Dual Battery - Under Bonnet/Hood

[ozraptor]

If you mean a secondary lithium battery setup, there’s a bunch of options but typically you’d want to run a pair of high amp cables to the charge controller. I believe there are “all-in-one” kits these days (charge controller + inverter for your power out plugs only from it, not the truck outlets). I think some of them handle reverse charging as well though, so you’d get the extra capacity through the truck plugs too. You pretty much build this how you want it (or pay someone if you’re not quite sure).

I went the portable option (Ecoflow) because it was easiest and I could take it out of the truck for use at the camp or house. But one of these days I’ll “upgrade” to a built in lithium slimline in the cab (cleaner, more compact setup).

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[AusMotion]

Hi.

Our small business here in Australia started our making dual battery trays for the previous model Ranger. I can say 100% that there is no space under the hood for a second battery in the V6 Petrol Ranger Raptor.

The most popular option in Australia is a 100Ah Lithium behind the rears eats, but that's not possible in the US due to the ported sub woofer that we dont have (yet).

As others have suggested, the best option may be a portable power station type solution in the bed - We have a big range of mounts for those and could create one for you (we ship to the US).

Here's the one we do for the Redarc Go Block.

Please get in touch directly for shipping enquiries and pricing to the US.

 

[Mystic]

Hi.

Our small business here in Australia started our making dual battery trays for the previous model Ranger. I can say 100% that there is no space under the hood for a second battery in the V6 Petrol Ranger Raptor.

The most popular option in Australia is a 100Ah Lithium behind the rears eats, but that's not possible in the US due to the ported sub woofer that we dont have (yet).

As others have suggested, the best option may be a portable power station type solution in the bed - We have a big range of mounts for those and could create one for you (we ship to the US).

Here's the one we do for the Redarc Go Block.

Please get in touch directly for shipping enquiries and pricing to the US.

Been waiting for something like this...didn't realize Redarc sold an all-in-one unit.

Used a Dakota Lithium Powerbox 60 for the last year and change, and it's...okay.

Maybe my reading isn't what it used to be...is this a true dual/multicell system that can, for example, charge from the vehicle's 400W input while outputting to something like a fridge at the same time? Redarc's site isn't clear to me; simply says " Quality LiFePO4 battery cells "

If so, I'd be interested, for sure.

 

[fordgt]

To my knowledge, the Raptor doesn't support a second battery in the engine bay (regular rangers do behind the airbox since it's smaller). Most solutions I've seen for this are slimline lithium behind the rear seat or in the tub.

I went the Ecoflow route in the tub with their alternator charger. You can reverse charge the starter battery that way if needed, and while driving the Ecoflow charges much faster than you can get from the standard 12v sockets. (If you go this route, let me know, there's some tips/suggestions that might be useful.)

A cheaper starter battery backup option is probably one of those backup lithium jump starters. I went with a Noco but haven't had to use it yet.

Any concerns about heat and a lithium battery if mounted inside the vehicle? I had posted about putting a small rechargeable vacuum in the upper glove compartment, lots of people warned about heat and a lithium battery

 

[ozraptor]

Any concerns about heat and a lithium battery if mounted inside the vehicle? I had posted about putting a small rechargeable vacuum in the upper glove compartment, lots of people warned about heat and a lithium battery

I'm a bit paranoid about this as well and don't like the idea of lithium batteries in the cab. Plus, if I want to pull 2000 watts, I don't want to be worrying about lighting my truck on fire. From what I understand though, newer lithium battery tech is much safer than it used to be (both the cell composition and the battery management systems). The main thing I've read is to buy quality from a reputable manufacturer (like Redarc mentioned by Ausmotion).

I'm not an expert though, so best to call up a specialist.

 

[SolarWinds]

I'm a bit paranoid about this as well and don't like the idea of lithium batteries in the cab. Plus, if I want to pull 2000 watts, I don't want to be worrying about lighting my truck on fire. From what I understand though, newer lithium battery tech is much safer than it used to be (both the cell composition and the battery management systems). The main thing I've read is to buy quality from a reputable manufacturer (like Redarc mentioned by Ausmotion).

I'm not an expert though, so best to call up a specialist.

Depends on the battery. LifePo4 batteries are VERY safe. They cannot go into thermal runaway like lithium ion.

Renogy makes a slim 100aH unit that can go behind the rear seat

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