Hey all...I want to install a dual battery setup in my JK Rubi for camping trips, winch backup etc. I am an admitted numbnut when it comes to electrical stuff but I can follow directions well.

So I am considering the setup from Benchmark but they have a Stage 1, 2 and 3 so what are the pros and cons to all and is there any other setup out there similar or that should be considered?

http://www.benchmarkdesigns.com/inde...index&cPath=22

TIA.

 

if it helps i was in your spot a week ago and figured i could cut costs and assemble my own for less but soon found out that all the others sell thier trays as just trays, no wires, no isolators, nothing and all those parts add up at least with Benchmarks kit all you need is a second battery... if your planning on doing this take the plunge and go all in with Benchmarks Stage 3 with the Smart Isolator, might as well use the best of the best the first time around ...

 

Have only seen the dual batt tray setup one other place and didn't have the rest of the setup. Might as well get it from benchmark so it is basicly plug and play. They are on here and give you help if you run into trouble, that makes it a pretty good deal.

 

Thanks...I am not worried as much about saving money as getting what I actually need. I agree...Benchmark kits appear quite complete compared to what else is out there.

I am just surprised to see 3 different versions of it.....Stage 2 looks like it would work for me but I don't understand electricity enough to know if I would be giving up something cool versus Stage 3.

 

Well as far as i can tell Stage 3 is what guys like you and me are after, a sophisticated system that is just Plug and play with minimal need for Electric Nawlage not mention A complete kit, no last minute running around looking for miscellaneous parts or connetors just, Buy - Install - Enjoy .....


i am currantly waitng for my Stage 3 Smart Isolator to come in then i can begin my install ...

 

Lots of good info and advice already in this thread.

Stage 3 is the ticket. 90% of customers go with Stage 3. It's the easiest to install, has the best features, and is the most plug & play. With the Stage 3 kit, all you need to add are batteries.

We offer Stage 1 & 2 as a way to cater to the more DIY guys. Guys also buy Stage 1 & 2 initially, and then upgrade to Stage 3 down the road.

 

Stage 3:

 

i saw the stage 3 kit in my friends jk on sat.. i was very impressed!!! my oil pan from benchmark has held up amazingly, except for the hardware it comes with, but this battery kit blew me away!!
i almost didnt notice it thats how good fitment is... we didnt need the winch thank god, but he said the kit has worked flawlessly.. i would cough up the extra $$ and get stage 3.

 

I've got the stage 3 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dual battery setup. Installation was easy and probably only took me about four hours or so. That was even with frequent stops to answer the phone before I finally just turned it off! The only problem I encountered was cutting the factory battery tray/ air box tray. Initially I cringed at the thought of cutting it but in the end it turned out good. I used a dremel at first and then switched to a soldering iron with a knife attachment. Had I thought of that first, I would have skipped the dremel. I did have a little trouble getting the included clamps on the battery posts. I just picked up different ones from the store that would fit the two optima batteries i put in.

I'll try to post some pics later. Too cold/windy/snowy to go outside right now!

 

anybody have before and after pics? i don't see the room for a 2nd battery on my 2011