Ranger Mods

Hi all,

I am looking to get a slimline AGM for behind my 2016 PX2 rear seat and want to have voltage monitoring at the dash. It will be running a 12V compressor fridge.

Can you all please share your dual battery setups? I'm just after some ideas and advice.

Thanks

I moved the 12v socket on the Left Side of the dash to the Right Side where the USB is on a PX3 and fitted the Lightforce Dual Voltmeter with USB socket in the Left Side.

Seems to work, however I do noticed that when I plug a phone in, there's an internal voltage drop for the Aux readout which makes it read lower than it is.
The USB is powered by the Aux Battery, and the display only switches on if the Mains has power going to it.

https://au.lightforce.com/products/dual ... st-charger

Here's a pic that voltmeter and the switches using the Lightforce Fascia Panel.

I've originally had a 120ah kickass battery behind the rear seat on the drivers side. Has since been replaced by a 170ah lithium which fits in the same spot. Cradle it's sitting in I made myself and while it's a bit rough it holds everything in, has the Redarc and a Victron shunt for monitoring.
Talking of the shunt: https://www.victronenergy.com.au/panel- ... -712-smart
I highly recommend this. The app shows everything you need; what's going in/out etc.

DionN wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:21 pm Talking of the shunt: https://www.victronenergy.com.au/panel- ... -712-smart
I highly recommend this. The app shows everything you need; what's going in/out etc.

I have the SmartShunt (No display) but I highly recommend the BMV-712 Smart that you have.

The SmartShunt Bluetooth range is short, it's okay if you're next to the car.
But the BMV-712 Smart Bluetooth range is significantly further, and when you're next to the car because the Bluetooth reception is stronger the connection is made much quicker also.

I have 2 victron monitors. I like them a lot but just be aware that they do not monitor the power the unit uses.

Eg leaving the unit on in a caravan parked in garage will drain the battery while soc reading will stay the same.

If you have 'smart charge' turned off, is a DC-DC charger really needed?

Cableguy187 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:07 am If you have 'smart charge' turned off, is a DC-DC charger really needed?

Mine charged 4 batteries
Car, 1 x AGM 120amp in tub & 2 AGM 120amp in the van
Never had a problem in 3 years
I do have a Lithium in the tub now & that has a DC-DC charger due to a different charging profile needed

RossPat wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:30 pm

Cableguy187 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:07 am If you have 'smart charge' turned off, is a DC-DC charger really needed?

Mine charged 4 batteries
Car, 1 x AGM 120amp in tub & 2 AGM 120amp in the van
Never had a problem in 3 years
I do have a Lithium in the tub now & that has a DC-DC charger due to a different charging profile needed

I assume 'mine' refers to the alternator?

Cableguy187 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:01 pm

RossPat wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:30 pm

Cableguy187 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:07 am If you have 'smart charge' turned off, is a DC-DC charger really needed?

Mine charged 4 batteries
Car, 1 x AGM 120amp in tub & 2 AGM 120amp in the van
Never had a problem in 3 years
I do have a Lithium in the tub now & that has a DC-DC charger due to a different charging profile needed

I assume 'mine' refers to the alternator?

Yes it does