tonytiger Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 How do I install a second battery in a 1988 defender. The idiots guide please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 matching one will fit in the existing battery bay, connect the Earth to engine/gearbox or chassis as the existing battery is earthed, take the 12v live to a additional fusebox or via a isolator switch to whatever your going to run from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Two-Jacks Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Hi I used one of these. It works well and it must be simple as I fitted it http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T-Max-Digital-Split-Charge-Relay-Dual-Battery-System-/110828967152?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19cdebd4f0 Or these http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4_parts_equipment/4x4partsS355.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 An X-Charge is a good place to start. Jason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 What do you need the second battery for ? Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonytiger Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 Lights, alot of light's . Kenlowe... got a winch coming doesnt look like an overly expensive tweek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan bomber Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Lights, alot of light's . Kenlowe... got a winch coming doesnt look like an overly expensive tweek Run a 2nd alt for your 2nd battery if I were you, more oooomph available for your winch then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonytiger Posted January 24, 2013 Author Share Posted January 24, 2013 Winch looks off now... still thinking I need one. Headlights are dimming when ever I touch anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UdderlyOffroad Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Winch looks off now... still thinking I need one. Headlights are dimming when ever I touch anything Hang on - is this with all your 'other' lights on or just generally? If the latter, you have a wiring problem which you need to sort first. mmgemini's headlamp wiring upgrade is a good place to start. And, as you've seen, there are many different ways to do 'twin batteries' - VB is a big avocado of a 2nd alternator, myself I prefer a beefy split charge relay (with a manual over-ride and link-together isolator switch for self-jump and winching). There's no 'right' answer - all systems have their pluses and minuses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan bomber Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Hang on - is this with all your 'other' lights on or just generally? If the latter, you have a wiring problem which you need to sort first. mmgemini's headlamp wiring upgrade is a good place to start.And, as you've seen, there are many different ways to do 'twin batteries' - VB is a big avocado of a 2nd alternator, myself I prefer a beefy split charge relay (with a manual over-ride and link-together isolator switch for self-jump and winching). There's no 'right' answer - all systems have their pluses and minuses. Yes i am a huge fan of 2 alts and the reasons being is this: 1. A split charge system, doesnt matter how much or little or inteligent it is, doesnt charge anything when your alt breaks. 2. If an alt breaks, close the isolator across the battery possitives and you have 2 charging batteries. 3. Big (100amp) alts are very capable of breaking a fan belt. 4. Higher output available for heavy loads. Join the battery possitives again and both alts will power your winch/inverter etc. It has its draw backs... Belts everywhere (i have a compressor as well) so it saps a bit of power and a little bit of economy and the bits cost more than a relay and some wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh NZ Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 5. He's not a giant avocado.. Hahaha. I prefer 2nd alt also but there's a trade off for everything you choose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluehaze Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Whilst I agree with the above comments on using a second alternator don't forget that, as long as you are prepared to get your hands dirty, a heavy duty split charge can be made for around £30. In total, my 80amp set up cost £31, albeit 3 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 I made mine from a 200 amp relay from e-bay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-VOLT-HEAVY-DUTY-SPLIT-CHARGING-RELAY-200-AMP-/140716871736?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item20c3611038 and a few bits of wiring I had lying about, Total cost was about £25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 I used the LR system [spilt charge relay & loom] as shown in http://www.numcat.ru/landrover/p/31/52838/ it plugs straight into the existing dash/bilkhead loom at the a unused plug adjacent to the heater unit. I didn't fit items 7 to 12 inclusive, just connected the split charge loom to the batteries, it's been in & working for over 12 years without any problems, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Blimey. Not cheap though Ralph. Amr3135 alone is £109 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 I didn't pay that much for it, can't remember where I bought it from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G4FUJ Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 At present I have a switched relay to link the batteries for charging. However, battery #2 is only used to power the Webasto pre-heater, ham radio gear and other (relatively compared to an electric winch) low powered devices. I shall fit one of the X-eng split chargers one day... Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonytiger Posted January 26, 2013 Author Share Posted January 26, 2013 Awkward moment when it turns out I had a loose wire on the alternator. .. still tempted by a twin batt system for the winch I might end up getting one day tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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