I'm getting ready to run my wires to the rear for my winch. What would be the benefits and downfalls of putting my battery in the back? What about a dual battery set-up since I'll be pulling a lot of amps with my warn m8000?

 

if you can afford a dual battery I would do it, if it is inside the truck area make sure it is a sealed battery.

no real cons, only pro's

 

Well, the battery in it is already totally shot. Haha.

 

i dont see any cons other than the effort to do it.

 

Really won't take much. Already have to run the wires. Other than a battery tray. But that won't take long.

 

Does anyone have pictures from doing this? I am interested but not sure how to go about it.

 

This may be of some assistance to you.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dual-batteries-3959/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dua...y-setup-70808/

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...ad.php?t=46577

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/xj-...estions-38053/

 

ADVANTAGES:
- Improved weight distribution (mainly for road vehicles and racing rigs)
- Increased battery longevity (through reduction in operating heat.)

DISADVANTAGES:
- Larger-gage primary leads just became mandatory.
- Battery must be mounted in a box and vented to the outside (yes, even a "sealed" one. All rechargeable automotive batteries outgas - the gas is hydrogen, which is highly flammable and displaces oxygen.
- Extra-high-draw accessories can become impractical when trying to feed them power (a winch is typically good for 300-500A, with some models going up to 700-725, and some OHV/heavy-duty utility winches topping 1,000A!)
- Punching a hole in the firewall to pass a high-current unfused primary lead - generally speaking, it's something that should be done carefully. (I use a rigid pass-through instead of just pushing the wiring through a hole - but I'm funny about things like that, and I seriously dislike electrical fires.)

I generally do not advise running a winch up front off of a battery in the rear cargo area - you're going to be pulling an awful lot of current up through that lead.

I'd have to check, but I think the Warn M8000 is good for 475-500A full-weight, first-layer pull. Take your alternator's max output, take off 30-45A (engine management and operation,) and subtract that total from what the winch wants. That is what you're going to be drawing from the battery! That is also what you will have to replace in the battery - and the faster charge that results is going to cause more outgassing.

I would go so far as to say it's "Only pros and no cons," but there can be advantages to it. However, I'd probably still want to mount a middlin'-powerful deep cycle gel cell underhood to make up the current for the winch - keeping the leads shorter saves the strain on them, and allows you to use slightly smaller wire.

Paranoid? Perhaps. Safer? You bet. I've put out too many electrical fires to want to have - or cause - any.

 

If you go dual battery and are charging them. Wont this take your alternators life down a considerable amount? Just wondering. i might do this myself just so i have a back up so when i have my winch and lights. Would that a good idea?

 

I just did this... I used 00 cable.. was expensive... but worth it. I also used a power lug off of a boat. Laslty I added a Metal kill switch. It makes it real easy to run accesories.

 

I'm going to be running 2 awg to the rear. Thanks for all the info.

 

the only other con I can see, other than the ones mentioned, is if it breaks free of its mount in an accident or roll over. Don't want to catch a battery to the face.

 

Thanks red sled

 

True. I'm not sure if I'll mess with it or not. I have way too much other stuff to do that will benefit me more. Damn jeeps are neverending.....

 

If you relocate to the rear.. it makes clearing bigger tires a lot easier cause you can cut the inner fenders..... I plan on upgrading to dual batteries here soon.