where to mount 2nd battery and how?

[Narnian]

I need to have a second battery in my rig that I can switch to for powering accessories when the Cherry is turned off. I'm planning on keeping it charged with a solar panel.

Does anyone have any photos of a two battery system in their rig? I'd like to see how someone else has done it before I try it myself.

In fact, if anyone knows of a system I can buy so that I don't have to spend time fabricating this, that would be even better.

[joe]

There's a ton of different ways to go here. If you want a one-stop-shopping-bolt-in set up(and willing to pay for it) look at what Wrangler Power Prod's sells. There are other makers out there too. Or you can use an isolator, or relays, or a manual A/B switch or....
A lot depends on how much control you want over where the juice from the alternator goes. I don't like using an isolator because it always sends juice to the weakest battery. I like to decide which bat gets the juice and when. I rigged my CJ using two stitches and two 200 amp continuous duty rebuildable relays($56 ea.). I don't how the solar panel thing will fit into the system though? Might want to checkout some sailboating sites. Rag sailors use solar panels a lot for their VHF's etc.
Try punching 'dual batteries' or some such into Google/Alta-Vista etc. I'm sure you'll get lotsa hits.

[joe]

So far as battery location...the PO made a tin box(72 J-4000) with an inch or so lip at the top on all four side. Cut-out the inner fender well on the drivers side and dropped the new battery box in. Pretty clean instal. I removed the isolator system it had in it though for the above mentioned reasons so the system is inop till I re-rig it with relays.

[River Beast]

I think FulMetal has twin Optima's sode by side under his hood... modified the inner fender well on the pass side to make it work

[scotty]

i made a box in the inner fender for my 2nd battery,much like what joe described. ihave them connected with a marine dual batt switch. you can choose A,B,A+B,or off.ive got mine mounted on the dash,but that takes more wire,and may be harder to do "tastefully". my dashpad still has burned,bubbly markes on it,andmy heater box is gone,so it was convenient for me to do it that way. you could also mount it on the inner fenderwell,if you dont mind opening the hood to switch it smile.gif i switch mine often enuff that i wanted the convenience of being to lean over and flip the switch.most marine switches run $25 to $45

i have also seen terminals that have a screw you back out to disconnect the powerflo. you could put them on each battery and simply wire them in parralel.just unscrew the one you dont want tied into the system.

dual batts is a very useful mod. i can sit with lights on till the batt is completely dead,and use the 2nd one to jump myself when im ready to leave. :D

i dont have any online pics,but i could snail mail ya some,or if yore plannin on bein up here anytme soon,stop bye and check it out...

[ May 16, 2002: Message edited by: scotty ]</p>

[BigBadWag]

I'm interested in this mod too. About how much $$$ should I be looking to spend on something like this before I get in over my head? :D -Zach

[J20 project]

If you follow the link to pics from my sig line, I have pics posted of my set up. I cut out the drivers side fenderwell. Forces relocation of the washer tank tho. J20 project