Another Surepower 1314-200 thread

[Tacomedic]

I have been reading about dual battery setups for a while now and have actually already installed both of my batteries. I have a red and a yellow top Optima mounted side by side under the hood of my Taco. While there are plenty of really nice (and expensive) isolators out there, I believe I have decided on the Surepower 1314-200. What is the overall opinion of this unit and where is the best (cheapest) place to buy it? I would like to make my purchase this weekend. Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks!

[Robert Bills]

This link will give you all of the Surepower distributors:

http://www.surepower.com/dist.html (http://www.surepower.com/dist.html)

This company sells the 1314-200 for $121.18:

http://www.ase-supply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1314%2D200

[Tacomedic]

Thank you. Another question. Keeping in mind that my batteries are side by side, what other supplies will I need to complete the install?

[Robert Bills]

AFAIK, you will need the appropriate size battery cable and cable ends, and a circuit breaker with proper amp rating.

[Tacomedic]

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent circuit breaker for my 03 taco?

[p1michaud]

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent circuit breaker for my 03 taco?

I'm not sure if you have read this thread but you may find some useful information here (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6112) as well.

In this case a 100 - 200 amp circuit breaker would be adequate. This is a great unit from a superb supplier (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=185).

I've been using a 1415-200 (same principle except that it allows the batteries to be charged from either direction: from the main via the alternator or from the aux. via a battery charger). There have been two failures of the 1314-200 units that I am aware of. Scott from Expeditions West had his unit fail and I have had my initial unit fail. Having said that, I would still go this route. Sure Power's customer service was great. They sent me a brand new 1415-200 to replace the 1314-200 that had failed and paid for all the shipping. I've got mine mounted under the hood. (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=149196&postcount=48)

Installation

For wire size, since both your batteries are side by side (stock location I'm assuming) a 4 AWG size wire is more than adequate. If the batteries are further away than the OEM location consider going up in wire size.
You will need some proper size ring terminals for the Sure Power and that match your wire size. You may need a tool to crimp the terminals onto your wire or you could solder them on.
A manual override switch (get the one with a built in light if you can save some wiring. Othewise you need a switch and seperate light to let you know that the unit is in manual override mode.
Some 14-18 AWG wire for the above switch along with 1/4" femal blade type terminals of the proper size for your wire.
Finally some zip ties, heat shrink and rubber boots to cover the studs of the Sure Power unit.
Some patience and an extra set of hands never hurts either

Good luck!
Cheers,
P

[Tacomedic]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly! Lots of great info there.