SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE Dual battery setup that works! EASY DIY 12V tips you’ve NEVER seen before!

We show you the basic 12v dual battery setup you've been looking for - including DIY 12V wiring tips from the experts at Pinnacle 4x4.
If you're looking for a 12v setup for your 4WD, or perhaps a 12V Canopy Setup and want a full dual battery system installation - this is your guide!
Whether you want to install this on a Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, DMAX, Triton, LandCruiser - if you want simple - this is exactly what you need!
What alternator does your 4WD have? - Check here: www.redarc.com.au/dual-batter...
Watch our video on choosing the right size charger here: • BEST 12V SET UP FOR YO...
Check out the gear Shauno installed here: www.redarc.com.au/
Want it professionally installed in Brisbane? Talk to Pinnacle 4x4: pinnacle4x4.com.au/

[@FrankOlsonTwins]

I'm always game for some great wiring/soldering tips. Great info here, especially about crimping. Also, it's not a bad idea to pre "tin" the inside of the connectors before hand if you're going the solder route, reduces a bit of stress on the wire insulation during the final soldering stage by minimizing the overall heating time. That also helps keep one from applying too much solder, which will also keep the wires flexible at the end of the joint. Finally, I often pull up the heat shrink immediately to allow the joint to do most of the heat shrinking. Thanks for the vid!

[@deanworsley2244]

Cheers Shauno, this is one of the best tutorial type videos I've seen yet, really easy to follow and everything makes perfect sense. I'm a diesel fitter and aviation engineer by trade (ex coal mining and ADF) and the tips and hacks are solid advice in keeping with best practice that I know of, it's really helped me with the planning of my 80 series tourer build so thanks to you and the team for putting this together.

[@nrusekoorb9348]

The most useful video on KZbin, the exact help I needed to redo a shitty wiring job on my secondhand hilux. Cheers boys.

[@jacoblavender5766]

Solder large terminals. Crimp smaller terminals. Just what I've done that works over many overlanding trips in USA. However, always recommend that people go with what they find has worked best for them. We all have different experiences, and so we all have different opinions. Great vid. Confirming some practices. Learning others. Always great content from you guys! Thanks so much!

[@aarontraylen7785]

Great episode lads! really good to see the content about the simple things where people come undone!

[@anthony.grisan]

Went the redarc setup on my prado 150. I know my car is safe with my family out the bush in all climates. Keep up the good content showcasing Aussie products.

[@kingchief4038]

This video helps confirms me paying for install haha

[@JROME69]

Hahahaha yep!

[@tomik5753]

What city did you have someone install it in?

[@DrDubstyle]

Yeah its pretty overwhelming, I'm a carpenter not a electrician, but I'm the kind of person that has to work it out lol wish me luck ⚡

[@3000dudeman]

This is some of the easiest stuff to do though. Just wiring 🤷‍♂️.

[@X862go]

What about just a 12v power station like a blueetti?

[@petevawser7310]

I usually try to crimp and solder if the terminals allow. Anderson plugs I flood solder. Haven't had any issues yet. Great info in here.

[@stevengreen2669]

Affordable and Redarc should never be in the sentence!

[@adamclarke1607]

This blokes idea of simple is next level hahaha

[@Rusted_Link]

On ATV's I run the positive winch cable in 1/2" (13mm) heater hose. Awesome way to protect the cable from chaffing.

[@AP-cm3kb]

Good tips! I'd agree with crimping over soldering. My buddy worked at an industrial electrical engineering place and they tested both widely and came to same conclusion.

[@texasyachtsociety]

This has been the most helpful video I've seen on installing the extra battery, cheers mate. Love the video quality. Love the information. Love the personality.

[@danielsundberg1977]

I just installed the Kings dual battery kit and I crimped and soldered the heavy terminals as you guys just showed!

[@boardbuslife]

Leave it Australia to go into further detail than most made in US, with a cool accent to go with. Perfect video. Cheers!

[@iandaly8786]

Love that I learnt about Marine connectors and the glue that's in them.

[@morphshag]

A friend of mine installed a budget 12v setup in my Land Rover Discovery 1. He used a starter motor solenoid as charger which is activated from the ignition of the car. When the car is turned off the solenoid opens and isolates the accessories battery. It’s been a solid performer and never given me a problem in the 10 years since it’s install. I also crimp + solder all the connections in my rig where possible. Something else I did you might find interesting is. I’ve installed a 3 gauge pod on the dash of my Disco. All the wires going to the pod come through a vent in the top of the dash to a 6 pin plug, then from the other side of the plug to the pod, so if i ever need to remove the pod I don’t have to cut all the wires going to it.

[@blueplanet8750]

Excellent Tutorial - especially the 2-battery setup with a separate charger, to safeguard start battery life.

[@ExtremKeks]

my battery charger just failed and I wanna go on a 4 week trip in august. Thanks to your videos I got me a Redarc BCDC 1225D and can´t wait till it gets here to install it.

[@zrig1]

Yup, different points of view. I have never had a properly soldered joint fail. Can't count how many crimped joints have failed. I hate crimped joints. If you run and secure your harness properly there should be no stress on the joints.

[@zman92630]

I love that you over-engineer everything. It'll be good to you in the bad bush!

[@RxMuscleStrength]

I had zero confidence in building something like this. Now I do. Great breakdown of components and install tips.

[@slowboat6021]

Some great tips Shauno, thanks for sharing. My 2 bobs worth:- crimp and solder, just crimp = green death. and get a good gas powered soldering iron, your battery iron is 5 times the size and 10 times the weight. LOL I can visualise dozens of your fans trying to crimp with side cutters and stuffing it up. FFS get a proper crimper.

[@jimyeats]

A great DIY crimper a lot of people have lying around is an old pair of bolt cutters. Not sharp ones mind you. Old dull ones. Crimp in two places on a larger gauge lugs/ring connectors and it wont come off. Add a little solder and a good heat shrink and it definitely won’t come off. Another good DIY crimping method is a bench vice and a screwdriver. Put the wire and lug in the vice and the shaft of the screwdriver on the side of the lug and then press the vice into it all and it will indent the the screwdriver into the lug. Do that once on each side and it will make a nice crimp.

[@fazagamea]

been wanting a tutorial like this for over a year, great job guys very very helpful

[@Deejay1628Adventures]

Thanks Shauno, very informative great stuff 👍🏻 I’ve just finished making my back board and ready to be wired up so this videos came at right time cheers

[@christianpalm2622]

Good video and nice tips! Easy understandable, no pros needed.. :) happy to have someone explain these things so easy, always bothering with the guys with campervans when it comes to modern vans with DC/DC or BC/DC power boosters... Keep on doing this! Right now 4x4 24/4 is one of my favourite video channels! All the best from Germany!

[@DB-yj3qc]

I've used soldering for many years and crimp connectors, I prefer soldering connections but a good crimped good connector with proper sealing works. I've got soldered connections for driving and fog lights that was still working after almost 30 years.

[@gasperajdnik5627]

I'm a mechanic 👨‍🔧, i repair cars, motorcycles, lawn movers, chainsaws, snow blovers, I do welding 👨‍🏭 as well, I work whit my brother, we work in our dads workshop. I'm 31 years old, I've Been working on cars for 16 years. Keep Up The good work 👍, I like your videos 🤠. Cheers. Greetings from Slovenia 🇸🇮. ;-)

[@matthewbrown5334]

Just have to say, you rock. Thanks for this great video! So detailed and easy to follow.

[@solarbuduk]

Extremely informative and comprehensive - thank you very much.

[@naythanryan3740]

I’ve been wanting this video for so long, stoked you finally made one

[@james2850]

You legend brother, great advice. I'm a electrician / 4wder and that is the best advice I've ever seen on KZbin. I did an install on my 4wd exactly the same, except I used a cheaper charger. The charger you have chosen switches off with the ignition which is soo important. My cheaper dcdc charger does not have this feature and often I see it charging the aux battery when the car is off. So i saved money on the charger and basically killed my crank battery and my car didn't start one day. Lesson learnt.

[@4WD247]

Thanks James - good tip!

[@kadmow]

Another place where a good high current relay (50-100A switched from the ignition circuit) makes a lot of sense.

[@christianraschella3069]

What a great video guys. I am just about to put a 12v system in my ute and this has helped me out a lot in terms of what products to buy etc. keep up the good work!!

[@4WDG]

Fantastic video Shauno!!! Very informative and well presented. Thanks! (All the way from SA)

[@AlexSwan]

Dang. This video is the benchmark for DIY tutorials. Not a single word or second wasted. ❤

[@Stinkys8050]

Essentially, this infomercial was brought to you by Redarc and Pinnacle 4x4. Great video, wish I had this info 12 months ago.

[@galeriafuentes]

Lol

[@paidasumankumar]

this absolutely great mate. simple, easy and stay local with local products. Thank you

[@ApexGears]

Just about to start my solar & 3rd battery install on my 80 so this will help heaps. Cheers guys

[@Vodnik110]

Only one thing I'd recommend. On your earth, for the frame, after you got all the connections on there and tighten up the bolt, put some dielectric grease on top. It helps keep it from corroding, same to be said of your battery terminals, just keep in mind only put it on AFTER everything is secured, picture it as a waterproof blanket that sits on top of the connections. You do not want to put it in your connections, ie between the connector and bolt or battery terminals, because doing so will make your connection worse. Other wise great video guys!!!! Glad I stumbled upon your channel!!!

[@vman4220]

haha this is my install tomorrow perfect timing!!!!

[@MyerAdventures]

I have also soldered with heat shrink, I always secure the cable so you have minimal issues with vibration.

[@larryalexander4833]

In my experience crimp connectors will corrode and loose connection I prefer soldier but both have thier place

[@wilsjane]

Securing the cables correctly is the way to ensure a trouble free connection. Soldering then becomes the icing on the cake.

[@angelofnq2003]

Great show Shauno well demonstrated mate 👍need more of these shows 🍻

[@Gazziza29]

Great video and tutorial. I appreciate all the little tips and tricks that make it easier and better. Thumbs up!!!

[@damientoman]

Great video and great advice. Thanks. For those that don't do hard-out 4WD, and don't feel they have the skills for DIY 12V solutions or want to spend for a custom solution, a hybrid vehicle not only solves the problem, you don't even need an additional battery. You already have a much more powerful hybrid battery with a built-in generator. That's what I do so I can run my -22C freezer 24/7 when I go to the South Island (NZ) to fish for salmon and trout. As long as you have fuel in your tank, you have endless electricity - no additional infrastructure required.

[@damientoman]

The engine turns on automatically for about 90 seconds if the hybrid battery gets low.

[@janvastenhout3941]

Wonderful tutorial, just what I needed, very well explained. Thanks

[@paulandhelenakathenats4320]

Nice work guys, very informative, thanks 👍🏼

[@explorin_auz]

Keep up the amazing work fellas!!

[@johnl9135]

I always crimp my wires and never have any issue. Great tips thanks.

[@WindinyourSails]

Thanks for the info guys - learnt a lot! Totally agree buying quality products whenever possible is always the way to go. Crimp or solder? I do a lot of sailing, no harsher environment for electrics than sea water or damp in general. In marine we always favour solder terminals, we even use fully tinned copper as opposed to basic copper wire as the solder/tinning protects far better against corrosion thus preventing a future potential failed connection. If the cables either side of the connection are secured properly a good solder joint will not fail. Crimping in a generally warm climate like Oz might be fine but here in the UK and in many other temperate countries solder is definitely the way to go in my opinion. Great vid though guys. Looking forward to the next DIY vid.

[@kadmow]

Crimp first then solder if "must be" - a gas-tight crimp will not flow very much solder - Boats - even with heavy slamming - do not vibrate near as much as a land-vehicle - Solder-only requires none of the joints ever get overhesated with larger currents than intended - solder can melt and the joints fail. Happy sailing. (sealed heatshrink, no matter what method if used - is best)

[@angusmenzies9982]

Love the Video boys, really informative and looking forward to doing it

[@cameronstaporski8590]

You guys are awesome love watching you guys !! 🤙

[@cameronvisser3188]

Thanks for the awesome info Shauno! understanding the dual battery system was abit tricky but I'm getting the idea for it. cheers for all the awesome content you and Graham and the rest of the mates put up. am lovin every bit of it!

[@mickj52]

Fantastic presentation, loads of information to work on, thankyou.

[@MrThuggery]

Great Vid Shauno really valuable info right there!

[@frank-lr]

Probably the best video about 4x4 car electrics! You mention "burn" and "fire" and even show it :-) Very important to get that into people's minds. Wouldn't use split conduit on the outside though. Yes, it's a pain to get the wires through closed conduit but you can use a single thin wire and route it through first. As for the cloth tape (Tesa rules! ;-) there is a type (51026) you can use in the engine bay (re temperatures). But it smells a little :-) So on the inside I'd use the other type (51608). I wonder if Andersons mounted on the outside are good in wet climate? I believe they have no IP rating?

[@jackfourbee3609]

Solder or crimp. Crunch or fold. The age old questions. Well done. Very informative

[@tomskimcdouglegaming806]

Spit or swallow?

[@tublife4x469]

Great info Shauno. That's going to help me a lot when I put in my 12V system.

[@maz3x]

Thank you very much for this informative video. I learned a lot from it and I am going to start my project soon based on the knowledge learned here. :)

[@nickblackwell3684]

When I did my diesel mechanic apprenticeship a very old and well established gentleman auto electrician told me to never use a crimp and always solder a join or connection. He’s words were a crimp is a point of failure you are adding into the circuit where a soldered joint will never fail. With solder it keeps contamination out where a crimp can get dirty and rust and short. Sounded logical to me and still does but end of the day I’m sure all joints and applications have there purpose. Great informative video too guys thanks 👍

[@kabaottoemulsion1869]

I love the neat Jobs! Fuse everywhere!

[@markdanzic1614]

Thanks for the good info. Im not sure that I like crimping over soldering although I do like the combination of both as the solder will sweat into the joint making it very solid. CheersI

[@dougbourdo2589]

Nice, very comprehensive video. Great ideas.

[@craigwillis3372]

Thanks Shauno...great video and great advice !!

[@robwilson7654]

Great video. To protect connections one should secure the wire close to the connection itself-to minimise movement of the wire entering the connection. I have used solder and crimping for years, solder on the large ones-because I have never had a crimper big enough.

[@freda5344]

soldering large connectors is s*hit though. Got a bench vice ? got a drill ? got some 5mm thick steel ? got a hacksaw ? You then have all the tools you need to crimp those heavy gauge connectors, at least for the few times a diyer needs to do this.

[@markstorer4639]

Great video guys. Would be good to give people an idea of what amps to expect out of what size cable. Cheers keep up the good work

[@cheese265]

Cheers for the vid guys!! Very insightful!!

[@thesmarty6298]

"Head shrink" for when you have a meltdown trying to follow these easy directions lol

[@jaysonsingleton947]

Dame good advice and thank you for this one. There's tips I was not shown from a mate that did my wireing for my truck and camper trailer. Tyty...

[@silkyrider6916]

Love my redarc system, Hasnt let me down yet. Great Aussie brand

[@marygrace5231]

I do both solder and crimping on my connections. I crimp the connections first. Them I drop just a small amount of solder into the connections on both ends. This is to keep a better connection to the wire. Then I use heat shrink after that. I didn't think about marine grade connectors. In the past I just wrapped a little tape around the bigger gauge connections after that. 1 or 2 wraps is all that is needed. But marine grade heat shrink is even better. The solder is put on to help keep connection longer if they get pulled on.

[@westcoastadventures2771]

This make me wanna go through my battery system and neaten it up

[@benbeggs1199]

Definitely going to do the same

[@SedentaryDuck]

Amazing video thank you gents

[@Digger43]

Love your work Shaun !!!.

[@hamlet2554]

A very thorough explanation 😎

[@PNWOverlander]

Great video! Thankyou from Washington State.

[@paulscott6854]

Cheers boys, great vid, very helpful!

[@TraumaRNKen]

Great review on electrical tips for our trucks.

[@axleander90]

Anyone else flinch when he arc'd the battery 😂??

[@orb1talnz]

I work in the industry. We solder our battery terminals as crimping can lead to oxidization of the terminal and failure through voltage drop and resistance heating. Hydraulic crimpers are the only way to get a decent crimp on heavy gauge wire if soldering is not an option. Side cutters have no place crimping and should be in the bin. However fabric tape is awesome stuff. It doesn't get the same uv degradation that occurs with regular tape and handles the heat well. Good video thou guys.👍

[@wasdwasd12321]

Seriously, what a kickass video.

[@BikerBytes]

#6: Head Shrink, lol. Great stuff 💪

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

The adhesive lined stuff is my favorite for locations that can get wet. It's got hot melt glue in it that melts when and seals the connection. It's also a bit more rigid because of the glue so it is good for high vibration locations as well.

[@MinimaDomum]

I wish I knew about glue lines heat shrink when I started doing this stuff

[@bj240z]

Lol. Love it! I had to go back and check.

[@maxambrose]

7:20😂

[@glennpitman6161]

Jaycar for all the bits, a decent burner to Heat the terminals and heavy gauge wire, then flood solder them, then crimp and center punch the terminal to ensure a mechanical hold , followed by the heat shrink, never coming apart after that, I couldn’t find the ignition feed in the engine bay fuse box of my 2012 hilux, so the accessories feed was it. Always carry lots of spare fuses, you will need em.

[@wayneclarke5633]

Thanks for a great video, showing adding a battery on the back. I have been thinking of doing this for some time in my 2000 land rover discovery

[@stevefairley2535]

I have on my disco d2a

[@snowonher6968]

What a great video, so much info.

[@Thumpermad]

I'll have to watch it a few times before it will sink in definitely a good thing once you get your head around it experienced 4WDers no worries half assed campers with a 4WD like me well ...... I already have a pretty good setup but definitely want to upgrade to a dual battery setup my setup at the moment typically goes flat after running the fridge overnight and never really charges up to capacity again the system is an intervolt that incorporates solar disappointed to say the least. Thanks for the tips I'll work something out I now have the knowhow to get it done just in slower motion hahaha cheers

[@francoisrossouw1656]

Great video mate proper intuitive material.

[@hughbart]

I crimp, solder the crimp and then go over that with heat shrink or paint on insulation. Heaps of cable ties to neaten it up. Loop of a little extra wire at both ends of a wire incase it needs work done down the track ect. Always label each wire! You can get labelers that print onto white heat shrink. Electrical tape gets gooie over time and falls apart. If anyone works on your car make sure they don't just twist and tape. Some excellent pointers in this video!!

[@wood2259]

Crimping and soldering is the best way to go. You need a good mechanical connection and a good electrical connection, you get that by crimping and soldering. We used this method in the 80's on Forestry Commission vehicles, including firetankers, that saw service in remote areas and bushfires.

[@jazzman7867]

Beautifully illustrated

[@terrytekani5392]

Totally impressed, awesome 👌thanks

[@cameronporter411]

great video mate. love your work

[@lawnborder]

great video mate ! thanks for being so informative !

[@parkercustoms462]

I rarely use anything other than low heat solder connectors and heat shrink crimp connectors on 12v wire to wire connections. Unfortunately, I haven't done much wiring in the past few years that required anything outside of that. Great video though, super informative for someone planning an overlander build in the next few months.....

[@donnikou1089]

Great vid Shauno........love the Redarc!

[@joed7534]

Tells everyone how easy it is to DIY while getting professionals to do it. I have been a mechanic for over 40 years and always crimp and solder.. never had a failed connection

[@donaldcarolus3594]

I adore this channel. Makes me wish I lived in Australia. I think it’s important though that we/you/somebody mention that the length of the wire is also VERY important to amp capacity, that’s why that teeny wire didn’t just *POOF* in your example. I use a pocket reference, it’s available here at Harbor Freight, and most book stores, online as well. It has all sorts of ratings, capacities, and alllllllllll kinds of useful info. For around $4USD if I remember correctly. Thanks for the content! EDIT: Forgot to mention (in terminals), I crimp, solder to seal the connection, then, “double wall” heat shrink! 👍👍👍

[@donaldcarolus3594]

Also, you could use the fuel pump relay control side from the pcm for your ignition feed! Reason for my thought here is, usually the fuel pump will stop after prime and not continue to run if the engine isn’t running.

[@Damothedevo]

I use solder for stereos not a lot of room for a lot of crimps. That marine heatshrink was a new one on me.

[@AnchuDua]

wow .. just love your work and dedication mate.. absolutely fabulous.. I am a motor mechanic and electrician in making .. will learn a lot from you sure. .

[@justin5538]

Awesome vid. very informative

[@kennymepicadventures876]

Combination of solder and crimp buddy, just like you showed. Heat shrink to make it sweet to finish the job 👍 I’d prefer to use a lithium battery though, just to keep the weight down!

[@rayg1232]

Nice and simple good work