Where to fit a 2nd battery???

[vtrdaz]

Where's the best place to fit a 2nd battery in a td5 90.
I was thinking about next to the normal battery but wasn't sure how to secure it - any ideas?
Also i'm looking for a battery - nothing too flash it will just be used for powering coolboxes/spotlamps etc whilst the ignitions off but i'm not sur what type to get.
..... and thirdly are the split charge kits in halfords any good or would i be better constructing one myself?

Cheers
Darren

[vtrdaz]

:lol:  8)

[V8MoneyPit]

The simplest split charge system is called a standard 30 Amp relay. I've never had a problem with this most basic system. Just pick up a feed from the LT side of the alternator to energise the relay. Then connect suitable gauge cable between the +ve terminals of the two batteries via the relay. Earth both batteries as normal. When  the alternator is charging, it then energises the relay connecting the two batteries, allowing charge to both. You could fit (probably wise) a 30 Amp fuse in line to be safe. The fuse has never blown in mine, so the current drain between the two batteries has never reached this limit.

This was described in one of the Land Rover magazines some months ago. I think it might have been LRO, but can't remember which issue. Anyone remember?

I just use a 138 (about £15) battery for my work lights, rear power socket, etc. It lasts more than well enough for my needs.

[vtrdaz]

cheers steve - where's the best place to mount the battery? is there enough room where the normal battery fits and whats the best way of securing it?
Cheers
Darren

[Range Rover Blues]

The reason it never draws more than 30 amps is that the relay won't be energised during cranking, only when the engine fires up.  Another way of doing this is to earth the relay through the oil pressure switch, for those of us with alternators too old to provide the connection required, like the ubiquotous Lucas ACR.
If you are going to risk flattening the battery regularly I would suggest a deep cycle or caravan battery.
Can't help you with where to fit it though, not without seeing your car.  Check whether any compatible LR model had twin batteries, like the RR classic does.

[Eeyore]

Yep, there should be bags of room next to the oringinal battery under the passenger seat (presuming thats not where all electrickery bits for the engine are now hid). You may have to contruct another securing bracket, but thats not rocket science when see how the originals are made.

If you can build your own split charge circuit, you're more than capable of building a securing bracket! And yes, they are plenty secure enough.

HTH & good luck
Cheers
 8)
Eeyore

[V8MoneyPit]

My second battery is fitted in the box just inside the rear door on the left. Not sure if this feature appears on the 90 though. If you are using an original 'BIG' battery, you may not have enough room under the seat. The deep cylce batteries are designed precisely for the task you and I need them for. However, they are quite expensive and I have chosen the route of replacing the 138 battery every couple of years or so. At under £15 it takes quite a few to pay for a proper deep cycle one. It really depends on how hard you intend to work it.

[Dangermouse]

Dont mount your split charge relay in the battery box under the pasenger seat & then go play in deep water  :oops:  It save's time & mony later.



DM  :)

[muddyweb]

For mounting the second battery, you can make up a double cradle if you want to make a nice job.

This is the Devon 4x4 version (designed for twin Optimas clearly)

[vtrdaz]

chaps - thanks for all the info and advice!