Adding a second battery?

[pengyou]

I am looking at a lot of toys that I would like to add to my van - including a computer system, 24" lcd panel tv, etc. I want to be able to use a lot of these things while the van is parked so was looking into the possibility of adding a second, or even a third battery to the van. The problem is...where would I put it? There is certainly no room in the engine compartment.

Any ideas? I would like to stay away from gel packs if I can. They are pretty pricey.

[WVKayaker]

No place to put a 2nd battery under the hood, but here's what I did and it's been working good for me.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1418&hilit=by+special+request

[Rebel]

All kinds of places to drop it through the floor if ya want it out of the way.

[pengyou]

Thanks! Yes, out of the way is important because I often carry people in my van. I just looked under my van today and noticed there is a big space next to the (very deep) gas tank that looks like it might be able to house a couple of lead acid batteries. The glass mats are cool but, last time I looked, were 2x the cost of the typical lead/acid battery.

[91AWDAstro]

Be sure you vent the compartment to the outside. Lead acid batts can create a lot of hydrogen gas during heavy use. I would also ask are you going to parralel it the primary battery? If so what are you plans on that?

[pengyou]

Thanks! I am going to look under the van to see if I can find some way to put it in a large empty space near the gas tank...not likely go to boom, is it? I really would like them to be outside the passenger compartment.

Once I find the space I will ask you a different set of questions ...but basically I would like them charged by the alternator and not at all connected to the battery in the engine compartment, so that if something goes wrong or I leave something on too long I will still have a working car battery to drive the car.

[91AWDAstro]

You will need and isolator so that it can be charged from the alterantor as well as the regular battery. Good to keep it out of the passenger compartment, but you will still need to vent it to the outside.

[pengyou]

Thanks! Is there anyone out there who has put batteries under the car? I would appreciate hearing from the voice of experience

[LiftedAWDAstro]

For isolation you can use a continuous duty solenoid with a switch to allow you to run the 2 batteries together or separate so you have a backup. The 12 Volt Guy provided me with a dual battery kit for the SPB which I never totally completed. It was a very well put together kit and included pretty much everything needed except for the 2nd battery.

Here is the winch and dual battery kit I won for the SPB...

[lockdoc]

For isolation you can use a continuous duty solenoid with a switch to allow you to run the 2 batteries together or separate so you have a backup. The 12 Volt Guy provided me with a dual battery kit for the SPB which I never totally completed. It was a very well put together kit and included pretty much everything needed except for the 2nd battery.

Here is the winch and dual battery kit I won for the SPB...

I was wondering wth the other switches were for!

[thevalleyboy]

So has anyone done the second battery drop through the floor? I was thinking if only using for a secondary battery such as for assistance with addition power for an RV, or plug in accessories then placing this battery in the rear near the factory trailer wiring harness might be an option, as a +12V positive lead for charging is already there, just install an isolator. I realize this would not help for cranking. A drop battery box could easily be constructed out of some decent guage steel, dropped into the floor and welded, a little cut out floor panel, hinges, weather stripping, latch mechanism and bang - done. I have a great picture going on in my head... the location would need to be confirmed to ensure you had room for the battery box. If more juice was desired just run larger guage wires. I'll have to think about this one after I get a trailer, especially since I have access to a sheet metal shop and welders.

Interesting product - for trucks - and ideas
http://www.classicperform.com/tech_arti ... ry-Box.htm

[SPL Guru]

Hey bro, we get used yellow/red tops all the time- can pick one up for $50-60

No need to worry about venting w these

PM me if interested