L Series Dual Battery Diagram

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 8:48 pm

Just finished a diagram for my dual battery setup that I should have installed in Feb 2014, more than happy for any suggestions that may improve my idea, I have gone for some items that are higher in cost but I have also done my research and found them to be best suited to my needs.

The Redarc controller and wiring specs below

SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL BCDC1240
DIMENSIONS = 120mm long x 150mm wide x 37mm high
WEIGHT = 680 grams
INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE = 9 - 32 volts (this means suitable for 12 and 24 volt systems)
CHARGING SPECS = GEL /AGM BATTERIES 14.5v (max) 13.3v (float)
= STANDARD LEAD ACID BATTERIES = 14.9v (max) 13.3v (float)
= CALCIUM TYPE BATTERIES= 15.3v (max) 13.3v (float)
OUTPUT POWER = 40 amps (max) 600w (max)

INCLUDES
1 x Genuine Redarc BCDC1240 with installation instructions
2 x 50 Amp Circuit Breakers ( more expensive but in our opinion better than fuses )
6m x 8 B&S Genuine Tycab Twin Sheathed Cable
2 x Yellow Joiner Terminals
4 x Brass 6mm Cable Lugs Nickle Coated
2 x Brass 8mm Cable Lugs Nickle Coated
2 x Nickel Coated Brass Marine Battery Terminals

CABLE SPECIFICATIONS
7.71 mm squared Nominal Area
stranding 96/0.32
Weight 558 grams (app) per 6 metres
74 amp rated @ 30 degrees ambient temperature

The front and rear anderson plugs will each be connecting to a 100w flexible monocrystaline solar panel, (200w total).

Cheers

WayneO...................

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 9:47 pm

Looks good WayneO.

Why not have the wiring from the DBS go to the rear via the AUX battery rather than running two lots of wiring? Or is that just set out like that in the diagram so other can easily make out what you're talking about?

Running two sets of wiring like this has a couple if "issues" I can see: 1) you're going to run into a huge extra cost for all that extra wiring and 2) running that amount of large wiring through existing holes in the firewall will be difficult/fun to do.

I've got my second battery in a frame behind the rear right seat - it's a sealed marine battery so apparently no need for a battery box/extra ventilation required. Gone very well so far:

The aim now is to refine the wiring system with the storage area - make it more user friendly, easily accessible and neater too

Cheers

Bennie

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 11:15 pm

El_Freddo wrote: Why not have the wiring from the DBS go to the rear via the AUX battery rather than running two lots of wiring?

Heya Bennie, the Redarc Dual battery system mentioned has a mppt solar controller built in to accommodate solar panels to which I would have wiring going to both the front and rear of the wagon where I will have waterproof Anderson plug housings.

The reason having wiring going to both the front and rear of the wagon is to make the solar panels plug and play to where the wagon is parked in relation to where the sun is positioned, if the sun is in front of the wagon then I would hook into the front panel and the same for the rear.

Both front and rear solar panel connectors must go straight to the Redarc system then the power generated would be distributed to both batteries, the Lifeline AGM (Aux battery) does not discharge gas so it is safe to charge in vehicle.

I will be having a fused power box from my Aux battery to supply power to a 31L Primus fridge / freezer, two 1.5A usb ports and two Narva 50A cigarette lighter plugs.

Cheers

WayneO........

Post by **Bantum** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 1:04 am

Thanks for sharing WayneO ...

I would like to do something similar for my touring wagon ...

Have you got any pictures to show us / web link to components - ?

Cheers, Bantum ...

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 9:05 am

Bantum wrote:Thanks for sharing WayneO ...

I would like to do something similar for my touring wagon ...

Have you got any pictures to show us / web link to components - ?

Cheers, Bantum ...

Will have all the info with web links posted after work tonight, as for pics in my wagon none yet as this install is due in Feb 2014.

Cheers

WayneO...........

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 9:16 am

Bantum wrote:Thanks for sharing WayneO ...

I would like to do something similar for my touring wagon ...

Have you got any pictures to show us / web link to components - ?

Cheers, Bantum ...

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 1:00 pm

Looks good Wayneo

I personally wouldn't worry about waterproofing the anderson plugs but it's your choice.

Can't wait to see it in action in SA

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 8:00 pm

RSR 555 wrote:Looks good Wayneo

I personally wouldn't worry about waterproofing the anderson plugs but it's your choice.

Can't wait to see it in action in SA

Heya Paul, only $19 each for the waterproof and dust proof connectors, was hoping to keep salt corrosion and sand away from a clean connection, you know what I am like with sand and dust LOL

.

Yup that's what I am getting ready for, S.A here we come, gonna put the body work on the back burner at the moment (Dents / Respray) until after S.A, not sure if I will have the time or $$ to have the Weber on before S.A either, so much I need to get done and want to have some reserve of cash for the trip in case something goes wrong.

Got the Boss (Tackleshop) to get me a price on a 31L Primus fridge / freezer, only need a small fridge / freezer, B.T.W Waeco and Primus are made in the same factory with almost identical specs, and I will have a better warranty than most because we deal direct with the distributor.

Cheers

WayneO.....................

Post by **Bantum** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:43 am

Thanks for the info WayneO, will keep a watch on here for a progress update ...

Cheers, Bantum ...

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:32 pm

Kalbarri_baru wrote:Heya Paul, only $19 each for the waterproof and dust proof connectors, was hoping to keep salt corrosion and sand away from a clean connection, you know what I am like with sand and dust LOL .

Yeah I know you and dust/dirt

but your $$ to spend as you like. I use just the open ones on the yellow beast which get washed out every time I wash the car

Kalbarri_baru wrote:Yup that's what I am getting ready for, S.A here we come, gonna put the body work on the back burner at the moment (Dents / Respray) until after S.A, not sure if I will have the time or $$ to have the Weber on before S.A either, so much I need to get done and want to have some reserve of cash for the trip in case something goes wrong.

You'll be so disappointed if you don't get that weber on before the trip

ktmtragic · Post by **ktmtragic** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:55 am

Installed a dual battery in a Tritron ute for a customer for a trip into Arnhem land. A year later the system is still going great.See the gear I used in the links below.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3686
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF2297

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:16 pm

ktmtragic wrote:Installed a dual battery in a Tritron ute for a customer for a trip into Arnhem land. A year later the system is still going great.See the gear I used in the links below.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3686
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF2297

Cool setup you have done there and a great option for a cheaper setup, but no good for my setup requirements as I will be out bush / beach for extended periods and require lots of power, extra power requires extra $$$$.

The Redarc setup may be costly but there are little if no negative reviews with the 40A unit.

Cheers

WayneO................

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 2:16 pm

And? Updates?? it's been a month now

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:31 pm

Yeah change of plans, still going with a dual battery setup but there have been some big changes from the original diagram, will post pics and explain a little later tonight when I have a spare hour or two......

Cheers

WayneO...............

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:43 pm

That should work well, I have a similiar setup in bianca, for many many years, but the second battery is mounted under the tray on top of the torision Bar. Running a slightly smaller Redarcs no solar power and a few extra waterproof cig sockets in the tray, tray light and the Stereo. Never had any dramas with it all. The redarc are fantastic

Kalbarri_baru · Post by **Kalbarri_baru** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:20 pm

All right here I go, some explanation why my original diagram had to be modified.

1. the D.B.S (Dual Battery System) in my diagram was located under the bonnet and the AUX battery was located behind the front passengers seat, Redarc state that the Unit must be placed as close to the AUX battery as possible, so now I have redesign my setup.

2. Never drink and take dimensions, 2.5. Never drink and make an online purchase / deposit based on the calculation of dimensions without re checking when you are sober.

Well I have some pics now to show what I am on about

Now the small battery is my main starting battery and the blue mass next to it is supposed to be the replacement, but unless I remove the engine from the engine bay then there is no possible way that battery is going to fit, OOPPPSSS (read No 2.)

This is the complete setup above, just waiting to go in, about three weeks time from now

Got the Carpenter in today to design a shelving system for my camping gear and Dual battery system and that should be finished in about two weeks time.

I also gave the Redarc BCDC1240 a miss and went for the smaller 25A model because of a few negative comments about the 40A charger damaging some AUX batteries, besides 25A is more than enough for what I need.

Ok of to RSR Performance on Monday 17th Feb to have my Shocks and Springs replaced then once I return I will get on with the task of the DBS and will keep all updated with pics and progress.

Cheers

WayneO...............................

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:50 pm

I think my dual battery relay is about 80A from memory - it's great as I can jump start of the second battery if I've left the radio on too long...

Sadly I've had to do that a few times

Cheers

Bennie

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:50 pm

El_Freddo wrote:I think my dual battery relay is about 80A from memory - it's great as I can jump start of the second battery if I've left the radio on too long...

Sadly I've had to do that a few times

Cheers

Bennie

The rest of us wire the main power wire (AKA Yellow wire) to the second battery and a switch (2 Postion, 3 pole) to the red wire (middle pin on switch), one wire to original accessory wire on the ignition key (either side pin on switch) and finally one to second battery (other side pin on switch). So now you can throw a switch and never flatten the starter battery again

Trust me i have drained the second battery, but no dramas starting :P

Should add i would fuse the yellow wire and the one from the second battery.

Added Bonus you don't have to have keys in the car, and keen even lock it

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L Series Dual Battery Diagram

L Series Dual Battery Diagram

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