DIY Dual Battery Setup

[jmdwifi]

How much was this? I’m curious because i installed the genesis system in my 2020 and it worked great but it is expensive.

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[Mr._Bill]

How much was this? I’m curious because i installed the genesis system in my 2020 and it worked great but it is expensive.

I think it was around $500, but that was in 2019. I pulled all the pieces and moved it to my new truck in early 2024.

 

[nasiraod]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm curious
Have you had any issues with charging the third battery? Since JTs use a computer controlled alternator that changes the voltage output below 13.7 consistently, most smart isolator cut off below that voltage. I'm thinking of using a simple ignition controlled solonoid, anyone think there are any issues with that?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm curious
Have you had any issues with charging the third battery? Since JTs use a computer controlled alternator that changes the voltage output below 13.7 consistently, most smart isolator cut off below that voltage. I'm thinking of using a simple ignition controlled solonoid, anyone think there are any issues with that?

Mine charges in the 14s most of the time unless I have driven it a lot or for a while, then drops to 13.4 unless I put the charger on it (don't drive often these days - no reason to)

Anyway - unless that battery is an AGM - DO NOT DO THAT.
The IBS is also figuring on the two batteries of the size it's expecting. Toss in more capacity and you may have other issues down the road.
But never ever directly connect anything other than like type batteries together. (and a solenoid would be a direct connection when running)

If your third battery is not AGM - forget it.

 

[nasiraod]

Mine charges in the 14s most of the time unless I have driven it a lot or for a while, then drops to 13.4 unless I put the charger on it (don't drive often these days - no reason to)

Anyway - unless that battery is an AGM - DO NOT DO THAT.
The IBS is also figuring on the two batteries of the size it's expecting. Toss in more capacity and you may have other issues down the road.
But never ever directly connect anything other than like type batteries together. (and a solenoid would be a direct connection when running)

If your third battery is not AGM - forget it.

That is such a great point, I forgot to mention that I chose an AGM battery precisely for that reason, in the future, if I want to go to lithium then I'll switch to DC-DC charger
But for now, given that I have an AGM battery as a third, do you think there are any issues with a solonoid tied to ignition?
Main concern I have is if the third battery is depleted, and I try to start the vehicle, it would put extra strain on the starting battery. But it should be fine, I think

Or do you think the following is better?
https://a.co/d/0h3vP1Gq
This has a cut in of 13.3 and cut off of 12.8, looks promising, and I don't have to have an ignition wired

 

[Mr._Bill]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm curious
Have you had any issues with charging the third battery? Since JTs use a computer controlled alternator that changes the voltage output below 13.7 consistently, most smart isolator cut off below that voltage. I'm thinking of using a simple ignition controlled solonoid, anyone think there are any issues with that?

I have not had any issues with the Smart Isolator used. It connects the third battery after the engine is started. It disconnects after shutdown when the voltage level difference exceeds a certain point. The system doesn't have any trouble charging all the batteries. The third battery is a AGM marine battery.

 

[nasiraod]

I have not had any issues with the Smart Isolator used. It connects the third battery after the engine is started. It disconnects after shutdown when the voltage level difference exceeds a certain point. The system doesn't have any trouble charging all the batteries. The third battery is a AGM marine battery.

Fantastic, I just ordered the smart isolator from Amazon, thank you very much

Just curious, do you remember where you got the battery box you installed underneath the truck? Might want to go that route in the future

 

[Mr._Bill]

Fantastic, I just ordered the smart isolator from Amazon, thank you very much

Just curious, do you remember where you got the battery box you installed underneath the truck? Might want to go that route in the future

This is the one I purchased. Back in 2019, the Stainless Steel version was $99.

https://a.co/d/05bcxCFS

 

[nasiraod]

This is the one I purchased. Back in 2019, the Stainless Steel version was $99.

https://a.co/d/05bcxCFS

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it
Another question, where did you ground your battery in the back there?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it
Another question, where did you ground your battery in the back there?

I ran the Warn cable to the front and made the battery connection and ground there.

 

[nasiraod]

I ran the Warn cable to the front and made the battery connection and ground there.

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it
That was my initial plan, was hoping for a shortcut, but, I think I'll stick to it then

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