Dual Battery setup

For a while now, I've been seeking out a dual battery tray and finally found a manufacturer that makes a sweet setup. I was waiting for the yota beast tray but couldn't get a response, kept digging and came across Genesis Offroad. They released a tray for the 4runner and Tundra. It's $529 for the tray and isolator system which includes a boost button that will jumpstart your primary off your secondary! Pretty sweet setup. I should be getting mine by Monday and wanted to share this for those seeking a dual setup. I was going to get a goal zero setup but don't like that you cannot use them in high or low temp environments. Any how, will update when I install it.

Edit: Wanted to also mention, this tray holds 2 odyssey 25 group batteries.

 

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This sounds really good, if you possibly can, document the parts and pieces you get to build the system with where you ordered them. I’ve been interested in doing this since I bought the truck, but have not been happy with the setups available.

 

Tagging along

 

I don't see any offering for Tundras. Are you talking about their universal kit?

 

They mentioned on their facebook page that they were making a Tundra specific kit

 

It’s not on the site yet. He’s finishing up the install video. You can call and order and ask questions on it.

 

For tundra.
https://instagram.com/p/BiS07AonFDR/

Question for you nerds!
Would you do two small duals?
Or
2 larger duals?
Or
just 1 really large single?

 

That’s a really nice dual battery setup. It’s more than I’m willing to spend though.
I think they should offer an option with just the tray for around $300.

 

Anyone try the XFAKTR mount? I see a post by @SoCalDave, but don’t have specifics!

 

So total newb question. What's the purpose of running a dual battery setup?

 

More juice for lights, winch, amps, refrigerator, and other accessories

 

If you are out in the wild and run a bunch of electronics (radio, lights, fridge, gps etc) it will drain your battery. If you keep running your truck that’s fine, but you can’t do that when you are stopped. So you run all your stuff of the second battery, and keep the first one to start your truck so that you can get back to Civilization. I think that’s the basic premise.

 

The purpose of a dual battery setup is to have a secondary battery that is used to power auxiliary items like a fridge. When the vehicle is not running a battery isolator is used to disconnect your starting and aux battery so you do not deplete the starting battery. When the vehicle is running the battery isolator allows current flow to the aux battery to charge it. There are different isolators out there from heavy duty solenoids to voltage sensing relays.

 

I am debating between doing an under hood mod or buying a portable dual battery setup like: https://www.totally12volt.com/12-volt-mate

 

Looking at their site, I cannot find adequate specifications; weight, height, length, width

 

That was the one I was looking at prior. Dave never responded and neither did the sites that sell it. It’s over $400 for just the tray and top without the electrical.

 

I’m not sure what you mean by two large, small, etc. What are you seeking? Are you saying two dual battery setups?

 

Yeah, will have to call them and find out. Saw their product from an overland expo video. I figured, it might be a cheaper option to strap that in the back then doing mods under the hood.

 

I meant would you run 2 smaller sized batteries for a dual setup. Or the 2 larger sizes batteries. Or simply stick to 1 large battery instead of a dual system.

 

You wouldn't be able to run 2 larger size batteries in the Tundra's engine bay, there simply isn't any room. The only option you have is to run 2 smaller batteries vs 1 larger battery. Keep in mind that you don't need a big, strong starter battery. You want a bigger auxillary battery for the accessories. There's pro's and con's with each setup and it's an individual choice. The reason why people upgrade their battery is to run 12v accessories such as a fridge, lights, power electronics, etc etc. With a dual battery setup you have that redundancy and reassurance that your starting battery won't get drained by the 12v accessories. Everything will run off the auxillary battery. The downside is cost of the kit, cost of two batteries, and its a more complicated system.

With a single large group battery you can eliminate messy wiring, complicated dual battery systems, and its much cheaper. The downside is that all those 12v accessories can drain your (only) battery and you wake up to a dead battery. It can be addressed in a few ways. During the daytime you supplement and top off your batteries with solar and you carry one of the lithium-ion jump packs just in case.

I think it all depends. If you live in a sunny climate and only go out for 2-4 days at a time I think you could easily make a larger single battery setup work. You just need to make sure your batteries are topped off. If you go on longer trips, live in overcast areas, or want that reassurance that your battery won't die out on you then get a dual battery setup.

I have a 4Runner and personally I went with a dual battery setup. I go alone most of the time and wanted the peace of mind of a dual battery setup. If I were to do it again I'd still go dual batteries so I have zero regrets about my choice. I sleep well at night knowing my car will start in the morning.

 

Got it today. Really well put together and easy install.

 

Nice!

 

Just when I thought I was done doing mods on the Tundra. You guys are killing me with new mods.

 

I like the option, but for that $$$$, a lot of other options, i.e. (Lion jump pack, small Honda generator, monster battery in a bed box)

 

I would not use a generator haha and wouldn’t want to rely solely on a jump pack. I’m running a fridge and charging gear, and other odds and ends. Much more secure way when you are off road.

 

I think he’d be open to selling just the tray and what not. Give him a call

 

It's not expensive considering how it's an all-in-one kit and there are no other options out on the market like it. Your alternative isn't even close and doesn't even replicate the same function. Li-ion jump pack is $50, a small honda generator worth buying is already $1000, and a "monster" battery is $250-$350. You're already over the price of the Genesis off-road kit. $530 for the kit and $500 for two group 25 batteries. Even an elegant solution to a dual battery system that you're proposing like the National Luna portable power pack is already $560 alone w/o the cost of the two batteries.

The point is people want to power auxillary lighting, fridges, a winch etc etc and have the two batteries linked up so they can split power and charge off the alternator. Putting a battery in the bed box means you're just adding an isolated battery back there. You would have a wiring mess putting the aux battery in the bed, routing cables to the engine bay to a fuse box, then run wires from the fuse box to wherever they need to go. The added cost of this kit is worth it imo. The last thing you want is a wiring mess and dealing with an electrical gremlin.