I agree with Wayneg, the wiring is too light for an installation if one is expecting the battery to start the car. I'm not sure the original cable from the rear to the front is suitable, either. I believe it's rated at 50 amps.

I think this kit could have used black insulated cable for the negative wiring.

My system is not ideal but then it's not designed to start the car, only to provide power for my fridge and ancillaries when camped.

I have 2 x 45Ah AGM Deep Cycle batteries under the floor. I couldn't find a high capacity single AGM Deep Cycle to fit the space. I have a programmable dual battery controller linking the main and accessory batteries.

Wayneg, I'll look at moving the cable from the bottom to the top. I wasn't/am not happy with the original location. Thanks for the tip. I want to do some work in there to fit a wireless battery monitor (to monitor both charge/discharge) and to upgrade the cable (which are currently heavier than that kit's).

Oh, I have a battery isolating switch in my set up, too. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

I would hope that the 2nd battery is securely fixed.
The additional wiring should be secured so that there is no mechanical strain on the connectors.
As others have said, some of the kit looks a bit optimistic regarding its capacity.
Maybe, it's more of a "leisure battery" than a "standby starting battery" kit ?

The first two points are MOT failures. 2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6

wayneg wrote:

The thin wires on the install in question would surely melt under starting load if the cranking battery was flat? I doubt very much that the relay from that kit is anything more than a standard 12v relay rated at 100a, it's just switched via ignition and not by voltage increase.
I think the best option for a proper VSR is the 2nd Red one explained in this video They are about A$50 25 quid. I have similar in my car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew4zLC3ckm8

The cable from the front battery to the rear in 2010-12 is much heavier than that of earlier models, supporting well over 200A of standard fused circuits in the rear fuse panel plus over 100A in the 3 large fuses.

Edit: The cable is 25 mm2 and is protected by a 250A fusible link.

Last edited by GraemeS on 24th May 2020 2:14am. Edited 1 time in total

Ahh, thanks Graeme. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

@Wayneg,

Thanks for that link to the Australian product - wish I had done more research now before buying the kit from flea bay.

Based upon the advice received I will order that kit and re-install....

Once again, many thanks to everyone for your input

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

IMHO you need to be clear what you're trying to achieve before spending more money.....

Did you just have a spare battery lying around looking for a use - or is there a specific problem you're trying to solve ?

VSR's are great, but assume there's a load on the secondary battery - which you don't have.

The switchable model seems to provide the best of all worlds - allows you to run a load of the second battery when the alternator is not running - protecting the main starter battery - but has the bonus feature for a condition when the main battery is drained AND the second battery is charged - it can then be switched to provide a boost.

If you just want a bit more oomph for starting, what you have should work OK - but why do you want it ? Is there a drain issue with your main battery whilst at rest ?

@Alistair

My FFR has no electrical issues what so ever. As stated in my original post I did have a spare new battery purchased last winter for emergency backup. I therefore decided to install it as a second battery due to the car failing to start when I left the doors and tailgate open for about an hour, during the installation of the LED light set, to avoid that issue arising again.

Again as noted in my original post, I was disappointed in the quality of the wiring kit purchased on flea bay. The advice contained in this thread has led me to now embark upon and upgrade to a more professional second battery system, that will deliver additional peace of mind and functionality during my ownership of the FFRR.

I also want to ensure that, when I do eventually pass the FFRR on to my son, or alternatively to a third party, the car has the best possible second battery options installed.

I have always been a bit OCD with my cars and like everything to be done properly, whether the work is carried out by myself or others.

I will update this thread again when the upgrade is completed taking into consideration the valuable input received on this thread.

Many thanks to everyone for your constructive input.

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Last edited by 4434Morrison on 25th May 2020 9:46am. Edited 1 time in total

In my dual Battery system I use a 35mm2 cable from the main battery to the rear. Using the Traxide system made by Tim Sanderson. I need the second battery for my fridge and other toys. In the case of emergency starting I have a Marine switch in the rear compartment which I then switch to "ON". I would NOT trust the original wire, feeding the rear fuse panel, for starting.
BTW, if I have to work on the FF with open doors I always close the doorlatch so the light are turned off.

@Ansi,

Many thanks for the advice I am still reviewing options for an upgrade at this time and your comments are welcome

The ideal is of course the ability to be able to connect additional equipment to the second battery without draining the primary battery. I am considering purchasing a caravan this autumn / winter for use next year. After viewing the Traxide videos the L322-DT90-C ( CARAVAN kit ) system at AUD 450.00 appears to be the ideal second battery system for the L322 offering the maximum benefit.

Useful tip about the door latches when working on the interior lights

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Just an aside, my 2003 and this current one turn off the interior lights after a short while if I leave a door open, as long as you don't keep open and shutting at least one door they stay off..! Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

You can also switch them off by pressing the on/off switch and, as you said, not opening and shutting doors. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

On a 2010+ a long press on the overhead switch turns them from AUTO i.e. door operated to OFF

The interior lights can definitely drain an otherwise ok battery so one to watch. Or change to LED.
. Cheers, Greg
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway