I've been considering getting a "Battery Boost Pack" instead of going with a full dual battery setup. There are several that have AGM batteries that can deliver 3000 peak amps (or more) to emergency jump-start a vehicle.

My main concern is being stranded if the main battery dies.

Pros:
1. It's far cheaper.
2. It's portable - it can start your buddy's Jeep even if you can't drive close enough to get jumper cables to it.
3. Can start a "dead" vehicle, i.e. can deliver enough juice to the starter even if the main battery is Tango Uniform.
4. Relatively light - a fraction of the weight of a tray/electronics/full-size battery.
5. Doesn't require modification to the vehicle, other than a good tie-down.
6. Can be used as a portable source of power - don't need to be near the Jeep to power a portable 'fridge, for example.
7. The battery can be replaced (on some models) making it a long-term solution.

Cons:
1. Needs to be recharged separately. Forget to keep it charged and it's just more dead weight.
2. Limited number of starts per charge. There are several starts available, but not as many as a full-sized backup battery.
3. Probably won't be of much use for a Ready Welder in 24-volt mode. That is, you probably can't put it in series with you main battery to emergency weld thicker material. Don't know that for sure, but even if you could it would be a very short welding session.

I'd really like to have the convenience of a dual battery setup, but I guess I'm just too cheap.

Thoughts?

 

well a dual battery setup is usually used for running extra accesories like winch, lights, amps, stereo equip, etc.... where as the bost pack can not do this. so if u want to run any xtras, then save and get the dual battery or even a good single battery

 

I'm already planning an Odyssey AGM main battery to run the PowerPlant winch/air compressor, though I have to say the stock battery has held up remarkably well (drained it several times already). Being in Arizona, the heat really takes it's toll on batteries. I've had Optima batteries crap out on me after a couple of years. I'm just thinking if I run the main battery down or if the main battery pukes, I'd like to think I have some backup to get out of the back country.

Just so it's clear, I'm not talking about those cheesy "Start Me Up" crap packs. I'm talking about a small-sized AGM in a portable package.

The difference between a good dual-battery setup an a portable is about $400. Getting home is the goal, not blinding the deer or damaging my hearing (any more than it already is).

 

I was going to go the dual battery route. Pulled the OEM battery holder out today preparing to fabricate my own dual battery tray. After taking measurements I am really not encouraged to do it. The tray will extend towards the engine and sit right over the exhaust manifold. The heat will be detrimental on the battery especially with the steel tray as oppose to the plastic enclosure the stock one is in. Thought about trying to go to one 31 series but it is 13 inches long and would extend really close to the manifold also. So I put everything back together and will probably go with a really good single combo starter and deep cycle battery. If you come up with a good alternative through the booster let us know.

Richard.

 

just a thought but im probly gonna try it. when the time comes (soon) i will be moving to a snorkel and will be moving my battery to the old intake location and the new intake plus snorkel hoses to the battery location. again still in the idea stage. any thoughts?

 

That first con has been the biatch among my friends that have them.

 

I'm not seeing much of a disadvantage of using a good battery booster pack. Save the money for the beer to put in the portable fridge!

 

if getting home is the idea and not running xtra accessorie, then go for it. all it looks like it is good for is basically a jump start. if you keep running your stock battery down like you have then you will need the jump.

id say couple years is good for a battery, some may last longer but i would still upgrade to a better battery that can take the hits more from the winch. just wait till u need a long pull with the winch and your battery craps out, the jump start aint gonna do crap for you then unless u disconect the battery from the machine and hook it up in place of stock battery.

edit: sorry reread some posts and you are already planning on the odyssey

 

Why has no one tried to securely mount a 2nd battery in the cargo area of our JK's. Is the copper wire that expensive to run from the engine compartment to the back of our JK?

If it was done right and mounted securely it should not be a hazard right? Plenty of room back there in the wagon.

I was thinking about doing this myself with an optima style battery that could be mounted any which way, along with a couple of auxillary power points, maybe even an 1000w inverter back there. You could still jump start your own jeep if the jumper cables were long enough.