[Rohit26]

Need some insights of other members on following things.

1] I need to add extra battery to my safari so that i can run AC/laptops especially for hours without having fear of draining my start battery.
Is it possible to run AC on battery.
I am planning to add normal EXIDE 150/180 AH battery,will safari Dicor 3.0 135 Ah alternator can bear the load of extra battery after adding battery isolators or ACRs(automatic charging relays).
So that main battery is just for cranking & auxillary battery is for rest of the accessories.No fear of starting then...

2] How robust is safari alternator ? Also planing to build battery case attached to chassis behind rear chamber RHS. Is it ok or give any other location suggestions ?

3] Where can i get fix/install second battery in Delhi region(kashmiri gate etc.).I have tried noida sec-16 useless car market good for nothing.(they didnt heard such things). Where i will get this battery isolators or ACRs etc.

4] How long does it take to charge a battery by safari 135 AH alternator of safari 80 Ah battery ? Or any similar calculations examples...

5] On our farms where electricity goes for weeks , I am planning to charge normal exide inverter batteries by connecting them in series to tractor battery .Is it ok ? will both batteries charge as tractors keeps on running for pumping waters for hours.. Or suggest something else better ? I hope escort powertrac 430 & mahindras tractors do use alternators or still dynamos ?

6] I am planning to install complete fence bullguard on safari that covers lights etc. steel type.. any price guesses ...

7 ] Also planning to install 4 hella 3000 blue or hella 4000 two pointing on roads and two pointing parallel to road for those who doesn't respect/heard of dippers etc. Which one would be better 3000 or 4000 hella .I need bright illuminated road ahead for great distance just like spot light.. Though i have checked dealers on hella website any members can give any guidance to more generous shop(only Delhi/noida region or kashmiri gate etc)
Or members can suggest any other light solution for my conditions.

Also need to buy 12v compressor ,electric kettle/heater,12v 2-3kms search light etc and power inverter of 1kw( i have of 300 watts) is it possible of 1kw. Any shop suggestions.

[MileCruncher]

Are you planning a separate circuitry for the additional accessories or do you just want to loop the battery in parallel circuit as you will need the circuit to be at 12V. But as Current will increase in the circuit, you might want to beef up the fuses but this may end up blowing your other devices. I think the best way would be to go for a slightly higher AH battery than adding another battery. This is what I feel.

Let the experts comment.

[Rohit26]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Are you planning a separate circuitry for the additional accessories or do you just want to loop the battery in parallel circuit as you will need the circuit to be at 12V. But as Current will increase in the circuit, you might want to beef up the fuses but this may end up blowing your other devices. I think the best way would be to go for a slightly higher AH battery than adding another battery. This is what I feel.

Let the experts comment.

No separate circuitry. By using battery isolators/ACRs you can use existing circuitry. As soon as your first main battery gets fully charged ACRs starts charging next battery.

Points to note:
Only one battery charges at a time(First cranking battery.).
Except cranking all accessories uses second battery.
No change in current or voltage etc..

Main purpose is not going for higher rating battery.
As army trucks & higher end cars have dual battery system,so that you can completely drain your auxiliary battery but you will always have power to crank from the main battery.

[Rahulkool]

First of all i dont think you can run car AC on battery.

[VW2010]

Great thread. I was looking at something for my bullet as well. Wanted to have an additional battery to power my two additional headlights and share load.

I know its not really as ideal as using it in a car or a SUV but still trying to find something out. Do share how you achieve this.

[GTO]

Here's some related ICE threads that might offer you additional information:

Second battery for Lancer

Capacitor or Second Battery?

Dual Battery Setup

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear Rohit26 - you can use 2 batteries in parallel. We use it very regularly in our test vehicles. Just connect both positive terminals together and earth both negative terminals (essentially the batteries are connected in parallel). You will increase the electrical base. There is absolutely no need to do anything to the production alternator, it will charge both batteries together. However, you cannot run the AC on a battery because the AC compressor is driven by the engine.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[ilangop]

Rohit,
I think you can get some advantage with low internal resistance deep discharge batteries like optima tubular batteries. You can also accomodate a higher Ah battery in the existing battery tray.
Where do you plan to have the additional battery? Inverter batteries are high energy batteries, which might probably not suit for a high transient current requirements like an automobile. More over some inverter batteries are equipped with a hygrometer on top of the filling cap. This can also add risk of getting snapped off accidentally. You may give a thought about sealed batteries for this purpose.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear Rohit26 - you can use 2 batteries in parallel...

Sir, but wont this drain both the batteries at the same time?.

I guess his concern is about draining the batteries with extensive use of accessories. And, he wants a dedicated battery only for cranking, so that however extensively he/others use the electrical accessories, he wont be stuck with a dead battery.

[condor]

DHABHAR.BEHRAM : .. you can use 2 batteries in parallel. We use it very regularly in our test vehicles.

BD sir, what is the idea behind doing this (in test vehilces) ?

Guess it should be obvious, but both batteries should be of the same capacity ? Do they need to be of the same brand / model ?

[Rohit26]

Originally Posted by dhanushs

Sir, but wont this drain both the batteries at the same time?.

I guess his concern is about draining the batteries with extensive use of accessories. And, he wants a dedicated battery only for cranking, so that however extensively he/others use the electrical accessories, he wont be stuck with a dead battery.

Yes, that's my concern.I want a dedicated battery just for cranking purpose only.

[bblost]

Why not install a simple amp meter.
When the power goes below a threshold. Stop using the accessories.

[Digital Vampire]

Are AC's which can run on 12V available?

I understand that the one originally fitted in the vehicle needs its compressor to be driven by the engine.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear Rohit26 - you can use 2 batteries in parallel. We use it very regularly in our test vehicles. Just connect both positive terminals together and earth both negative terminals (essentially the batteries are connected in parallel). You will increase the electrical base. There is absolutely no need to do anything to the production alternator, it will charge both batteries together. However, you cannot run the AC on a battery because the AC compressor is driven by the engine.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

Good suggestion this was first thing which came to my mind though I have 0 experience in Automobile batteries.

Theoretically you are just doubling the AH of the battery , I think no isolation circuitry is really required, It not matter which battery charges first or second.

[bzr77k]

Originally Posted by amitk26

Good suggestion this was first thing which came to my mind though I have 0 experience in Automobile batteries.

Theoretically you are just doubling the AH of the battery , I think no isolation circuitry is really required, It not matter which battery charges first or second.

I thought of the same thing! But, you are increasing the alternator charging current which can be a problem with a stock alternator.

I would suggest to go for isolated electric circuitry if you are going for a separate battery. This would be important to ensure that you dont have loop currents between the batteries!