Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I like the idea !!.... this can be done.

I did this to get the grey matter in my pip working, so can definitely model this to suit.

Grant wrote:Cedric,

I would suggest we make the box water tight with a breather. Also if possible have a side panel on hinges so easy access to terminals. I will also have a cut out switch in the cabin area so it can be isolated should something go wrong.

Not sure about the water tight thing Grant. Will it work with the need to run cables and if the water and mud does get in when wading, how will it then get out again? But if it can be done, it will be better. Isolator is NB as is ensuring the positive cannot touch anywhere...

ricster wrote:My current battery is still perfect.... not going to spend R3k or more for a new battery at the moment. The engine bay gets VERY hot and my Ctek registers temps higher than 50deg C and shuts off the charging to the battery. On our recent trip I could n't even rest my hand on the battery it was so hot..... this is not good for any battery irrespective of type. And besides I can then use that space for either compressor, or even fit a nice big air filter like whats in the 4.8 instead of the ZD30 airbox they fit when there is a turbo on the 4.2 diesels

Hey Ricsta' .. Now yu puzzle me - HOW is the engine bay too hot for 2nd battery BUT almost ALL vehicles carry the prime battry in the eingine bay ?

Anybody??

Oompie, the deep cycle batteries are much more susceptable to heat damage.

Cedric, I thought about this a long time ago, but was worried about shorts when wading? Am I worried for nothing?

I also recently had the idea to fit the battery under the vehicle, but have not really had a good look to see if there is a suitable spot under there somewhere - has anyone had a good look and have any good ideas??
Like Peter - I also wondered if a 12v battery will short out if submersed in H2O ??

No 12V is way to low to conduct in water. As long as the battery is sealed (guess no service type) it can be submerged with no risk ok short due to the water. Only physical contact to chassis is the risk.
Bruin Beer

I would not fit the second battery under the vehicle. Rather find a spot in the load bay in the engine bay is too full. En Oompie Cedric is reg - batterye hou nie daarvan om te warm te kry nie. ....en ons weet almal hoe warm dit in die Patrol engine bay word.

Bruin Beer wrote:No 12V is way to low to conduct in water. As long as the battery is sealed (guess no service type) it can be submerged with no risk ok short due to the water. Only physical contact to chassis is the risk.
Bruin Beer

Ii agree just protect against stones ect and move breather pipe high up

The concept is that the bottom of the battery is at least flush with the underside of the chassis members or a little higher to prevent as much chance of impact as possible. There is loads of space under the vehicle in a variety of places.

I was doing a little thinking on the watertight scenario. 2 options here, firstly a completely sealed box. This is difficult to ensure complete seal-ability, whilst allowing breathing for the battery. The second option would be to have a setup that is a sealed box, except for the bottom. Here there can be 2 slots on the base plate that the battery sits on to allow breathing and should the vehicle be submersed the water cannot raise to the terminal level due to the air pressure contained in the box. When out the water the sand, mud and water can simply drain out.

12 volt batteries as said before can be submerged in water for a period of time without damage to the battery, however the underside of the battery box needs to be substantial for bumps and grinds on a trail. I will work on this and get a test made for my Iron Maiden. If it works, I will get them made up should anyone want.

I have a few design ideas bouncing around my head.... watch this space

Great stuff Ricster!