Interesting Facts about Dual Batteries
If you’re a HiLux owner who likes to go camping frequently, you probably understand how essential it is to have a portable fridge with you. But in order to keep the fridge running, you’ll need to have plenty of battery power. Not only do you need battery power for the convenience of having your drinks and food cool, but you also need it to power your most basic applications, such as safety lights and even your radio.
That being said, you can’t rely solely on your primary battery. This is where a HiLux dual battery system can offer saving grace. A quality HiLux dual battery will feature an isolator that comes with all the necessary mounting hardware to isolate the starting battery from the secondary one when the voltage falls below a specific range. This makes auxiliary batteries with an isolator ideal for the Toyota HiLux, because they feature a smart alternator charging system.
However, even if your vehicle doesn’t feature a smart alternating charging system, you can manually change between batteries with the simple push of a button. For instance, while driving, your vehicle will use the main battery. During this, your second battery will charge. When you set up camp, you can turn on the second battery, and now the main battery will be disconnected so it doesn’t run flat. The only drawback to this process is that you’ll have to remember to flick the switch.
Auxiliary batteries usually come in kits with all the wiring and connectors necessary. The HiLux needs a size N70Z sized battery, but the type of the battery will depend on your specific needs. Something to consider when picking a battery type is whether you’ll be using heavy-duty applications, such as a winch. In that case, you’ll need a battery that will put up with the rigorous abuse that winching will put it through.
When installing an auxiliary battery, ensure the cables run with minimal turns and bends. Moreover, make sure you avoid the hot intake and exhaust parts inside the hood, as hot cables can result in less voltage or worse. Additionally, when the cable goes through a sharp metallic corner, make sure you prevent rubbing by tying it up with a rubber grommet, and allowing a little slack. And most importantly, make sure the wires are the proper size. If you get all of this right, once you install the auxiliary battery, you can simply forget about it.
