Choosing the Best Spot for Your Dual Battery - Why DIY isn't Worth It

Thinking of rigging up your own dual battery system in your 4WD? I get it—DIY is the backbone of the 4x4 community. But, unless you’ve got the know-how, you might be setting yourself up for more than just a flat battery. Here’s a breakdown of the do's, the don'ts, and everything in between when it comes to wiring up your dual battery setup.

What Can Go Wrong with DIY 12V Wiring?

You might be tempted to go all-in and handle your 12V wiring solo. How hard can it be, right? Wrong. Here are some common pitfalls that could turn your 4WD into a mobile disaster:

• Drained Batteries: Mess up your wiring or battery isolator setup, and you’ll find yourself with two dead batteries instead of a backup. You want your secondary battery powering your fridge, not sucking the life out of your starting battery.

• Fire Hazards: That’s right, we’re talking actual flames. Bad wiring, exposed cables, or undersized fuses can turn a minor issue into a full-on roadside BBQ. And not the kind you’re hoping for.

Don't let this happen to you! A burnt-out wiring harness inside a canopy due to improper installation.

Where Should You Put the Power System?

Now that you’re ready to go all-in on your dual battery system, let’s talk placement. You’ve got three main options: the canopy, the tub, or behind the seat. This will mainly depend on your vehicle and current setup.

• Canopy:

  • Pros: Keeps the batteries away from the elements. Lots of space to mount the battery, chargers, and inverters.

  • Cons: Takes up valuable canopy space you might need for a drawer setup, that extra fridge or other camping gear.

Power up your adventures with an Enerdrive power system neatly installed in your canopy.

• Tub:

  • Pros: If you’ve got a ute, installing the system in the tub is a popular option. It’s out of the way, and you can build a solid storage box around it to protect the setup.

  • Cons: You’ll need to ensure it's well-protected from the elements, as water and dust can wreak havoc on your electrics.

Maximize your energy storage with a 125Ah lithium dual battery setup in the tub.

• Behind the Seat:

  • Pros: A great option if you’ve got limited external space or want to keep things compact and close to the cab. It’s protected from the elements and easy to access.

  • Cons: Limited battery size. Slim-line lithium batteries are your friend here.

A 150Ah lithium battery installed behind the seat for efficient space utilization.

• Under bonnet:

  • Pros: Old school setup that still works. It’s protected from the elements and easy to access.

  • Cons: It’s a high heat environment. You’re limited to Calcium or Standard Lead Acid Batteries. Unless you go with Hybrid Lithium Starter, like the one below from Invicta

Best of both worlds with an Invicta hybrid lithium starter battery in a 79 Series Land Cruiser.

The right dual battery setup depends on how you use your 4WD. Whether you’re running a fridge for a weekend getaway or living the full overland dream with all the bells and whistles, your power setup needs to be customized to your needs. But leave it to the pros? Consider getting in touch with a qualified auto electrician like ourselves at BAW Automotive, to ensure a top-notch job. Trust us, it’s worth it to keep your setup running smoothly and safely.