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Offline frogman

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Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« on: January 15, 2012, 10:01:33 AM »
I'm after a Dual Battery system for my 120 Prado,do i need a management system like a Red arc smart start BCDC or Ctec D250 dual or am i good with just a battery isolater. I no it all depends on what im doing,so i will need to charge 2 deep cycle batteries in my camper to run a fridge and lights plus a fridge in my vehicle.  I will set up the camper with 240v battery charger and inverter down the track.Each place i have visited has told me something different so not sure which way to go,im also going to fit it myself .Any pointers would be good ,were to buy,what not to by.Thanks
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Offline Hairs

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2012, 10:11:26 AM »
Hi frogman ,
I use a . Redarc Smart start SBI12
It looks after the dual battery setup under the bonnet, suppling power to the rear Fridge when traveling as well as charging the two batteries on the camper(Anderson Plug) and supplying power to the 12v 150Watt element in the 3 way fridge when traveling.
Never had a problem with it.
 :cheers:
« Last Edit: January 15, 2012, 10:16:13 AM by Hairs »
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Offline Patr80l

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2012, 10:36:49 AM »
KISS.
A $120, 150Amp Voltage Sensing Relay (VSR), some heavy cable and a couple of circuit breakers (one near each battery) is all you need to DIY.   As far as I can tell the brand-name kits aren't much more than a VSR for three times the price.

The VSR closes the circuit at around 13 1/2 volts and opens the circuit at about 12 1/2 volts so that when the alternator is working the batteries are connected in parallel and both charge.   In effect, one big battery.   Let the alternator "manage" them. 

I have used this system on three vehicles now, the last two had a second VSR to connect/isolate the van battery as well so that all three batteries are isolated from each other when the alternator is not running.   Usually the VSR senses the voltage of the main battery (so that all the alternator's efforts go to charging the main battery until it's happy before the secondary one gets a look-in.)  but I bought one recently that senses both batteries so that it closes if either battery is over the threshold voltage.   This means you can charge the secondary battery via a 240V charger or solar panel and it will also charge the main battery too.
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Offline frogman

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2012, 11:31:17 AM »
OK im now trolling my way through the net with plenty of conflicting info,found this on Ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PROJECTA-DUAL-BATTERY-SYSTEM-TRAILER-CARAVAN-KIT-/300647034213?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fff5ad65     what do you guys think.
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Offline Mace

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2012, 11:34:33 AM »
From memory, I think this supplier has a good reputation amongst swaggers who have purchased from him.

Thats not a bad price for a full kit.

I use a redarc

 :cheers:
« Last Edit: January 15, 2012, 02:15:47 PM by Mace »
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Offline gibbo301

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2012, 11:39:11 AM »
I have the same setup as Hairs and never had a problem  :cup:
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Offline singo-26

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2012, 11:41:08 AM »
Quote from: frogman on January 15, 2012, 11:31:17 AM
OK im now trolling my way through the net with plenty of conflicting info,found this on Ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PROJECTA-DUAL-BATTERY-SYSTEM-TRAILER-CARAVAN-KIT-/300647034213?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fff5ad65     what do you guys think.


The 100 amp version of the projects is about $170 at supercheap for the kit. After my isolator failed on a trip it is what I run now.

Note: I have no association with Supercheap other than I spend money there.
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Offline Bird

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2012, 11:44:51 AM »
Quote from: singo-26 on January 15, 2012, 11:41:08 AM
The 100 amp version of the projects is about $170 at supercheap for the kit. After my isolator failed on a trip it is what I run now
after my projecta failed I run a piranha now.... :(

also agree with everyone, have used this seller and will again soon, top prices, top service.
« Last Edit: January 15, 2012, 12:41:26 PM by Lost »
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Offline wholehog

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2012, 12:17:34 PM »
Quote from: frogman on January 15, 2012, 11:31:17 AM
OK im now trolling my way through the net with plenty of conflicting info,found this on Ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PROJECTA-DUAL-BATTERY-SYSTEM-TRAILER-CARAVAN-KIT-/300647034213?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fff5ad65     what do you guys think.

Can vouch for that Ebay seller :cup:
Awesome prices and great service :cheers:
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Offline MrCruza

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2012, 02:14:40 PM »
Another vote for the "kiss" Redarc setup   :cheers:
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Offline Blinky Bill

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2012, 03:51:50 PM »
Yep Redarc here too.

We also had a toggle switch installed to start the vehicle with the aux battery should the main battery not have enough charge. 

I've only needed to use it the once (not sure what happened there). A simple flick of the switch & I was off and running.

All the best - Wayne
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Offline frogman

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #11 on: January 15, 2012, 04:26:22 PM »
Redarc sounds the go so best places to source wiring,any ideas.
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Offline singo-26

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #12 on: January 15, 2012, 04:34:24 PM »
Redarc are one good option, I have some of their gear, but there are many others. I'm sure drivesafe (on here) could help you out with a kit.

Again no affiliation.
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Offline Wato

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #13 on: January 15, 2012, 05:44:29 PM »
Frogman
I installed a Projecta unit into my son's Suzuki about 4 years ago and it hasn;t missed a beat. I was impressed with the kit as a whole. I run a Piranha unit in my Patrol.

Craig
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Offline D4D

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #14 on: January 15, 2012, 05:47:37 PM »
One of drivesafe's dual battery systems and one of Leigh's V boosters if you have a D4D
http://www.traxide.com.au/SC80.html
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=18607
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Offline Boxhead 71

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #15 on: January 15, 2012, 09:22:40 PM »
G'day Frogman. I've noticed with the Redarc SBI 12 that you only get the isolator and a coupla terminals in the kit, so if cost is a consideration a lot of other kits come complete with cables and even Anderson plugs. I dunno how much all the extras cost but i imagine it would add a fair bit to the price.
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Offline cewilson

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #16 on: January 15, 2012, 10:48:57 PM »
I'll back Drivesafe's products (Traxide) mainly because his service is second to none.  Any issues with installing it and he will gladly help you in anyway possible.  He has sold heaps to a lot of us Landrover drivers over the years - it's probably the best 'electrical' thing we have in the vehicle :)


Cheers
Chris
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Offline Boxhead 71

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #17 on: January 15, 2012, 10:51:19 PM »
That's probly not sayin' much!  ;D ;D ;D
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Offline cewilson

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #18 on: January 15, 2012, 11:27:24 PM »
Not saying much about Lucas wiring that's for sure, but Drivesafe's product is first rate  :)
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Offline Barry G

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #19 on: January 16, 2012, 10:02:52 AM »
Another happy Traxide (aka Drivesafe have a look at his contributions to the electrical section of the forum) customer here.

He is only too happy to give advice as well, and has always responded promptly to my PMs on the forum.

I had never done any wiring, either 12volt or 240, before I foitted my kit and it works right ouit of the 'box'.

His circuit diagrams are also easy to follow.

(No association with him, other than as a happy customer.)
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Offline DannyG

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #20 on: January 16, 2012, 10:19:50 AM »
I have always just used an old fashioned solenoid.

I am not sure what the down side is to using this style of solenoid but it has always worked for me. It simply connects the batteries when the car is running and disconnects them when it is not. I use an override switch when winching with the car running so the winch is only working from the cranking battery and not the deep cycle. Its a very cheap and simple set up that works well for us.



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Offline Patr80l

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #21 on: January 16, 2012, 11:56:20 AM »
Truth be told you're probably right. The theory behind a VSR or other clever isolator is that it makes sure the main battery is getting plenty of volts before the auxiliary kicks in, unlike a simple solenoid.   However even when my main battery has been quite sick the VSR usually closes within a few seconds of the alternator operating.    (Anyway, if my main battery was on its last legs, I think I would want my auxiliary to be fully charged!)

The other issue is protecting the ECU from spikes.   Listening to the sales pitch of Alan from Piranha, it does sound like just a sales pitch.
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Offline mr_cougar79

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #22 on: January 16, 2012, 06:08:34 PM »
I to have the Redarc SBI12 and have not had a problem with it...Purchased for $85 on Evilbay
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Offline Crisp Image

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #23 on: January 16, 2012, 06:22:31 PM »
Quote from: Patr80l on January 16, 2012, 11:56:20 AM
The other issue is protecting the ECU from spikes.
A well placed diode across the coil takes care of these.
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Offline frogman

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Re: Dual Battery Management system do i need it.
« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2012, 03:35:39 PM »
$85 is a good price, the local 4wd shop wants $180 for one no mrk up there.
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