UAEOffroaders

Will soon need to install a second battery on Vivo! - it will be a deep cycle battery, like the marine kind and I plan to pick one up at one of the boat suppliers in Abu Dhabi - easy.

My question is instead about the charging system, specifically the isolator solenoid switch. As I understand it, a dual battery system needs to connect the two batteries so they both can be charged by the alternator when running the engine, but when parked the switch cuts off the starter battery if it goes below a certain voltage, so that the deep-cycle battery alone can be drained to a low level and not the starter battery (or your vehicle won't start).

So, does anyone know where I can buy such dual battery isolator solenoid in the UAE?

Vehicles with winches sometimes run a dual battery set-up, so they might know.

Not sure about UAE, but this kit from the land down under (or down and slightly to the right from here) is what I have been planning to get once I get ready for the winch.
http://www.owoa.com.au/index.php?main_p ... cts_id=296
Here is the write up

The Ironman 140 Amp Dual Battery Kit allows two batteries to be charged at the same time. When the engine is started and the main battery reaches 13.4 volts, the Ironman module engages, allowing the two batteries to be charged simultaneously.
When the voltage drops below 12.8 volts (e.g. the engine is stopped), the Ironman module disengages, isolating the batteries.
The Ironman dual battery monitor displays the voltage levels of both batteries. The Ironman 140 Amp Dual Battery Kit eliminates the possibility of draining the starting battery, as long as your accessories are connected to your auxiliary battery.

That's exactly what I need. Who do you reckon would stock it, or similar, in UAE? Prolly crazy-priced, though, eh?

AFAIK, there's different kinds - and that's the best: fully electronic and it switches on/off automatically by itself based on the voltage. I found another Aussie one is Redarc http://redarc.com.au/products-and-services which you'll find cheaper and a company specialized in these kinds of electronic devices.

The most basic kind is a manual switch, usually a bright red plastic knob you turn every time you either park or get driving... and that's like 20 dirhams but if you forget, you run the risk of either not re-charging the 2nd battery, or losing the starting battery

I'm also looking into solar cells for charging DC batteries...

My landcruiser came fitted with two batteries maybe you could get what you need from toyota parts

Hi PR did you check with icon Dubai, or ARB i thing the install dual battery system for car

Thanks guys, good pointers 8)

Here is another one to consider:

http://www.benchmarkdesigns.com/index.p ... 4mrqberqp0

Guys Any up date on this
I may be looking for one as well.