Big aux battery?

[DbqDude]

Question, if Jeep thinks it's ok to add that little aux battery connected directly to the main battery, then why couldn't I extend heavy cables to the rear and just replace the aux battery with a full size one? Not lithium of course but a deep cycle agm. Even add an isolator like the old days so it doesn't drain the main when the engine is off. Shouldn't matter if its a smart alternator or not, right? I know, I can add a dc to dc charger like I've done in other vehicles with lithium batteries, but I don't what to this time. I've already disconnected my aux anyway. Just curious as I wait til fall for my Lone Peak Overland camper to be built... Thanks

Sponsored

 

[Ratbert]

You can try to roll your own, or you can get one from someone like @Genesis Offroad .

https://www.genesisoffroad.com/gen3-jl-dual-battery-kit

 

[DbqDude]

You can try to roll your own, or you can get one from someone like @Genesis Offroad .

https://www.genesisoffroad.com/gen3-jl-dual-battery-kit

Ya, not looking to add another battery under the hood. I have the H7 AGM under there now and an Odyssey Extreme 27f to either replace it or use as a house battery til the main dies. I also use an Ecoflow Delta 2 in the cab for the fridge/radios/etc... I've done full build outs with solar and dc to dc in the past and I'm looking to keep this build simple.

 

[DbqDude]

You can try to roll your own, or you can get one from someone like @Genesis Offroad .

https://www.genesisoffroad.com/gen3-jl-dual-battery-kit

Also, I just realized I posted this in the JL forum and I am talking about my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. My bad...

 

[Ratbert]

Also, I just realized I posted this in the JL forum and I am talking about my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. My bad...

The only difference would be where you mount the secondary battery.

 

[OSCAR II]

Question, if Jeep thinks it's ok to add that little aux battery connected directly to the main battery, then why couldn't I extend heavy cables to the rear and just replace the aux battery with a full size one? Not lithium of course but a deep cycle agm. Even add an isolator like the old days so it doesn't drain the main when the engine is off. Shouldn't matter if its a smart alternator or not, right? I know, I can add a dc to dc charger like I've done in other vehicles with lithium batteries, but I don't what to this time. I've already disconnected my aux anyway. Just curious as I wait til fall for my Lone Peak Overland camper to be built... Thanks

One thing for sure, dissimilar batteries never play nice together. Wonder why jeep did that, its been nothing but a monstrous headache for them.

 

[wolfdog]

My 2015 Cherokee Trailhawks had only one large battery and both Jeeps worked great! ESS worked better than my JL and JT and one of the Cherokees went 60K+ miles on orig batt before traded!

Cant figure out why my JL and JT ever needed aux batteries. JL orig batt since 2018 Aux Battery disconnect and Main battery 6 years just replaced 2 weeks ago!

Jeep engineers just practicing I guess??

Go Jeep!!!

 

[Slate]

I am wondering if one were too use the Genesis system and have the aux cables connected to the "spare battery", more like when you connect lights or a winch to the accessory battery, would that still give you the benefit of using the ESS (I use that term lightly), but eliminating the smaller troublesome battery?

The Genesis system (I have it on my 4xe) was designed to protect your starting battery but it will connect and disconnect the two based on the power levels, etc. This would be a touch different instead of having two batteries completely separated - not sure if that is a benefit or not in this use case?

Just curious as I am a fan of my system and I have lights, a winch, a compressor, and a fridge, but if someone doesn't have all that would the Genesis be a benefit in that case?

So similar question, but more of a kit instead of just adding another battery somewhere. Of course in the Gladiator I believe the second battery is installed under the rear seat with the Genesis system.

 

[Vanburi]

I think an underlying issue with the JL/JT is the smart alternator.

 

[Ratbert]

I think an underlying issue with the JL/JT is the smart alternator.

Are you thinking other vehicles without these issues lack smart alternators?

 

[Vanburi]

No, just the implementation or algorithm for the JL is insufficient.

 

[Ratbert]

No, just the implementation or algorithm for the JL is insufficient.

And it has nothing to do with their extremely problematic mismatched two battery implementation? Interesting.

 

[Vinman]

Question, if Jeep thinks it's ok to add that little aux battery connected directly to the main battery, then why couldn't I extend heavy cables to the rear and just replace the aux battery with a full size one? Not lithium of course but a deep cycle agm. Even add an isolator like the old days so it doesn't drain the main when the engine is off. Shouldn't matter if its a smart alternator or not, right? I know, I can add a dc to dc charger like I've done in other vehicles with lithium batteries, but I don't what to this time. I've already disconnected my aux anyway. Just curious as I wait til fall for my Lone Peak Overland camper to be built... Thanks

I did exactly what you’re asking about.
I installed a full size battery in the rear storage area under a platform I built. I connected it though a constant duty solenoid that completely isolated it from the main battery once the ignition was turned off. I ran it like that for about 6 months to a year before removing it to build a flat floor sleep platform.
Zero problems with that setup.

 

[Vanburi]

And it has nothing to do with their extremely problematic mismatched two battery implementation? Interesting.

As has been discussed exhaustingly in this forum over the years, there are many issues and factors contributing to the JL battery issues.
Mismatched battery sizes, parasitic draw and, the way the smart alternator is utilized to maximize fuel efficiency towards CAFE standards(miniscule and near meaningless to individuals).

 

[DbqDude]

I am wondering if one were too use the Genesis system and have the aux cables connected to the "spare battery", more like when you connect lights or a winch to the accessory battery, would that still give you the benefit of using the ESS (I use that term lightly), but eliminating the smaller troublesome battery?

The Genesis system (I have it on my 4xe) was designed to protect your starting battery but it will connect and disconnect the two based on the power levels, etc. This would be a touch different instead of having two batteries completely separated - not sure if that is a benefit or not in this use case?

Just curious as I am a fan of my system and I have lights, a winch, a compressor, and a fridge, but if someone doesn't have all that would the Genesis be a benefit in that case?

So similar question, but more of a kit instead of just adding another battery somewhere. Of course in the Gladiator I believe the second battery is installed under the rear seat with the Genesis system.

In the Gladiator the Genesis system is the same as the JL under the hood.

Also, the ess can still work just with the main battery only.

Sponsored