Dual battery ecoboost? I have the 2016 EL

[powerboatr]

I'm really hungry for a dual battery setup but the engine bay just doesn't have the right configuration to host two batteries. Before I start pulling the rear interior panels to check for space, has anyone else done it? I am adverse to putting it in livable passenger compartment areas such as under a seat. I'm in talks with a guy who installs solar panels on RVs to get one on the roof IF I can get a battery inside one of the panels.

Btw,did you know you can get ballistic panels for the front doors? No, I'm not some Armageddon prepper. I just live in the heavily gun controlled area of Los Angeles, CA & there are a lot of road rage car to car shootings.

just watched the armor install instructions...WOW, i am sold,
but why would anyone put a decal telling others the door is protected?

 

[Munkiebunz3]

I think the decal is for the inside so that you know not to use your horn when you're in your non-protected expedition?

 

[1955moose]

What would be real cool, have the horns mounted on a rotatating platform, so when turned around, they look like the shorty pipes on a model a duece coupe, but aiming forward at a 45 degree angle. Hit the button, and it sounds like a cruise ship is coming into port, or Amtrak is passing by.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[Okgearhead]

The area behind the left rear tire has plenty of room, you’ll have to make a mount. That’s where I’m planning on putting an air tank.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What is the purpose of a dual-battery setup?

For me the dual battery setup would have a deep cycle battery power the accessories I have such as a 24/7 dash & other electronics that I would be using but don't want to idle the engine when using them. Ideally the solar panel would be able to charge/maintain the batteries & handle minor load (why I called the RV solar guy).

Coming from the RV world where a "house" (second) battery is common ...

First a TRUE deep cycle 12V lead acid battery is difficult to find. Those "marine"/"dual purpose" batteries are a compromise. Slightly better than a staring battery for "bulk storage", but not much. This may not matter because it sounds like you have very light loads. This is why most smart RVers use a pair of 6V golf cart batteries.

If you want a TRUE deep discharge battery start shopping for a GC12 (12V) golf cart battery. I think you can order them at Sams Club or Sears. You had better be sitting down when they give you the price !

Second, simply running some heavy gauge wire from the front battery to the rear will NOT recharge it ! The smart charging system reduce the output of the alternator to about 13.2V-13.8V shortly after the engine starts (longer in cold weather or when extra load like heated windows/mirrors, seats, headlights, etc are turned on). This is much too low to recharge that other battery.

If you are planning to run that battery down to about 50% state-of-charge and then hoping an hour or so on the road will bring it back, then you need a DC-DC charger like the CTEK D250SA