Dual Battery - Bed ?

[MMMojave]

Quick Question:

Has anyone installed a backup battery (Large) NOT the Genesis System in the bed to run parallel with the main engine compartment battery? That way they stay charged and could run any additional accessories needed/wanted.

Thanks-

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[Freems]

Currently using a group 31 First Interstate Marine battery in the bed to power winch, lighting and bed accessories. Note: I kept that battery completely separate from the JT’s electrical system, due to the complex and fussiness of the entire JT system, not to mention the lack of bs that I’ll receive from the dealership for attaching said extras to their denial of warranty work. Charging is done through a small attached battery tender every couple of weeks. I’ll post some pictures next week.

 

[Great Offender]

Charging is done through a small attached battery tender every couple of weeks.

I like the idea and wish to install something similar and budget friendly so I am interested in seeing how this played out including not only the tender but the entire battery setup.

 

[MMMojave]

Yes. In for pics!

Thanks!

 

[Ragnarock_jeep]

I built a box that is removeable. Used a 100AH, a ridgid tool box, and a 40amp dc-dc charger. The box has anderson plug on side that connects to vehicle through a breaker / battery isolator in the engine bay. so charges when vehicle is on and truck battery is at high enough volatage


On the box, 2 12v sockets, 2 usb sockets which have a total of 6 usb plugs. all of these sockets are hooked into a fuse panel inside box, and are turned on by rockers switches mounted on outside of box.
I use it for a fridge freezer combo, electric blanket, camp lights, charge phones and tablets and other stuff as needed

the DC-DC charger also has option for solar input if I ever get there.

 

[MMMojave]

^. PICS or we don’t believe you

 

[Ragnarock_jeep]

^. PICS or we don’t believe you

didnt take any. I will get some and try to get them uploaded for you.

 

[Freems]

I like the idea and wish to install something similar and budget friendly so I am interested in seeing how this played out including not only the tender but the entire battery setup.

This is the battery (G31) in a Wmart $12 box and in the best location my bed. Not platform connected yet. Still welding on the frame that will quick mount to the bed, it will house the ARB and the battery.
ARB changing port mounted on box wired to battery and fused.
pigtail battery tender plug hardwired to battery.
1/0 welding cable from battery with Anderson connectors that leads to winch on front bumper - Big amp breaker (marine) also mounted on the box.
Warn remote sensor for the winch mounted to the box and a toggle control hardwired as well to the box for back up.

this setup runs the fridge for 2.5 days on a charge, if you pre cool the fridge before packing.
I’ve done several pulls with the winch and no issues. But plugged into the tender that day after winching. So for this setup has worked for my needs.
hope it helps.

 

[MMMojave]

Could or how hard would it be to parallel connect it so it charges from the alternator?

 

[chorky]

As easy as running wires. You would want some large wires, like 0 ga, if it's just a direct connection. Otherwise with a hard winch pull you could have issues. It would be worth looking at a solenoid - of whatever type you are interested, just to disconnect them when needed - that way you could get by with 4 ga or even 6 ga wire depending on what your doing in the bed.

 

[MMMojave]

I am assuming…. If running a backup bed mounted battery connected to the main engine compartment battery an ISOLATOR would be needed…correct?

that way they both stay charged and one does NOT deain the other.

 

[Great Offender]

hope it helps.

It does and pictures always help too, Thank you!

 

[Mr._Bill]

I am assuming…. If running a backup bed mounted battery connected to the main engine compartment battery an ISOLATOR would be needed…correct?

that way they both stay charged and one does NOT deain the other.

These are some of the parts I used to install a Deep Cycle Marine Battery at the rear of the truck (4 years ago). The Isolator keeps it charged without changing the stock electrical system, and allows for it to be used to jump start the truck. It's essentially a DIY version of the Genesis dual battery kit.

Cole Hersee 48530 Smart Battery Isolator 200A https://a.co/d/eU6o8w5

WARN 32963 20' Quick Connect Power Cable https://a.co/d/7vYGcn7

WARN 36080 Quick Connect Winch Power Cable for Vantage 4000, ProVantage 4500, and RT40 Winches, 28" Length https://a.co/d/cWzMxF0

NEW SOUTHWEST SPEED STAINLESS STEEL DROP-OUT BATTERY BOX FOR BATTERY GROUP 22F 22NF 24 24F 25 26 26R 26-70 34 34R 34-78 36R 42 47 96R 97R 99 100 101 OPTIMA BLUE TOP D34 D34/78 D35 D25/75 https://a.co/d/hTAeRAG

 

[chorky]

I am assuming…. If running a backup bed mounted battery connected to the main engine compartment battery an ISOLATOR would be needed…correct?

that way they both stay charged and one does NOT deain the other.

Yes - to be safe and all, unless you REALLY monitor your battery usage. The parts @Mr._Bill shared are quality options. Their winch extender line is an easy way to go although I would add a protective layer of some type. Depending on your mounting location in the bed the 24' option might be better. If I recall correctly from a conversation with Warn, that wire is 2 ga - which is more than sufficient. If you wanted to save some and make your own, 4ga will work as well depending on what you are planning on doing.

As for the solenoid - theres lots of ways to do it. You can have an auto solenoid that just looks for a 'engine on' signal, or a manual option, or a combination. Or you can get super fancy and do things like close the circuit depending on voltage levels, etc... RedArc has a nice solenoid option as well. And you can, I think, buy the combiner in the Genesis system on it's own here: https://www.littelfuse.com/products...ery-combiners/hd-battery-combiner/880051.aspx. The benefit of a combiner over a solenoid is a combiner is a momentary power draw. Solenoids require constant power to remain closed (or open depending on what you have).

 

[Wolf Island Diver]

Not sure from the wording of the OP if you mean a dual battery or a house battery, but here’s the thread on my setup.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/renogy-lifepo-house-dual-battery-install.71866/

I don’t run driving lights, winch off of this. That still runs off the starting battery. I’ve never needed a dual (parallel) battery for winching. My utility, camping, awning lights, fridge, inverter, water pump, etc., run off of the bed batter.

I’m in the process of redesigning the box/mount for the battery itself. I’ve got a tender port for the starter. I’m going to add a switch to allow the tender to charge the house battery too, but my solar panel usually handles that

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