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Duel Battery Setup
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:32 am
by wild_horse
I've just got my hands on some 2nd hand IPF Spot Lights and was wondering how I can get them onto my Brumby.
Will I need a duel Battery Set up. If so What do I need and where's a good spot for the second battery other than in the tray?
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:35 pm
by BaronVonChickenPants
You don't need dual battery just for running some spotlights, unless you plan to use them everytime you drive the car.
The best way the do it is via a negatively switch relay that is only powered when high beam is on, also have an overide switch on the dash.
Then run a fused line direct from the battery to the relay, then to the lights.
Fuses to suit:
2 x 100W = 15A fuse
2 x 150W = 25A fuse
2 x 200W = 35A fuse
In my opinion anything more than this is just crazy, even 2x200W is borderline.
There used to be a picture floating around for this, any one still have it?
If you're planning on doing a lot of night driving with them then you might consider a 2nd or upgraded alternator, no matter how many batteries you have if you're using more than the alternator can supply you'll flatten them eventually.
Jordan.
Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 10:39 am
by Wilbur
You don't need dual batterys for running spot/driving lights. If you can read a wiring diagram the plastic relays you buy has one on the top, or you could splash out and get a harness (they go for about $50).
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:45 pm
by wild_horse
Cheers guys, I'm thinking a bigger / newer alternator will be the go.
In my last post I forgot to mention that I already have spotties mounted on the bull bar. The new IPF will be going on the roll bar. I also have a CD player and amp installed.
If any one can give me an idea of what altinator to get (a bigger one or newer one) that would be great.
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:26 pm
by Gannon
The XT6 had a 90A alternator (but i doubt you will find one of those, they were never sold in Aust)
Read this, it may help. But its american
http://www.ultimatesubaru.net/forum/sho ... hp?t=48583
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:40 am
by Wilbur
I ran 4 spotties on my RX with no ill effects. I am now running 6 on my hilux and a fridge and nothing has happened yet. Just can't turn everything on unless I'm moving (have the revs up).
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:50 am
by fredsub
I remember a thread on USMB about fitting bigger GM alternators on 100Amp+
wonder if anyone here tried ?
dunno about the RX, but at least the L has a 60amp alt, many many cars
have just 35amp alts

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:48 pm
by BRUMBERTY
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 1:09 am
by rsrlegacy
Get an alternator off some of the late 90s Nissans. Will fit on the same brackets and the same wiring. The last 1 I fitted was 95 amps from a 4wd.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:08 pm
by stinky
Can you run two sets of smallish spotties off the same relay? Or is that pushing it a bit? Would you wire them in parallel or serial ?
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:43 am
by BaronVonChickenPants
Running both off 1 relay is fine as long as you using the right relay, I run both my spotties 100W off a 15amp relay, put them in parrallel, if you put them in series and 1 blows then they both go out.
Jordan.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:40 am
by stinky
Nooo two sets as in two pairs
I'm guessing the answer is yes as long as the relay is big enough.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:45 am
by BaronVonChickenPants
Oh sorry, yeah, same answer still applies just use a bigger relay, you could use two smaller relays wired in parralel to the switch to give some sort of redundancy if you wnated to, thats what I would do.
Jordan.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:51 am
by Wilbur
Just to confuse you. The 6 lights I have are run from 2 switches and 3 relays. Geez I'm smart

Very simple. Just run the switching wires over from the first relay to the second and then you only need one switch and all the lights are happy.