current.

[01xjcny]

thats y i asked seem a to expensive i just want something good. the second battery will be inside and did not want to blow it up. i dont even know if i really need to isolate it, so far everytime i used the winch the jeep is running i only have to lights so far and if i put on a roof rack may put some there. So how would it cost to get everything i need. busy at work so my next check would like to get the ball rolling

[thesupercroc]

And still under $100 (even after you buy the wire)..... PLUS -YOU get to choose the wire you use.
These are what I have installed in countless vehicles.
Inexpensive, reliable, compact, and able to handle 120 amps of charging or draw current.

That is at a much better price point!

for $20 more they have a 160 amp isolator!

my dual bat set up is still a bit away. :(

[BlueXJ]

I have all the wiring for duals that I got from 5-90 on Naxja but have never completed the project.

[thesupercroc]

thats y i asked seem a to expensive i just want something good. the second battery will be inside and did not want to blow it up. i dont even know if i really need to isolate it, so far everytime i used the winch the jeep is running i only have to lights so far and if i put on a roof rack may put some there. So how would it cost to get everything i need. busy at work so my next check would like to get the ball rolling

Also look in to a alternator up grade if not done already.
I am going to do the v8 WJ alt upgrade.

[01xjcny]

my alternator is a power master 170 amp that should be good correct? like i said i bought this all set up just trying to add in what i want a little at a time

[thesupercroc]

yeah if you have 170 amp i think the next step would be a mean green alt but they are about $400!

[NW99XJ]

Go with the 160 isolator, it'll handle the 170, but search around, you can get 'em cheap, especially at marine or rv supply stores.
And a 170a alternator is PLENTY!, you'll have more than enough juce to run a winch AND lights, and a microwave, hair dryer, and 3.7 miles of xmas tree lights....
Ok maybe not all that, but yea...you'll be good.

[01xjcny]

well i got all the paper work of everything done to it making a little binder po spent 399.99 on this alt. The battery i am using is a die hard platinum deep cycle has 1150 cca. Winched out a f 250 last week and the warn power plant makes me want to get this battery in asap. Snow season is here and could make few extra dollars winching people

[NW99XJ]

Now you're thinking!

[thesupercroc]

a $400 alt would waaaay on the bottom of the list of stuff to do on my XJ

[01xjcny]

well i have not done any upgrades had it for a year now the last owner dumped some serious money into it i have not actually done the math but i would say about 15 grand into it maybe one day i will add it up

[4.3LXJ]

This is what I did

http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1904

[01xjcny]

yea you sent it to me i was just wondering if there was some sort of kit me not knowing alot about electrical did not want to get the wrong stuff and blow up a battery that is sitting behind me

[4.3LXJ]

No, I did it all myself with parts for about $50. Some of these isolators are just too expensive and are designed for motor homes and such for those who like to fiddle with stuff. Mine is all automatic. I just start the engine and it charges both. Turn off the key and they are isolated. Flip a switch and you can start after your primary battery is dead from lights on or something. That is much more in line with our needs as four wheelers. If you look at the wiring diagram on the first kit you posted, it is just as complex as mine. You just have to take it one wire at a time and it gets done.

[01xjcny]

ok i thought it was going to be over 100 in just cable so i guess i just need to go shopping

[thesupercroc]

Just be on the look out some places will call their wire one size say 4ga but when you measure the wire it only 6ga the rest is insulation.

[4.3LXJ]

How far you running the cable? I used copper stranded house service cable. Not quite as flexible, but affordable. I got the largest I could at Lowes