Dual battery?

[CRaSHnBuRN]

Is it worth it to run dual batteries? I've got a little room behind the rear seat of the 4runner that would be a good location for a dual battery setup. It would help move more weight to the rear, right above the rear axle, where it is needed. I just wonder if running dual batteries is worth the extra cost of the second battery and wiring?

[AggieTJ2007]

I like them for when you have to winch, especially if you are running cheaper batteries. Welding cable is pretty cheap and if the batteries are right next to each other you can wire them together w/o an isolator,

i would use a cheap disconnect so you can cut off the power so the battery is not dead everything you go to start the 4runner

[DRAGOONRANCH]

One of the main problems w/ dual setups is when you put a crappy battery in w/ a good one. The crappy one will draw the good one down when the vehicle is parked (i.e. in the backyard between trips) and will cause the good one to go bad much faster. The best way is to have two fresh batteries to start w/ and always replace them together.

[CRaSHnBuRN]

both batteries would be excide orbitals. Even if I don't run dual batteries, I may move the one I have to the back, just to help redistribute the weight a little and lower the COG all I can. So, do you need anything special to wire up dual batteries. I know places like 12voltguy.com and so forth have kits, but what do those actually do?

[DRAGOONRANCH]

Some put an isolator like creighton was talking about to keep from draining both batteries. I just dont see a need in it. If it is getting that bad, just pull the positive wire from one battery and have at it. I am pretty sure I used 1/0 welding wire on most of mine. They make good lugs and a pretty neat crimper for them that you can pick up at most any welding supply and some TSC's. I would hit the welding supply, as TSC's selection can be lackin at times. If you want to go this way, I can drop off the crimper when I make the other delivery this week.

[CRaSHnBuRN]

I would be interested in the crimper, and seeing your setup, but its going to have to wait until after I do the 35 spline upgrade to my D60. But I wanted to know if I should plan for the dual case setup when finishing off my cage

[AggieTJ2007]

if you dont have a crimper a fairly blunt centerpunch and a sledge hammer work very well, thats how we crimp them at work.

[Reckless]

or the tube that comes in the center of shock bushings and a hammer, thats how I did Eds the first time before he took it all apart.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

I also recomend the miltary style terminal clamps. They do require you to have an end on the wire there, but it all bolts together and makes it easy to add or remove extra wires to other components. I will try to find a link to some in a bit.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

http://www.electerm.com/battery.html

Part #s BTM-P and BTM-N