05+ Tacoma Dual Battery Location

[CLynn85]

So I've been planning on doing a dual batt setup for a while now. With the winch, aux in the cab, etc, but most importantly, the various camper setups, I figured it was time. I ordered up a warn isolator, but I'm having a hard time locating the second battery. I don't really want to do the dual setup in place of the big stocker, and I have ABS so there's not the nice spot on the passenger side that some others have used.

I did, however, find that a group 51 would fit behind the fuse block in front of the brake master cyl if you relocate the relay box like so (ignore the crappy night-time cell phone pics):

IMG_20110728_210206.jpg
IMG_20110728_210211.jpg

It will sit a little nicer if there was a tray, was cocked due to the curve of the inner fender.

Has anyone tried this setup before? I know optima makes a yellow top in D51 configuration, are there any other deep cycles in this group size?

[Ed Bravo]

I'm faced with the same dilema and also don't think I'd do the dual batteries in place of the single factory battery. I haven't really begun a search but now knowing it is possible to squeeze a group 51 battery in there I will give it more thought.

I'll wait for further.

It's like your a trail blazer for this particular set up...

Ed

[cruiseroutfit]

Do tell, why the reserve on mounting two batteries in the stock location with a new mount? Been done many a times without fail.

[H0LLYW00D]

I have two optima batteries mounted in the stock location using the Columbia Overland kit in my 2009 Taco, Works awsome, I also bought the isolator & charging kit from them too.

[Ed Bravo]

For me it's the initial investment -

Option #1 $150+ for the Columbia Overland mount plus two new batteries - Option #2 one battery.

ED

[cruiseroutfit]

For me it's the initial investment -

Option #1 $150+ for the Columbia Overland mount plus two new batteries - Option #2 one battery.

ED

Gotcha, option#2 is still going to require some mounting parts no? $150 is fair for what they offer but you could absolutely build your own for the same $20 your going to spend for a mounting parts and additional battery cable for your option# 2. I've done a handful of dual bats in Tacoma's and 4Runners in the stock location, I've never been more than $10 for the steel to build the trays, just hours and hours of time

[lx450landcruiser]

Do you have any pics of mounting 2 full size batts in a 2nd gen Tacoma? I attempted this a month ago or so, welding up a new tray that would support the 2 batts next to each other, even relocated the fuse box but the fit was just too tight and I scraped the project for now. Dual batts is on the top of my list though.

[cruiseroutfit]

Do you have any pics of mounting 2 full size batts in a 2nd gen Tacoma? I attempted this a month ago or so, welding up a new tray that would support the 2 batts next to each other, even relocated the fuse box but the fit was just too tight and I scraped the project for now. Dual batts is on the top of my list though.

2 Optimas in stock location using a tray we built:

Attachment 28951

[Ed Bravo]

What year model vehicle is the photograph? The 2006 Tacoma is pretty darned small area occcupied by the factory battery. I saw the Overland tray with two Odyssey batteries but again pretty pricey - though I'm not arguing the value of these batteries.

In my earlier response I did not mention cables/switches because I figure I'll need that stuff with either version.

Ed

[CLynn85]

For me it's a couple things.

1 - I don't see the obsession with replacing every g-d battery with an optima. I've had lead acid batteries in all my trucks and they've never failed me when replaced at a reasonable interval or when they started showing signs of decay. My dad always used the same large lead acid batteries and it never stranded us in the woods either. I like the idea of having a plain old $80-100 starting battery that'll last 5-6 years rather than a $200 optima that may not even make it that long seeing some of the recent reports.

2 - I like the Columbia Overland tray, but they're dang pricey. I could probably build my own, but that would result in having to buy 2 batteries, rather than the one I need to add.

3 - I like doing something different, and I tend to stick to the KISS principle.

4 - It looks really cramped with the two batts in the stock location.