Beginners Patrol
Posted: 15 Dec 2016 22:33
Wel I finaly had some time to start my first modifications to my 1999 4.5 Patrol.
First thing on my list was the dual battery system. The previous owner had a national luna isolator installed and one plug near the trailer coupling to connect to the trailer that carried the second battery and one 12v outlet in the load area that was useless without a second battery conected since the national luna isolator does not connect without a second battery connected and I didn't buy the trailer.
Firstly I pulled out the old 16mm^2 wire end replaced it with 35mm^2 cable (much harder to route then one might think) and relocated the isolator from the cramped bonnet to the rear where I built a bracket to hold a 50L water tank as well as the second battery. Because I increased the wire size so drastically the old fuse holders didn't fit any more so I made new ones out of thick perspex, one fuse holder in the front near the main battery and a second one with extra terminal connectors at the back.
I bought a 200Ah Narada solar system battery for R2000 where a deep cycle 104Ah would have cost over R4000, the only down side is that it weighs 61kg but price and value compared to weigt was worth it to me. The good thing is know I can weld with it if I have to after I accidentally took quite a chunk out of my side cutter.
Still to come would be a pump underneath the tank, a cargo barier and a propper fuse box aswell as more gadgets to justify that size of a battery. When I am satisfied whith the neatness and everything has its place I will take it out and paint.
First thing on my list was the dual battery system. The previous owner had a national luna isolator installed and one plug near the trailer coupling to connect to the trailer that carried the second battery and one 12v outlet in the load area that was useless without a second battery conected since the national luna isolator does not connect without a second battery connected and I didn't buy the trailer.
Firstly I pulled out the old 16mm^2 wire end replaced it with 35mm^2 cable (much harder to route then one might think) and relocated the isolator from the cramped bonnet to the rear where I built a bracket to hold a 50L water tank as well as the second battery. Because I increased the wire size so drastically the old fuse holders didn't fit any more so I made new ones out of thick perspex, one fuse holder in the front near the main battery and a second one with extra terminal connectors at the back.
I bought a 200Ah Narada solar system battery for R2000 where a deep cycle 104Ah would have cost over R4000, the only down side is that it weighs 61kg but price and value compared to weigt was worth it to me. The good thing is know I can weld with it if I have to after I accidentally took quite a chunk out of my side cutter.
Still to come would be a pump underneath the tank, a cargo barier and a propper fuse box aswell as more gadgets to justify that size of a battery. When I am satisfied whith the neatness and everything has its place I will take it out and paint.