Questions: 2nd battery for my sweet, sweet minivan?
Hi RV.NET peeps!
I have installation/configuration questions that I'm hoping you'll be able to help me with, and/or point me in the direction of a person/company that could help me out.
I wish to add an excellent AGM battery to my 2006 Chrysler Town & Country minivan as a SECOND battery for all of my electronics stuff.
Nothing crazy: laptops, tablets, cell phones, battery chargers (camera/flashlight/etc). We go rough camping quite a bit, and don't want to keep thrashing my main car battery, prevent getting stranded, etc. - so, I'm researching the best route.
The battery will be inside the van (hence an AGM battery), in the van's Stow-n-Go seat-well (I removed the middle-row seats, and now have wells that are pretty deep & spacious) - here's a couple of example pictures of this space. I don't have exact measurements, but I'm pretty sure a battery will fit.
Additionally, I know I should to put the battery into a nice battery-enclosure, and secure it to the floor for safety.
Beyond the battery & enclosure, I'd ideally want to have the battery get charged by the van when it's running, so I'll need to have this wiring done, plus I'll need to purchase a battery charging / controller system that's compatible with the battery requirements.
Lastly, I'll need to purchase a power inverter to wire-up to this new battery, and then secure it to a convenient location - likely on the existing console between the driver/passenger seats.
So, basically, I think I'll need to buy the following for this fun project:
(1) AGM battery
(1) Battery enclosure
(1) Battery charger / controller
(1) Power Inverter w/ AC & USB outlets
(1) misc cabling / connectors / etc...
I'm sorry to have written such a long question, but I'm not to sure whom I should talk to about this project - I'm not an expert, but I know you guys are, so that's why I'm here buggin you. I'm planning on spending the right amount of money for this project, and will need to locate a professional (freelance or in a shop) to do the work. I know when I should defer to an expert for something, and this is one of those times. I don't want to do it wrong and royally screw up my van.
Again, thanks for your consideration in helping me out here, and I hope that I can get most everything answered I need for this project from you folks. :) Chat soon! -MAXIMUS (Las Vegas, NV USA)
PS - I'm a computer expert (PC), so if any of you have questions, I can probably help you out. Networking, Windows, etc...
I have installation/configuration questions that I'm hoping you'll be able to help me with, and/or point me in the direction of a person/company that could help me out.
I wish to add an excellent AGM battery to my 2006 Chrysler Town & Country minivan as a SECOND battery for all of my electronics stuff.
Nothing crazy: laptops, tablets, cell phones, battery chargers (camera/flashlight/etc). We go rough camping quite a bit, and don't want to keep thrashing my main car battery, prevent getting stranded, etc. - so, I'm researching the best route.
The battery will be inside the van (hence an AGM battery), in the van's Stow-n-Go seat-well (I removed the middle-row seats, and now have wells that are pretty deep & spacious) - here's a couple of example pictures of this space. I don't have exact measurements, but I'm pretty sure a battery will fit.
Additionally, I know I should to put the battery into a nice battery-enclosure, and secure it to the floor for safety.
Beyond the battery & enclosure, I'd ideally want to have the battery get charged by the van when it's running, so I'll need to have this wiring done, plus I'll need to purchase a battery charging / controller system that's compatible with the battery requirements.
Lastly, I'll need to purchase a power inverter to wire-up to this new battery, and then secure it to a convenient location - likely on the existing console between the driver/passenger seats.
So, basically, I think I'll need to buy the following for this fun project:
(1) AGM battery
(1) Battery enclosure
(1) Battery charger / controller
(1) Power Inverter w/ AC & USB outlets
(1) misc cabling / connectors / etc...
I'm sorry to have written such a long question, but I'm not to sure whom I should talk to about this project - I'm not an expert, but I know you guys are, so that's why I'm here buggin you. I'm planning on spending the right amount of money for this project, and will need to locate a professional (freelance or in a shop) to do the work. I know when I should defer to an expert for something, and this is one of those times. I don't want to do it wrong and royally screw up my van.
Again, thanks for your consideration in helping me out here, and I hope that I can get most everything answered I need for this project from you folks. :) Chat soon! -MAXIMUS (Las Vegas, NV USA)
PS - I'm a computer expert (PC), so if any of you have questions, I can probably help you out. Networking, Windows, etc...
