Second battery setup

[Bogan_head]

G'day guys. I have a 2004 guiv with a zd30 and abs.

I am looking at setting up a dual battery system between my air box and coolant bottle. I have bought a cheap generic battery tray from super cheap auto and I will be welding up mounts myself. I am also looking at getting the redarc isolator.

My questions are:

1: what is the maximum size battery I could fit (agm or deep cycle)? (For those who have a similar setup already)

2: do I need to worry about engine temps while mounting my battery there?

Thanks for your time guys.

[Russ81]

How's it going mate, I was advised by a battery specialist to avoid putting an agm under the bonnet as the heat kills them in saying that though its a personal choice a good quality deep cycle with a decent AH rating should keep you out of trouble.

As for size, I did have a 120AH D87L battery as my aux, I had to modify my tray as the battery was to long for it and my supplied battery clamp had to be replaced as the battery was too tall. I have now gone back to a N70ZZL battery which is probably what size I would recommend. You may however need a N70ZZ (same size battery however the orientation of the terminals are reversed) not really a massive issue just something to consider in your planning

Sent while temporally motionless

Edited October 15, 2012 by Russ81

[Bogan_head]

How's it going mate, I was advised by a battery specialist to avoid putting an agm under the bonnet as the heat kills them in saying that though its a personal choice a good quality deep cycle with a decent AH rating should keep you out of trouble.

As for size, I did have a 120AH D87L battery as my aux, I had to modify my tray as the battery was to long for it and my supplied battery clamp had to be replaced as the battery was too tall. I have now gone back to a N70ZZL battery which is probably what size I would recommend. You may however need a N70ZZ (same size battery however the orientation of the terminals are reversed) not really a massive issue just something to consider in your planning

Sent while temporally motionless

Tyabks for the quick reply mate. What battery tray did you buy? Did you have to modify any pre existing parts of the engine? Also what isolator did you use?

[Russ81]

I used a piranha tray and it bolted straight in with no modification to the car

Sent while temporally motionless

[Rumcajs]

Engine heat needs to be considered for sure especially with AGM units, I'm on my second aux battery while the starter battery is still OEM (only just). If one could be bothered with fabing some sort of heat shield with venting/cooling duct like the OEM has that would perhaps be the best solution.

I wouldn't bother with "reinventing the wheel" and just get the Patrol suited ready made battery tray from various suppliers. No mods to car are requiredm in that case.

I've got N70 MF as a second unit and ideally you want same size batteries fitted.

Cheers