Electrical Dual Battery in Tub

[Craig and Leanne]

Had a look through the threads but could not find anything on this so apologies if it's been asked before. I am the least mechanically minded person so be gentle.
Triton is a lease vehicle so i want something portable to take to the next car. I have a merit plug in the tray already but is isolated when vehicle is switched off. Is it possible to put something like this in to be powered from the merit plug but will keep the fridge powered when switched off? And what is this best way to power it from the merit plug?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/POWER-BA...494159?hash=item3385e1b68f:g:DisAAOSwfZhXMqKp

Cheers

Craig

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Hi @Craig and Leanne, the short answer to your question is yes.

You can use the merit plug, which would charge the battery when the ignition is on.

The only concern I would have is that the battery would receive sufficient current to keep it charged if the cable to the merit is not heavy enough.

Ideally you would be better installing a DC-DC charger such as a Ctek D205S or Redarc BCDC1225 wired back to your main battery to provide it with a big whack of current. It will also isolate it properly from the vehicle electrical system.

The other thing with the Projecta battery box is with the controls on the top, are they waterproof, or do you have a canopy ?

 

[MickL]

I have a box like that with deep cycle that I bought from 'Home of the 12 volt'. Its an ACE branded box with heaps of plugs and guages in it. I would recommend that as an option over the one you have linked as a mate has that one and to be honest its pretty average. Heres the page to all the deals they have. The advantage of these boxes are they have heaps of different options as far as plugs you can get and also have the circuit breakers etc built in as well as Anderson plugs both sides so easy to plug into and also plug in solar panels etc.

http://homeof12volt.com.au/product-category/ace-battery-box/

As far as charging the battery in the box, the only issue you may have could be that the cable feed to the merit plug (if its a factory set up) might not put a decent charge into the battery. If its a heavier cable you have run then it might be fine...

As far as connecting it in if you went the Ace box I would just run a short lead with a merit to anderson plug on it which they could include. Free freight over $50 as well.

 

[Vere]

I have an Arkpak which works like you want. http://www.arkcorp.com.au/p/3424/arkpak-730 you would need to get the DC-DC charger. Like other have said I am unsure if a merit plug would allow enough amps to charge quickly. It can work as a second battery but is also able to be used stand alone with many options including a small inverter

 

[Craig and Leanne]

Thanks guys, Triton has a hard tonneau so not worried about the rain. I see what everyone is saying with keeping up the charge so I might look into that. Wasn't sure about the one in the link I posted but was good for what I was trying to explain. Thanks for replying will definitely check out suggestions. Cheers

 

[Smergen]

I have an Arkpak which works like you want. http://www.arkcorp.com.au/p/3424/arkpak-730 you would need to get the DC-DC charger. Like other have said I am unsure if a merit plug would allow enough amps to charge quickly. It can work as a second battery but is also able to be used stand alone with many options including a small inverter

Similar in theory to @Vere, I have a Thumper box from House of 12V which I keep in the rear, but is charged directly from the battery. You "could" charge it via the merit I think, but I reckon it'd take an age, and even then, not sure you'd get the right amount to fully charge.

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/th...orado-the-rock-truck.6457/page-20#post-153118

 

[Bellbirdweb]

These look pretty good

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10157900061545001