Dual battery options for 2 door JK

[jacobconroy]

It's time for a dual battery system for my 2 Door JK. I will be powering an ARB50, 12 volt fantastic fan (at night), an LED porch light, and misc. small loads recharging headlamps, iPhones, Delorme, etc. The options that interest me are:
Genesis setup (under the hood). Looks like I will wind up with about 85aH on the second battery connected to all the above. Another plus is that I get to put some weight back towards the front of the vehicle.
National Luna Portable Power Pack. Looks like I will end up with ~120aH on the pack for the items above. More weight in the back, and there isn't much space left back there, but I can move the pack to the Subaru for long trips with the ARB50.

I typically only go out for one night, but once each year I stay out for a week. What do you all think? The Genesis will save space in the rear and move weight forward, but has considerably less capacity. The NL can be used in multiple vehicles and has more capacity. Genesis is more expensive when all said and done.

I'd appreciate feedback from experience with either product. Thanks All.

 

[Happykamper]

I think just from expeariance the IBS system . The NL Power Pack is kind of cool as you can switch gear to different vehicles but in my opinion kind of a pain. But I still have one lol. But the IBS system is great simple and efficient .,check them out at Sierra expedition . Will will be happy to give you the run down on why he likes them so much.

 

[Dan Grec]

I have dual Optima D34s sitting in a Nemesis dual tray, isolated with a basic but durable solenoid from Painless Performance.

It's all simple, and it works exceptionally well. Right now it's all caked in mud, working flawlessly.

Simple is best.

-Dan

 

[jacobconroy]

Looks like an Optima D34 is 55 aH. I couldn't find the group size on the sites (either Nemesis or Optima). What is the largest group size for the Nemesis (wouldn't happen to be group 34...would it)? I hadn't heard of this manufacturer. Thanks.

 

[Dan Grec]

Looks like an Optima D34 is 55 aH. I couldn't find the group size on the sites (either Nemesis or Optima). What is the largest group size for the Nemesis (wouldn't happen to be group 34...would it)? I hadn't heard of this manufacturer. Thanks.

My understanding (could be wrong) is the Nemesis try is designed specifically for the Optima D34s.

You're right they are 55aH - I have a Dometic CFX-35 fridge, interior lighting, water pump and UV lamp (which are almost 100W combined), laptop and electronics chargers, etc. etc.
Over one night the battery does not go below 12.5 volts.
After 2-3 nights without driving, it will drop to 11.5, unless I'm parked in some good sun and my 200W solar tops it back up again in about ~2 hours of full sun.

-Dan

 

[Kmrtnsn]

The Genesis system is probably the most popular out there, very well regarded. http://www.genesisoffroad.com/JKDualBatteryKit-p/131-jkdbk.htm

 

[BenHedrick]

The Genesis system is probably the most popular our there, very well regarded. http://www.genesisoffroad.com/JKDualBatteryKit-p/131-jkdbk.htm

I second this! I'm VERY VERY happy with my Genesis Offroad dual battery setup!

Ben

 

[SulVento]

Ditto what Ben said. ^^^^^

 

[homeguy]

I've got the Genesis Dual battery set up with 2 yellows with tops. Very happy with how complete the set up is and made in USA


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[MOSDIF589]

I've got the Genesis Dual battery set up with 2 yellows with tops. Very happy with how complete the set up is and made in USA

Same set up here in my 2013 JKU....

 

[MagicMtnDan]

You could consider making your own and saving a lot of coin.

Dual battery tray (M.O.R.E.) https://www.amazon.com/JKDBT12-12-13-Jeep-Dual-Battery/dp/B00DBHFOUA

And there's a wide selection of ways to connect the batteries including 50+ pages of options:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ke-a-cheap-isolated-dual-battery-setup-for-50

Fewer pages:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-the-rear-storage-area-(behind-the-rear-seats

And here's a well built, cost-effective off-the-shelf solution:
http://www.projecta.com.au/Products/DualBattery/DualBatteryKits.aspx#!prettyPhoto

 

[gfe jeep]

Genesis

I am happy with my Genesis setup. You can do this cheaper but a system like this is a no brainer...

 

[jacobconroy]

Still deciding

Good infos from everyone. Thank you.

At this point I'm thinking about building my own system. I installed stereos for years when young (very long ago) and am pretty sure I can handle it. Current plan is put one of these in front of my JeepKitchen and install two Deka 8A31DTMs for a total of ~200 aH of storage. But, another 150 lbs of batteries might be overkill.

I haven't really decided on an isolation/management system. The National Luna system here looks nice because the guage is fairly large and might be easier to see at a glance. Does anyone have alternative suggestions for dual battery control?

 

[Dan Grec]

I made mine, it's extremely easy. I think anyone can handle it.

Details here: http://theroadchoseme.com/diy-jeep-wrangler-jk-isolated-dual-batteries

-Dan

 

[Happykamper]

Ok I'm convinced , just got another JKU. I'm building it as we speak here. I ordered the Genesis system couple hours ago. All the testimonies on here sound great !! Looks very basic and simple and everything is right where it should be in the corner !!