Duel battery in a XJ

[gabe]

Ok I'm trying a different approach to camping I want to take just the xj, but my wife has drawn a line in the sand and says I have to make sure that even if we tent camp that we can have some of the same devices as we do with the pop-up DVD for the boy when it's raining some light and the ability to run a fan. I'm thinking maybe I can do this with a duel battery set up and just install some cigarette liter plugs maybe some in the rear of the jeep. I have the battery from the pop-up is there a write up somewhere that would be along these lines?

[Explorer 1]

The engine compartment in a XJ is so crammed already, it hard to find space there for an additional battery. Because I so rarely have passangers and if I do there is usually only one, I chose to remove the back seat and make a level platform over where the seat was. This gave me loads of storage space for an additional battery and other gear. I then also installed a 2000 watt inverter where the spare tire used to be on the rear corner panel. I had moved the spare outside as it was too big for the space provided inside.

I went with a dry cell for the 2nd battery as I wanted a battery that could be drained very low and still be charged back to life. I also upgraded the alternator to a 130 amp model.

I ran the wires through the uni-body frame for protection from brush and rocks. Seems to provide plenty of 12v and 110v power.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[97 zj steve]

http://www.quadratec.com/products/17004_700.htm

[Maximus Ram]

Ya beat me to it Steve....looking at the same thing for my XJ ...if I ever get it back from my Daughter:smiley_drive:

[bdr529]

Here's a nice writeup on installing a battery in place of the stock airbox:

http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/technicalfiles/ARbattRelocation/BattRelocation.htm

[gabe]

I'll repeat what I've said and heard said 1000 times I wish the xj had a 60/40 split rear seat. I've got a 5 year old so I have to keep the back seat in.
I've replaced the stock air box with a rusty's air tube and a 6x9 cone filter which I wouldn't have problem getting rid of to make room I'm not sure if it would save me space but maybe now would be the time to install a snorkel.

[Explorer 1]

Gabe, I'm not sure what State you're in but if it's California, neither of the two dual battery system listed where they replace the airbox, are approve for smog on the 87-90 model years. For some reason some alternative airboxes have CARB approval for model years 91 -2001 but not the prior years.

I guess you could remove the extra battery every other year and reinstall the old airbox for smog....but what a hassle!

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

Maybe you could modify a seat out of another vehicle to fit the XJ on a 60/40Would make a great thread!

[StumpXJ]

As big as the stock bagttery location is, couldnt you just use two oddessey batteries side-by-side? They are pretty dang small. It would take a little fabrication for the hold down, but I think it would fit. It seems I have seen them in smaller locations than the XJ before.

Just a guess, I havent tried it yet.

~James

[gabe]

As big as the stock bagttery location is, couldnt you just use two oddessey batteries side-by-side? They are pretty dang small. It would take a little fabrication for the hold down, but I think it would fit. It seems I have seen them in smaller locations than the XJ before.

Just a guess, I havent tried it yet.

~James
Interesting, I have a oddessey now and they are quite small.

I did find a write up on go-jeep, he basically set it up as a removable extra battery so when he's not camping he just leaves at home.

[Outback]

The ODDESSEY batteries come in all shape and sizes. BUT Heres a secret. Go to SEARS. There new "Plantnum" series Die Hard battery are rebagged Oddessey batteries at about half price! They are the same internall and externally except color of plastic.:victory::wings: