Teach me: Setting up a dual battery & compressor

[shifted]

Tried having a search on Perth4x4 but I think I'm searching for the wrong stuff...

Basically, I'd like to setup a second battery in the Hilux - apart from buying a second battery and mounting it properly, what do you need, how does it work and has anyone set one up? Or have links to a DIY thread I can follow?

Also, I've been away from work for a few weeks due to exam study so I haven't been able to try find the information from a person at work - they are setting up a compressor to run off of their accessories belt and a switch to the cab, basically to pump up their tyres. I'll try find out the info of how they are going about it when I'm back at work but thought I'd ask here in case anyone has done this themselves.

Is this a decent setup or would it be better to have a separate compressor mounted elsewhere? I kind of like the idea of having it in the engine bay as there is plenty of room whereas in the cab there isn't and mounting it somewhere in the tray I'm not that keen on at the moment.

Figured there'd be some 4x4 gurus on here if they don't mind sharing their wisdom. :)

Kind regards,

Paul

[Fozzy]

I would recommend a redarc solenoid for your dual batteries. I have been using one for years and it has been excellent. http://redarc.com.au/products/product/smart-start-sbi_12v_100a/ If you go on their website they have wiring diagrams and hints and tips. http://redarc.com.au/handy-hints/

You will also need Fuses for your 2 positive runs. I used circuit breakers personally.
Cable runs with end lugs. I got this from a battery place to my measurements and got them to put the end lugs on.
Battery Tray
Battery.

You would prolly need to allow 500-600 depending on what battery you choose.


Endless air off the engine is awesome and fast but its generally expensive to set up as you need to mount another compressor in your engine bay + belt + wiring + hosing (mind you for the lux there is probably a kit out there somewhere). In modern 4x4's its generally not practical as there is no room. I went for a stand alone unit mounted in my tray. However the stand alone units can be mounted anywhere, under the seats. In the engine bay etc. I just wired mine up direct to the battery and it is setup so it can only turn on when the engine is running.

[shifted]

Wow thanks for that mate! Mind posting some pictures up of your setup?

Is this essentially the wiring diagram?
http://redarc.com.au/handy-hints/wiring_guides/the_ultimate_dual_battery_setup/

If I wanted to run the compressor, spotties and anything extra I can run it directly from the second battery or does it just pull power from both so extra relays/switches are in place?

The reason I'm considering the compressor in the engine bay is due to the space however I'll need to investigate it a little further. I had some spare AC compressors at home (from some wrecks) and have 1 left so rather than binning it I was thinking of tinkering with it and see if it works. There possibly could be a kit though like you mentioned, I'll have a search around on google and see if anything pops up.

[Fozzy]

I have mine setup like this http://redarc.com.au/handy-hints/wiring_guides/sbi12d_with_single_auxiliary/

There is not really much to take pictures of. These pics are pre circuit breakers.

Solenoid
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/41341_10150247651890500_3551512_n.jpg

Battery
http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/41021_10150247651960500_4163384_n.jpg

I run everything off my second battery as it is a dual use battery Cranking/Starter. Winch, Spotties, Compressor, Radio, Fridge etc etc. Basically the way the solenoid works is it charges the starter battery first and then when it senses the other battery dropping it charges that it Isolates the starter battery from the second battery. I also recommend installing one of these on anything that runs a constant draw like a fridge http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AA0262 great way to look after the life of your battery.

[shifted]

Ah I see! Thanks for that, I'll have a dig around for some parts then see what I can piece together. :D

Also just came across these two compressor wise,
http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/project-cj7-onboard-air.htm
http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=70965

I'll have to have a read after exams. :)

[gazza750]

Thought about an ARKPAK ?
http://www.arkcorporation.com/p/3231/arkpak
this is what i am looking at as it is also portable

[Fozzy]

Mate uses one of them due to limited space under the bonnet. They become far less portable with a 25kg battery in them. I just made a couple of 12v extension leads if I need to power anything out of the car I just plug them in and away I go.

[shifted]

Thought about an ARKPAK ?
http://www.arkcorporation.com/p/3231/arkpak
this is what i am looking at as it is also portable

No where to put it, unless I get a canopy and stick everything in the tray but that isn't something I plan on doing, I'd prefer to mount everything possible in the engine bay as there is a fair bit of room.

Haven't considered the portability though before, saying that I have an adaptor for the 12V socket that goes from one socket into two. Maybe I can utilise that if ever need be in some capacity. For now the aim is to run the compressor and spotties for some beach/small 4x4 use. Not so much for full blown camping.

Edit: http://www.endlessair.com.au/

Will be contacting them for a quote, though I came across the below also; http://www.perth4x4.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41953