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Dual Battery set up

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by jzeber, Jan 1, 2012.

  1. Jan 1, 2012
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    My Optima red top final gave up after 12+ years of use. I have always wanted a dual battery set up but was limited due to the lack of space. I found 2 Interstate batteries that I thought would fit.
    I made the battery box to fit the batteries out of 1/8" by 2" angle. I wanted to keep the stock location (at least where my battery was mounted before). Added a brace from the bottom of the tray to the firewall. Purcahsed a Marine battery isolator/switch years back made by Perko. The cool part is it has a keyed switch to deter a theft.
    Anyway pics located here: https://picasaweb.google.com/jzeber5/JeepStuff#5692782709518624978
    I wired the winch and aux lights to batt #2. Seems to work well so far. I'll post updates as I get to try it out more.
     
  2. Jan 2, 2012
    n6ifp

    n6ifp Member

    San Bruno/...
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2004
    Messages:
    206
    Nice setup. I put mine where the heater was. my 69 cj5 didn't have a heater when I got it. I used ford type solenoid to charge both. It is great to have extra battery for winches and other stuff.
     
  3. Jan 2, 2012
    cj6/442

    cj6/442 Sponsor

    Fallbrook, Calif
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2008
    Messages:
    2,734
    very cool.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2012
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    Thanks guys,
    I used 2 Interstate I-26R batteries because of the size. The specs are 550 Amps, 550 Cranking Amps, 440 Cold Cranking Amps. I figured for a V6 that was plenty of cranking power.
    Dimensions:
    W: 6.75"
    L: 8"
    H: 7.75"
     
  5. May 26, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    Talk about resurrecting an old post. One of my 2 Interstates wouldn't turn over the engine this weekend. This is my #1 battery and is used most of the time. I found the receipt but it is all faded. I had to look here to see when I bought them, looks like 2012. One battery has 13.6 volts and the other is 10.6. It has been over 8 years but wondering if I should try throwing a charger on it? Wonder how long #2 will last?
     
  6. May 26, 2020
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    807
    Yes, try charging the second battery and see if it can come up to 13.6 while charging. Then disconnect and check it the next day, If it holds your good, but in my experience it is probably time to replace.
     
    jzeber likes this.
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