WK2 Dual Battery Set Up

[imaz]

Originally Posted by desertman

I did not realise that the space was smaller than the start battery cavity but it will still work. With the plastic tub in place the dimensions are 350 (l) x 250 (w) x 180 (h).

As I stated, I do realise that it is not a deep cycle but better than running my main down. Not pointless for running a fridge and accessories, just a matter of how long it will run them and how long the battery will last.

Will run a 40 litre Engel occasionally and a few other low drain accessories off the second battery.

Cheers,

DM

Have you tried running your fridge off it? How many hours did you get from it.

[timsarg]

Originally Posted by desertman

Not pointless for running a fridge and accessories,

well i would have to disagree with you there . A stop start battery is designed for a pulse of huge power instantaniously . Not continous draw like a deep cycle . You could potentially kill your starter battery within 5-10 discharges or constinous use having a fridge connected to it . If you want a second battery get a thumper or something similar that will run your engel for 3 days without charge and any other accessories you want off it . Or take the spare out and turn that into a second battery bay .

[David Scott]

Hi there
I fitted a 100ah deep cycle in my 2011 wk under the passenger seat and updated last year to an Overland with air and again fitted another 100 ah deep cycle. The battery lays on it side and you have to square out the front right corner and the top will still clip on as before. There is room also to fit the air electronics and you can fit a DC to DC charger in the start battery area as the Jeep (smart charger) system only goes to 14.2 volts and is not enough to charge properly. This is a problem with most new vehicle smart chargers/alternater and can bus. I posted photo's of my 2011 wk way back then.
David

[superjuleslee]

Just thought I would chime in, I have a 2011 with air suspension. Looked at the passenger under chair well (too small for a good deep cycle). I ended up fitting a 110 amp hr battery under my full size spare wheel in the back. I will post photos if you are interested.

[Barboots]

Interestingly, the Exide website quotes both ultra-thin and thick plates for this battery. [emoji15] That's a worry.

http://www.exidebatteries.com.au/bat...ion/SSAGM-77EU

Volts:12
Tech:AGM SS
ASS:C (+R)
CCA:850
RC:
20 HR:80 (=C20 or Ah)
Ledges:S&EL
Terminal:SAE

The battery should produce acceptable performance with smaller amp draw such as a fridge, provided it isn't asked to do it for too long before getting a complete recharge. Hopefully the quoted high acceptance rate allows you to achieve that during the day's activities. This is the problem with many touring set-ups... there is simply not enough hours of recharge to restore the energy consumed at camp. It's important to note that the battery will limit recharge current increasingly as it approaches capacity due to internal resistance. Failure to reach full recharge promptly after discharge is the enemy of lead acid batteries.

Cheers,
Steve

[imaz]

Originally Posted by David Scott

Hi there
I fitted a 100ah deep cycle in my 2011 wk under the passenger seat and updated last year to an Overland with air and again fitted another 100 ah deep cycle. The battery lays on it side and you have to square out the front right corner and the top will still clip on as before. There is room also to fit the air electronics and you can fit a DC to DC charger in the start battery area as the Jeep (smart charger) system only goes to 14.2 volts and is not enough to charge properly. This is a problem with most new vehicle smart chargers/alternater and can bus. I posted photo's of my 2011 wk way back then.
David

That is interesting to know... I'm still yet to install my VSR. based on my GME radio, the voltage I get from the starter battery hovers around 14.2-14.8v. Is this not enough to charge the second battery?

I have heard of this issue before, but that was from 2013 models onwards with the change of alternator.

[yoda42]

Have you looked at lithium batteries you could use a smaller battery and still get good life for running a fridge etc and they are super light, down side is cost