I am currently in a 1995 Toyota Corolla. I am interested in an auxiliary battery. I considered one of the fancy Lithium jump batteries and the sup cap. I will continue to use this system with my next vehicle as well, so I do not consider it to be vehicle specific. I most likely will get two different vehicles in the future, a touring motorcycle and a utility vehicle (truck or SUV). After looking at the tools I have and what I want, I decided on installing a second lead acid battery. I use an inverter in my cars while camping and in general, when I want portable power (extended usage of my laptop while on the road-trips). I am mechanically inclined with the tools and interest necessary to use something more than a simple plug and play setup. This is why I am not a fan of apple products, I don't need somebody else to setup a useful system for me 😆, unless there is one that will meet the needs of what my simple setup will do for a similar price. I love the super cap for a jump pack, but for what I want a basic battery will fill the desire for a portable jump pack. I am interested in your thoughts and look forward to learning from y'all!
Two questions have stemmed from my decision.
1. Installation.
2. Battery Maintenance.
I plan on mounting it in the trunk with a 4ga positive lead to the primary battery (similar to my teenage car audio amplifier days!). I will wire it through an isolation switch of some kind, the last one was a simple copper bar switch setup. I am open to a different disconnect/charging systems but I err towards simplicity instead of complex designs unless they truly make a difference. My end goal is a simple setup for my own portable battery/jump box using a stock lead acid battery that will easily replace my current vehicle battery. Why spend $100 on a portable lithium battery pack and use it only as a jump pack/portable power supply when I can buy a slightly larger car battery with just as large of a capacity and more capabilities.
My ideal setup will be a portable battery box with my inverter easily mounted to the side. I plan on using this for a portable jump box and emergency power supply. Since this setup will most likely be over $125 (battery included) I will be installing it in stages/phases (budget constraints).
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Phase 1: Buy battery and store in trunk
Phase 2: Install a fixed trunk mount
Phase 3: Install wiring and parts into car
Phase 4: Celebrate by camping and playing!!
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Parts ideas: 2 goals (most basic and something gucci)
---Battery Mount: undecided but seeking simplicity from a simple tie down plate up to a sealed box that can be easily removed with minimal effort.
---Isolation and charging system: undecided but seeking simplicity
---Voltage metering:
Meter with USB and 12v aux input
---Wiring:
20' Jumper cables $23 (may buy second set and cut clamps off one set. 40' stranded 4 ga for $23)
I strongly suggest using an automatic battery separator instead of a manual switch, unless you like getting stranded.
https://www.ase-supply.com/Sure_Power_1314_Battery_Separator_p/sp-1314a-b.htm
For cables that long, I suggest using 2AWG not 4. Make sure you buy a deep-cycle battery.
