Dual Battery - Under Bonnet/Hood

[ozraptor]

If you mean a secondary lithium battery setup, there’s a bunch of options but typically you’d want to run a pair of high amp cables to the charge controller. I believe there are “all-in-one” kits these days (charge controller + inverter for your power out plugs only from it, not the truck outlets). I think some of them handle reverse charging as well though, so you’d get the extra capacity through the truck plugs too. You pretty much build this how you want it (or pay someone if you’re not quite sure).

I went the portable option (Ecoflow) because it was easiest and I could take it out of the truck for use at the camp or house. But one of these days I’ll “upgrade” to a built in lithium slimline in the cab (cleaner, more compact setup).

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[AusMotion]

Hi.

Our small business here in Australia started our making dual battery trays for the previous model Ranger. I can say 100% that there is no space under the hood for a second battery in the V6 Petrol Ranger Raptor.

The most popular option in Australia is a 100Ah Lithium behind the rears eats, but that's not possible in the US due to the ported sub woofer that we dont have (yet).

As others have suggested, the best option may be a portable power station type solution in the bed - We have a big range of mounts for those and could create one for you (we ship to the US).

Here's the one we do for the Redarc Go Block.

Please get in touch directly for shipping enquiries and pricing to the US.

 

[Mystic]

Hi.

Our small business here in Australia started our making dual battery trays for the previous model Ranger. I can say 100% that there is no space under the hood for a second battery in the V6 Petrol Ranger Raptor.

The most popular option in Australia is a 100Ah Lithium behind the rears eats, but that's not possible in the US due to the ported sub woofer that we dont have (yet).

As others have suggested, the best option may be a portable power station type solution in the bed - We have a big range of mounts for those and could create one for you (we ship to the US).

Here's the one we do for the Redarc Go Block.

Please get in touch directly for shipping enquiries and pricing to the US.

Been waiting for something like this...didn't realize Redarc sold an all-in-one unit.

Used a Dakota Lithium Powerbox 60 for the last year and change, and it's...okay.

Maybe my reading isn't what it used to be...is this a true dual/multicell system that can, for example, charge from the vehicle's 400W input while outputting to something like a fridge at the same time? Redarc's site isn't clear to me; simply says " Quality LiFePO4 battery cells "

If so, I'd be interested, for sure.

 

[fordgt]

To my knowledge, the Raptor doesn't support a second battery in the engine bay (regular rangers do behind the airbox since it's smaller). Most solutions I've seen for this are slimline lithium behind the rear seat or in the tub.

I went the Ecoflow route in the tub with their alternator charger. You can reverse charge the starter battery that way if needed, and while driving the Ecoflow charges much faster than you can get from the standard 12v sockets. (If you go this route, let me know, there's some tips/suggestions that might be useful.)

A cheaper starter battery backup option is probably one of those backup lithium jump starters. I went with a Noco but haven't had to use it yet.

Any concerns about heat and a lithium battery if mounted inside the vehicle? I had posted about putting a small rechargeable vacuum in the upper glove compartment, lots of people warned about heat and a lithium battery

 

[ozraptor]

Any concerns about heat and a lithium battery if mounted inside the vehicle? I had posted about putting a small rechargeable vacuum in the upper glove compartment, lots of people warned about heat and a lithium battery

I'm a bit paranoid about this as well and don't like the idea of lithium batteries in the cab. Plus, if I want to pull 2000 watts, I don't want to be worrying about lighting my truck on fire. From what I understand though, newer lithium battery tech is much safer than it used to be (both the cell composition and the battery management systems). The main thing I've read is to buy quality from a reputable manufacturer (like Redarc mentioned by Ausmotion).

I'm not an expert though, so best to call up a specialist.

 

[SolarWinds]

I'm a bit paranoid about this as well and don't like the idea of lithium batteries in the cab. Plus, if I want to pull 2000 watts, I don't want to be worrying about lighting my truck on fire. From what I understand though, newer lithium battery tech is much safer than it used to be (both the cell composition and the battery management systems). The main thing I've read is to buy quality from a reputable manufacturer (like Redarc mentioned by Ausmotion).

I'm not an expert though, so best to call up a specialist.

Depends on the battery. LifePo4 batteries are VERY safe. They cannot go into thermal runaway like lithium ion.

Renogy makes a slim 100aH unit that can go behind the rear seat

 

[huskyfargo]

To my knowledge, the Raptor doesn't support a second battery in the engine bay (regular rangers do behind the airbox since it's smaller). Most solutions I've seen for this are slimline lithium behind the rear seat or in the tub.

I went the Ecoflow route in the tub with their alternator charger. You can reverse charge the starter battery that way if needed, and while driving the Ecoflow charges much faster than you can get from the standard 12v sockets. (If you go this route, let me know, there's some tips/suggestions that might be useful.)

A cheaper starter battery backup option is probably one of those backup lithium jump starters. I went with a Noco but haven't had to use it yet.

What are these tips/suggestions? I just got my Ecoflow alternator charger today. Where did you mount yours? And, how did you route the cable?
Thanks!

 

[ozraptor]

What are these tips/suggestions? I just got my Ecoflow alternator charger today. Where did you mount yours? And, how did you route the cable?
Thanks!

I mounted mine just behind the tub power panel (toward the cab, inside the tub) using a 3D printed bracket that used the panel's factory bolts. That was so it sits more flush, out of the way, I can see the status light and easily reach the reset button on the back (which I've had to use more than I'd like). I mounted it here originally because I had my Ecoflow Delta 2 Max mounted at the back of a full length fridge slide, so I could plug the charger cable in and have enough cable length for full extension of the slide.

The battery connection cable it comes with is just long enough to mount there without modifying it. I ran mine from the battery, straight to the factory electrical harness that goes down the side of the engine bay to the chassis, along the top of the rail to the back. I didn't think I'd have enough length to go straight up from the rail to the power panel so I ran it from the chassis up the inside fender of the tub, into the inside just under the tub rail.

I've changed my setup since then, but the charger is still basically mounted in the same spot for now. I remounted the battery on a custom sliding tub rack for easier access from the side canopy window while out on trips.

Suggestions:

1. If you think you'll add more high amp 12v accessories in the future, I'd run a thicker gauge line from the engine bay to the tub, then connect the alternator charger to that with a distribution block (run a line once, gives you more flexibility and power options in the future). E.g. When I installed my Morrflate compressor, I had to run a second higher gauge 12v line.
2. Use a cab AUX switch with a high-amp relay so you can disable/restart the charger easily from the cab. It errors out sometimes and requires restarting it with the physical button. Also not the best idea to have a high-amp 12v line running the length of the truck always "live".
3. If you choose to run the Ecoflow provided cable, remove the fuse block and tape the ends of the cables together. It's easier to route through the tight spots above the chassis rail this way. Don't be lazy positioning and securing this cable; you don't want something catching it and shorting something. (I've seen friends do this and then have electrical problems or fires.)
4. If you know how to use Forscan, I'd disable the "smart" alternator function (i.e. enable dual-battery mode). The smart alternator seems to cause issues on long charging drives for the Ecoflow charger when the voltage is fluctuating, and dual-battery mode disables this (setting fixed 14v). Pros and cons to this; just be aware this is something you might need to factor in (or talk to your dealer).

Hope that helps a bit. I can't remember the tips I had in mind when I wrote that last reply.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

To my knowledge, the Raptor doesn't support a second battery in the engine bay (regular rangers do behind the airbox since it's smaller). Most solutions I've seen for this are slimline lithium behind the rear seat or in the tub.

I went the Ecoflow route in the tub with their alternator charger. You can reverse charge the starter battery that way if needed, and while driving the Ecoflow charges much faster than you can get from the standard 12v sockets. (If you go this route, let me know, there's some tips/suggestions that might be useful.)

A cheaper starter battery backup option is probably one of those backup lithium jump starters. I went with a Noco but haven't had to use it yet.

In North America, the 2.3 i4 and the 2.7 v6 use the same smaller airbox, the 3.0 RR(all 3 gasser engines) maybe use the smaller airbox, that way you can use ARB's ranger kit and add the second battery under the hood. its what I did on my canadian xlt 2.3, ordered from bpt motosport.

Curious where you could mount a second battery under the hood? It seems like maybe you could fit a small one under the washer refill. If you don’t have bedside steps, there is space (maybe) behind the rear wheel up on the frame.

Nope, the ARB kit allows a full second starter battery, was a great spot to mount my switch box too aswell. just gotta clean up the bracket later, trim a bit off of it. lol

I'm a bit paranoid about this as well and don't like the idea of lithium batteries in the cab. Plus, if I want to pull 2000 watts, I don't want to be worrying about lighting my truck on fire. From what I understand though, newer lithium battery tech is much safer than it used to be (both the cell composition and the battery management systems). The main thing I've read is to buy quality from a reputable manufacturer (like Redarc mentioned by Ausmotion).

I'm not an expert though, so best to call up a specialist.

LiPO4( Lithium Iron Phosphate) apparently can not have terminal runaway(what you see the majority of Lithium fires do)

 

[Scooter]

Cheap alternative to dual battery setup.

Does anyone know if this will work on the Ranger. It can charge both Battery's then you do not need the Redarc charge. The ARB extra battery kit under hood is very expensive.

Amazon.com: Dual Battery Isolator Kit 12V - 140 Amp Multi-voltage 12v or 24v Kit (VSR) for Dual Battery Setup - Automatic Disconnect Switch for Car, Truck, RV, UTV, ATV, Marine - Battery Wiring Kit : Automotive

It seems to be rated well as long as you hook it up correctly. If not it drains main battery.

Maybe this just works on old school trucks without a lot of electronics.

KeyLine Chargers #1 Car Motorcycle RV Boat Auto Battery Maintainer

I have answered my own ? by reading the reviews.. This is old technology for older cars.

Does anyone know of a more modern system that will work on the Ranger or do i have to order the ABR system from AU which is around $1800 CND delivered

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