New Dual Battery Kits - You haven't seen this yet!

[Benchmark Designs Inc.]

Why run dual batteries in a JK?

First of all, the OEM JK battery just doesn’t last. There are many reports of them dying without warning after only 1-2 years. They simply aren’t up to the rigors of off-road use. On top of that, the JK has more electronics than any previous Wrangler. Just considering the OEM electronics, the factory battery, and most single batteries are at max capacity. Once you start adding off-road lights, a winch, inverter, air compressor, data/nav/comm equipment, fridge, etc you quickly surpass what a single battery can effectively and reliably deliver. Often, these additional electrical demands are seen during extreme temperatures when batteries are weakest. You don’t want to find out you have a battery problem in the extreme desert heat or during a snowstorm.

A pair of high quality batteries and a well engineered dual battery system makes those problems non-issues. With either of Benchmark Designs Dual Battery Packages, you always have a “Main” battery and an “Aux” battery. The Main battery only runs the OEM Jeep electronics, including starting the Jeep. The Aux battery powers all of your accessories, and offers the ability to self jump start the Main Battery.

Beyond redundancy and load sharing, an Aux battery also offers the feature of being able to run accessories for extended periods of time with the engine off. Whether it’s a fridge being run all night, an inverter at camp, or even an air compressor, you don’t ever have to worry about periodically restarting the Jeep.

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JK “K.I.S.S.” Dual Battery Package

Here’s a complete dual battery package for your JK. This kit includes everything you need, nothing you don’t. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best! This kit has 2 modes, “Key-On” and “Key-Off”. With the ignition in the run position, the batteries are combined and stay charged and available for heavy electrical loads like winching and starting. With the ignition turned off, the batteries are isolated. This preserves the Main Battery for restarting the Jeep, and the Aux Battery is used to run accessories, such as an inverter, fridge, lights, compressor, etc. Restart the vehicle using the Main Battery, and they’re automatically combined to recharge the Aux Battery.

This kit includes the dual battery tray and all necessary mechanical pieces for mounting Group 34 Optima or Odyssey PC1500 type batteries. It also includes all the wiring, switching solenoid, new heavy duty marine-type battery lugs, and heavy duty 2 gauge power and ground cables already assembled.

This kit is the complete bolt-in solution. Installation is very simple and requires only basic hand tools. No cutting or fabrication required whatsoever. Just add batteries. This kit is weatherproof.

Price: $330




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JK “Smarty” Dual Battery Package

If you’re into the bells and whistles, this one’s for you. This is a complete JK kit with a sophisticated “Smart Isolator”. The Smart Isolator uses voltage sensing circuits to monitor individual battery levels and automatically isolate and combine the batteries. When both batteries are above 13.2V, they’re automatically combined. When they dip below 12.V, they’re automatically isolated until the Main Battery has been recharged by the alternator to greater than 13.2V, at which point they’re recombined so the Aux Battery can be recharged. This always keeps the Main Battery charged for starting, and allows the Aux Battery to power accessories for extended periods of time without running the engine, and without the risk of draining your Main Battery.

This kit includes the dual battery tray and all necessary mechanical pieces for mounting Group 34 Optima or Odyssey PC1500 type batteries. It also includes all the wiring, Smart Isolator, new heavy duty marine-type battery lugs, heavy duty 2 gauge power and ground cables, fuses and fuse holders.

This kit is the complete bolt-in solution. Installation is very simple and requires only basic hand tools. No cutting or fabrication required whatsoever. Just add batteries. This kit is weatherproof.

Price: $400

[07Rubi2dr]

already sent you a PM this morning, waiting to hear back!

[MBATF]

Dude!!! Great job!!!

[kb7our]

John, did I pay a lot more about a month ago? Please check as I also purchased the Evap guard at the time...perhaps you have had a price decrease?

Wade

[Gateway Aquatics]

I beleive its a decrease as I paid $615 with evap skid a month ago. Better make sure those terminals are crimped good as I had one come apart while in Colorado and luckily it was on the accesory battery but I had to rig it to get it to work till I could recrimp it. Couldnt use my air,Locker,winch,etc but atleats an easy fix just not one I wanted to do.

[Benchmark Designs Inc.]

Functionally the same kit as the old Smart Isolator kits, but I've integrated the mounting of the electronics into the top clamp, so the billet bar is gone, also simplified the top clamp design. Also, since my last build of trays, the price of sheetmetal fab has gone down considerably, so I've been able to pass some of that savings on as these kits get more streamlined. As the economy and price of materials goes up and down, so do my costs, so I try to always offer the fairest prices at any given time.

I'm now doing a pull test on every crimp before it ships out. I'm very sorry to hear about the trouble that caused.

[jkkat]

John,

with this set-up can you run a Ready-Welder in 24 Volt mode and beable to run the vehicle or due you have to disconnect the whole system then wire in the Ready-Welder?

[[N]UGE]

those look like 2 great setups. When i get my new winch i'll keep this in mind.

[Benchmark Designs Inc.]

John,

with this set-up can you run a Ready-Welder in 24 Volt mode and beable to run the vehicle or due you have to disconnect the whole system then wire in the Ready-Welder?

Since the batteries are configured for 24V when you're using a ready welder, you can't have the Jeep running. It only takes a minute to switch back and forth.

[dadgummit]

Man, what's wrong with you. Just kidding but It was not so difficult to pass on this when it was over 600 but for $330 it is mighty tempting!!