Dual Batteries in D1

[bgbrox]

[Disclaimer: I've tried searching and digging through the old site, but can't find any threads with live pictures]

I have a 97 D1 and am using the Blue Sea Add A Battery kit to add another starter battery. I see this as step one for adding accessories, winch, etc. but right now it's just another battery (no aux fuse block). Can someone please post up pictures showing a few details?

(1) What is the best/easiest solution for remounting the PS reservoir?

(2) If anyone has used the Blue Sea kit, where did you mount the switch and relay? I would like to put them on top of the "house" battery. Are there off-the-shelf solutions for a tie down bar with room to mount these? Picture shows the placement that seems to make sense.

(3) What does the stock battery tie down look like? My truck came with the battery sitting loose. I have the stock tie down bar. The NAPA universal tie down j-bars aren't getting me closer to a solution. I think I need threaded bar on one side and a short j-bar on the other.

(4) Should I prep the battery tray in anyway? The existing spots were rusty, so I cleaned an Rustolium'd them. It seems like there should be something between the paint and battery.

Thanks!
Brian

 

[Knightspirit]

[Disclaimer: I've tried searching and digging through the old site, but can't find any threads with live pictures]

I have a 97 D1 and am using the Blue Sea Add A Battery kit to add another starter battery. I see this as step one for adding accessories, winch, etc. but right now it's just another battery (no aux fuse block). Can someone please post up pictures showing a few details?

(1) What is the best/easiest solution for remounting the PS reservoir?

(2) If anyone has used the Blue Sea kit, where did you mount the switch and relay? I would like to put them on top of the "house" battery. Are there off-the-shelf solutions for a tie down bar with room to mount these? Picture shows the placement that seems to make sense.

(3) What does the stock battery tie down look like? My truck came with the battery sitting loose. I have the stock tie down bar. The NAPA universal tie down j-bars aren't getting me closer to a solution. I think I need threaded bar on one side and a short j-bar on the other.

(4) Should I prep the battery tray in anyway? The existing spots were rusty, so I cleaned an Rustolium'd them. It seems like there should be something between the paint and battery.

Thanks!
Brian

I am just bumping this post - I too would like to do this - and my battery is loose as well. I tried the aftermarket rubber holder from the auto parts store and even after modification - I couldn't make it work. What does the original battery strap/tie down look like? Same issue with the battery tray - looks like there should be something in there - mine has nothing, is that normal?

 

[lunchbox]

I have two yellows in my D1. Remove the airbox trumpet. Bend the PS fluid res out of the way. It will slide around the back of the radiator with no mods. Use generic bolt down brackets from anywhere. The J-bolts work fine.

 

[jymmiejamz]

What are you guys powering up that you need two batteries? My D90 and my wife's D1 both have aux lights, refrigerators, and winches with just a single battery. We typically are out by ourselves in the middle of nowhere. Running out of battery power has never even crossed my mind as a concern.

 

[Knightspirit]

What are you guys powering up that you need two batteries? My D90 and my wife's D1 both have aux lights, refrigerators, and winches with just a single battery. We typically are out by ourselves in the middle of nowhere. Running out of battery power has never even crossed my mind as a concern.

Having two with an isolator allows all of the auxiliary equipment to run off the one battery - leaving the startup battery separate. That way you can run your lights while camping etc and not worry!

 

[Knightspirit]

I have two yellows in my D1. Remove the airbox trumpet. Bend the PS fluid res out of the way. It will slide around the back of the radiator with no mods. Use generic bolt down brackets from anywhere. The J-bolts work fine.

OK - good to know - I think my problem is the battery itself - was new when I bought the car, and it's probably a little bigger than normal or something. It doesn't leave room for the normal aftermarket screw down rubber top thing...

 

[jymmiejamz]

Having two with an isolator allows all of the auxiliary equipment to run off the one battery - leaving the startup battery separate. That way you can run your lights while camping etc and not worry!

I understand how a dual battery setup works, I just don't understand the want to have one. I leave the rear work lamp on when setting up camp or cooking dinner. I think you are underestimating your battery.

 

[lunchbox]

I’m not going to lie, I have a stereo problem...