[BIG] Dual Battery Project

[Chris]

This project was something I always wanted to do on my Rhino 700 but never got around to it: Dual battery setup with a smart separator.

The 2014 Teryx 800 has a pretty ho-hum stator output. According to my research the late model Teryx 800 has a stator maximum output of about 34 amps. That's not too hot considering that stator output has to run the stock electrical system: fuel pump, ignition, cooling fan, electronic power steering, headlights, and tail lights. That's not too many DC amps to play with for accessories.

My current accessory list includes: dome lamp (0.4a), 40" lightbar (16a), SSV stereo (10a), and winch (320a at full capacity). As you can see, my short list off accessories has a big electrical appetite. I have been running this on the stock 18AH battery with no problems. However you gotta be smart about what you pull from the electrical system versus what you put back in it.

I don't run all my stuff at once and I watch my voltmeter. I don't run the lights with with the engine off (little reserve capacity) and I don't run all my lights for long periods of time at low rpm when the stator is at not putting out full capacity. I don't do a major winch operation and then shut the engine off.

My problem is that I want to be able to increase my reserve capacity for stereo usage around camp and on the trail; the larger AH rating of a second battery would let my winch run stronger longer.

So I went battery shopping.

I wanted something with a high Amp Hour rating and long reserve capacity. It had to be AGM sealed. I came up with the XS Power XP2000. It is an 80AH battery. These batteries get great reviews with the car audio crowd because they are very high quality.

I also bought a Sure Power 1315 battery separator.

I am in the process of getting everything wired up. I'm trying to plan and calculate my wiring needs and future needs. I am thinking I will use 4AWG wire from the aux battery to the aux fuse block and 8AWG wire to wire in the separator positive leads.

Here's a sneak peak:





Wish me luck!

[09-rhino700]

Can't wait to see the end result. Good luck !!!!!

[T.Rhino]

You always have the coolest shit for write up's I hate you left the rhino world but sure glad you didn't leave the site. Can't wait to see the finished product.


Sent from the drivers seat of my truck.

[rhinoroger]

nice project, with your cool stuff....lol

[Yotehunter66]

Do they make a higher output stator for them?

[WV Hot Rod Rhino]

nice!!

[Chris]

I am using Kicker HyperFlex 8AWG wire for the separator. I like this wire because it is very flexible and tough, and it also is true to size. I've seen some #8 wire that didn't look like it had much more "wire" than #12. The Kicker wire was also chosen because it is tinned. Ask anyone who has ever wired a boat or other "marine" usage vehicle why regular copper wire is not recommend.



Don't crucify me too bad for my 10AWG ring terminal and 8AWG wire! LoL

[SteveS]

Yeah, I know how hard the lugs and crimp tool are to come by on the larger sized wires. How many 'whiskers' did you have to shave off ?

Great job !

[madmax 1]

great write up working on a similar project myself with the help of Steve i'm using a bluesea separator that Steve found online good luck and keep us posted

[Chris]

Wires, lots of wires!