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Post by Jon on Feb 26, 2009 15:41:23 GMT -8
So, seeing as how it doesn't look like I'll be getting my suspension swapped tomorrow I was looking around at other ways to spend money I dont have At what point do I need to think about dual batteries? How many of you have them? Is there a general rule of thumb to follow that will help determine when you need the additional battery? What about a High-Output alternator? In the near future (I hope), I should have my winch, and then maybe a little later some additional lights. On trips I could easily see using my phone charger, my gps, notebook using the inverter, radio, lights and other normal stuff. I know the obvious answer here is that when you kill a battery and are stuck by yourself... well you should have done the dual battery instal the day before :-) but I am hoping to try and figure it out before that.
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Post by racincowboy on Feb 26, 2009 22:44:21 GMT -8
Jon,
I wouldnt worry too much about it. I don't run dual batteries. I'm sure winching for long periods of time will kill even a dual battery set up if your winch doesnt burn up first.
I dont know what size alternator your FJ has but with all the electronic demands on a newer rig im 50% sure your rig has a fairly high output alternator already. I will check on it and report back with what I find.
I know all too well how easy it is to spend the money you dont have when I am on my winter layoff I get alot of time to "shop" on the net for what I would love to have and can't afford at the moment. So I just add it to my wish list which is very long at this point. lol
Lance
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Post by pistonschick on Feb 26, 2009 23:24:30 GMT -8
Hey Jon,
Echo Lance.
We don't have duals either -- we ran our winch for almost 8 hours straight for the Cherokee recovery - at the end of the day, the volts finally dropped low enough to mess with the Jacobs ignition and the battery finally died at the very end of the day. That was a tired, old, cheap battery. Darel has a brand new Optima now - no worries.
Darel has dual batteries on his wish list, but they wouldn't even come close to topping the following basic necessities:
1) adequate clearance & suspension 2) multi-purpose traction tires (mud, snow, sand, etc) 3) hi-lift jack & shovel 4) winch & recovery gear (clevis, block, strap, tree saver)
Level 2 (stuff you want) 1) lockers 2) on board air 3) rock sliders 4) dual batteries
We've got some Cruiser boys that frequent this site - hopefully they will chime in with some thoughts about the output of the alternator in your late model FJ.
CC
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Post by racincowboy on Feb 27, 2009 0:05:58 GMT -8
Jon,
From what I have found for your FJ the max output for your Alt is 120-140 amps. I got this off the Fj forum. So I dont know how accurate it is but it seemed reasonable to me.
I think you will be fine with what you have. I would give it a shot on the trail a few times and see. If you did have a problem one of us will get you cranked up again and just shut off some of the electronic goodies and you should be fine.
If you are worried about it I found a couple threads at the FJ forum to upgrade your stock alt to a higher amperage output.
Thats what I found. Forum guys from what I have found know their stuff usually.
Lance
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Post by Jon on Feb 28, 2009 11:15:18 GMT -8
Thanks Lance, this is basically what I also found. The alternator on the FJ seems to be ok for now from what I gather from the FJ Forum. I guess I'll just wait and see how things go... I am sure I can always find another way to spend the 600 bucks for the dual battery kit (before battery!!) For those interested though, Diryparts (Ran by cruiserlarry on the FJ Forum) makes a highly recomended turn key solution for dual batteries. From what I've read it's so simple even I could instal it! ;D You wont find it on his website but if you call or email him he usually gets back to you in a day. I know I am the only FJ (so far!!!) that will be seeing some off road action, but even for FJ's that will only see the street, the FJ Curiser Forum is a huge resource of tech and how to... complete with a ton of pictures!! (I like / need that). Thanks for the list Crystal. Most of the stuff on there is on my list already. Instead of onboard air though, I am leaning towards a CO2 tank. I use to have an old FJ with onboard air and while it would run my air tools and fill up the 35's I had, the power was weak and it took a while. Of course, once the tank is out, your out of air, but I hear they last pretty long. I saw a deal yesterday through TRDParts4U, and will probably be ordering one on Monday. For others interested, here is the info... "March Special!!! Off-Road Air Sport 10# CO2 tank with regulator, 20' recoil hose, airchuck and mounting bracket. $215.00 delivered lower 48 states, taxable if in Texas! This is the CO2 tank package only, NO DEFLATOR or TIRE REPAIR KIT. Give Jacque or me a call at 866-233-4305." ahhh... a fool and his money...
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Post by racincowboy on Feb 28, 2009 20:24:27 GMT -8
Jon,
I know Darel and Bill Bill and Bill Meyer have old A/c compressors mounted on their rigs with air plumbed that is switchable on and off and with out cut out when the air pressure reaches I believe 120 psi. I have an ARB compressor in my jeep for my lockers and I can use it to air back up the tires but it does take quite a while.
Generally at the end of the day I just "borrow" air from someone so that we can get back on the road headed home. I have seen the Co2 tanks and they look cool I personally don't know where I could mount one in my rig without being in the way. I myself am thinking about putting "air" on my rig the same way as Darel and the rest of the guys.
Im sure if you wanted to add the same system to your rig we could figure out a way to do it and build it yourself for not much more then a tank costs. Just my .02
P.s. I have been accused of being cheap before lol
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Post by xtrmtj on Mar 22, 2009 16:44:08 GMT -8
I run dual red tops, have for years, I run them in series right now. I like having all them CCA for Winching, O/R Lights, and assured Starts. Simple setup, easy to install. Also, my OBA is an A/C pump off a Ford car, I plumed it onto the stock A/C tower, ran a new pulley and bam, OBA ! ;D
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