2.8GR second battery - where to put it

[transnamib]

Has anyone fitted a second battery to a 2.8? I carry an unconnected one in the back as part of my spares kit but changing it with the one in the engine bay every so often is a pain. I'd really like it permanently connected but the problem is where's the best place to put it? Any ideas gratefully received.

[Peter Connan]

Don't specifically know the 2.8, but I guess the theory remains very much the same:

Advantages of placing it in the engine bay:
1) The battery does not take up space that would be usefull for other luggage.
2) The charging cables are kept shorter, therefore they can be lighter and have less losses.
3) Potentially dangerous gasses are not released into the vehicle's cabin.

Disadvantages of placing it in the engine bay:
1) The temperature in the engine bay exceeds the ideal temperature for a lead-acid battery, and particularly for a deep-cycle battery. Therefore, battery life is compromised.

Above disadvantage can be reduced by using a battery more suited to high temperatures, such as Deltec's new Lead Crystal battery, however the engine bay of my 4.2 Y60 is still slightly hotter than is ideal even for the Lead Crystal.

My temperatures reach about 75C (when crawling in Low1), the LC is rated for 60C, and the Deep Cycle is supposedly only good for 30C

[Tinus lotz]

Put it in the back with soiliniod pulling in when alternator makes power use min 16mm wire from alternator and pull a neg too or use a pbe system it works , make sure u put the soiliniod on the alternator charge wire so that soilnoid only comes on when engine is running . You can put a switch on the dash to break the live to soilinid if you want to make it not charge

[transnamib]

Thanks Peter and Tinus. I really want to get it under the bonnet but the obvious space which is available in Australian models is full of brake lines and other things in my UK version. When I am in the bush I sleep in the vehicle - rear seats all removed and replaced with flat load platform which becomes my bed at night and awning tent on the rear for eating etc. Looks like I will have to follow Tinus advice about fitting it in the back, although I will have to have it in a sealed container as I prefer to breath air at night.
Appreciate the help.

[Peter Connan]

Post some pics of your engine bay, let's see if there is a plan to be made?

[transnamib]

Thanks Peter for volunteering to spend time on someone else's problem - it is much appreciated. As soon as it stops raining here (a week so far, and not much sign of a break) I will forward some pictures. I can't do them in the garage as the Patrol won't fit through the door. Thanks again.

[Peter Connan]

Haha

My Patrol also intimidates my garage like that!