Duel Batteries needed?

[pabloconrad]

The winch I ordered is finally coming in. I was wondering about whether or not I should run duel-batteries.

One battery for the main power supply and one for the winch only with an isolation switch to hook it up when I need to charge it.

For those who've done this, where did you place the battery? Do you run them in parallel continuously or intermittent? Am I paranoid over the load requirements of the 9500 pound winch?:confused1

 

[Jes]

I've never needed two batteries while winching. I do however run an auxilary battery that I can put "on line" with the flip of a switch. Nice to have a backup to start your junk after you run down the main battery by playing your sterio for an entire weekend.

 

[pabloconrad]

Kinda crowded in there. Are there any alternative mounting spots? Maybe in the rear storage?

 

[scoobyxj]

Kinda crowded in there. Are there any alternative mounting spots? Maybe in the rear storage?

Not unless you get a sealed battery like an Optma, or the like. If his wiring was cleaned up it wouldnt look so crowded.

 

[Ronbo]

Hell it looks nice and clean to me. Quality cables, connectors, heat shrink, loom, zip ties...There's only so much you can do with two batteries and all that stuff.

 

[klonestar]

You can also buy an after market enclosed battery tray thats vented and place it anywhere in the back you wish. (you dont have to have an Optima with this) I highly recommend a battery isolator which allows the 2nd battery to charge but isolates it from the main battery. This allows you to run the second battery down without affecting the main battery. Best way to run assessories without worry of draining main battery. Its foolproof and does all the work for you.

This is a standard set up for using a travel trailer.

 

[pabloconrad]

I think I'll go with a new tray and Optima battery with an isolation switch. That sounds most viable as well as safe. Don't want to kill the alternator as I've had several friends do while winching.

Thanks for all the input guys. Can't wait to use it. Well, not really.

 

[Goatman]

You don't need dual batteries to run a winch. Many, many, many people run winches on single batteries with no issues at all. The benefit of a dual battery is pretty much for emergencies only, having the ability to start your rig if you run down the main battery by running something a long time or leaving something on. Of course, if you're not by yourself and someone has jumper cables, you still don't need the two batteries. If you have a good capacity battery in good condition, and a decent capacity stock alternator, you can run a winch with no issues.

For most people, the only real reason to have dual batteries is because you want them.

 

[TC]

I agree with Richard, with the batteries and alternator options out there theres no need for a second battery for a trailrider. To many downsides; they take up valueable space, cost of a second battery-mount-wiring, and then theres the extra 40 to 60 pounds that you'll be adding to the camels back.

 

[dj's 2000 xj]

I carry a jump pack just in case. Although, I do not have a winch yet. I do run two 12" subs off a big amp. Just about as much fun! giddy up.

 

[klonestar]

Ultimately I will have 2 amps, high watt trail lights, winch, etc...

I would only ever need to run either amps and lights or lights and winch at the same time. Im playing with the idea of trying to make room for a bigger battery as opposed to two of them and adding a high output alternator. Im confident I will be all set.

I want a bigger batt. for added CCA's in the dead of winter when its 30 below for extended periods of time. That really takes its toll on small batteries. When its that cold out for a long time you cant jump in and run to the local store and back without eventually killing your battery. It doesnt have time to recharge in that kind of cold. I use nothing smaller than 900 CCA's in all my vehicles up here. My 66' Coronet w/9.5-1 compression is using a 1500 CCA batt. and the reserve time is only two hours! Nice to have it turn over strong in the dead of a minus 30 degree winter!

 

[BlueGerbil]

Kinda crowded in there. Are there any alternative mounting spots? Maybe in the rear storage?

Get rid of your stock air filter housing - that gives you enough space for a 2nd battery where the Diesel XJ has them - there´s also a writeup on this at www.madxj.com how to use original XJ parts (from a Diesel) so you have only minimal fabwork to do. I´ll go with a custom holder (don´t like the original plastic crap) for the second battery.

 

[5-90]

A nice thing about a second battery on a solenoid isolator (a constant-duty solenoid, rather than a solid-state pack. Cheaper and more reliable...) is being able to wire up work lights, inverters, or whatever to the isolated battery and run it dry - or being able to flip an override switch and suddenly have a fully-charged battery in the system in case you have trouble with the primary. There are some compensations to the system, properly designed.

If you want a high-output alternator, check out the San Jose Generator section of my website, and give Rod a call. He does damn good work, and I'm hoping he'll get q fair bit of business from the site I made for him. I talked him into doing mail-order, and if he's impressed, we might have another option, aside from Mean Green ($$$$), for extra-high-output and custom applications. I've seen him fix some weird stuff...

Oh - and it's "dual battery," not "duel battery." Just for your edification, a "duel" is a fight of honour between two people - kinda like the old "pistols at ten paces" thing. Just so you know - spelling is taken literally by computer systems, and taking the time to check if you're not sure will help those who come after and search...

5-90

 

[klonestar]

Yes 5-90 I have saved Rons site for when I do the alternator upgrade! Thanks! Wondering about shpg. and core charge being in the NE. Not sure if I would be ahead paying to ship the core back.

I agree that a properly set up dual battery system has its benefits!

 

[5-90]

I seem to recall that he, like I, has a flat shipping rate - something like $15 for FedEx ground (I really need to sandbag him on that...)

If he does want the core back, I see no reason why you'd have to expedite the return shipment - just so it gets back there.

I just promote him and try to help him out because I've found his work to be damn near bombproof - I used to install his gear on forklifts and such (before I got out of the business...) and the damn things just WORKED. I didn't find that anywhere else...

5-90

 

[klonestar]

Great! Thats what I will be doing!

Thanks,
Ken

 

[BrettM]

You don't need dual batteries to run a winch. Many, many, many people run winches on single batteries with no issues at all. The benefit of a dual battery is pretty much for emergencies only, having the ability to start your rig if you run down the main battery by running something a long time or leaving something on. Of course, if you're not by yourself and someone has jumper cables, you still don't need the two batteries. If you have a good capacity battery in good condition, and a decent capacity stock alternator, you can run a winch with no issues.

For most people, the only real reason to have dual batteries is because you want them.

exactly the way I see it. I always carry jumper cables in any vehicle I own. if you think you may be in situations there won't be someone around to give you a jumpstart, get one of these, much easier and cheaper:

 

[gregclimbs]

or for a welder....

g

 

[DubaiXJ]

I'm with 5-90. Cole Hersee Solenoid, a switch, a LED and a few feet of battery cable from a welding supplies store. Cheap, reliable and you decide how you want to charge and discharge your batteries.

Andre

 

[Goatman]

or for a welder....

g

I have an on board welder, and have one battery. The welder works off the alternator and the battery and alternator are disconnected while welding.

There is nothing wrong with having dual batteries, and some people are very happy with their dual battery setup if they run a lot of accessories, especially in camp. But, do you need dual batteries to run a winch? NO, you don't.