Hi people-more-knowledgeable-than-me,

Ive a 2007MY RRS TDV8 and am considering a duel battery setup to help with battery drain through kids watching films, issues caused by short journeys, periods of being parked up, and the fact that the car just seems to eat batteries every few years!

Im looking at this at a really REALLY basic level first. Presumably I need to ignore split charge systems because, as the name suggests, all that will do is charge a second battery? Not actually allow its use to up the available amp hours in the vehicle unless something is then directly connected to the split charged second battery?

Ive come across Traxide as a company other RRS/D3 forums mention.

My requirement is to increase the amp hours of available power and if possible apply some maintenance to the primary battery also.

The Traxide SC80 and USI-160 seems to do this - there's a thread on a D3 forum where idle drain of the older USI system seems to be a lot less than the newer SC80, and various other reasons to look at the older USI over newer SC80.

Research suggests an Optima D34 is the best fit in the aux bay.

Can anyone comment on / recommend a duel battery setup or manufacturer, with any experienced pros' and cons?

Lastly - Halfords 6w solar chargers - 'useful' or 'steer clear'?!

Thanks!

You're still going to need to charge the second battery somehow. If there isn't enough going into the primary battery, how is the secondary going to get charged? Wouldn't a CTEK setup to charge the normal battery just be simpler? Just plug it in at the weekend/during the periods of being parked up and it will charge the battery and keep it topped up ready for next use. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I've been using a Traxide system in a 2008 tdv8 rrs for a few years. I am happy with it.

The guy at Traxide, Tim I think, is pretty helpful with advice on the Australian Land Rover Owners forum https://www.aulro.com/ (member DriveSafe). I am sure he will let you know how to to set up for your situation.
Give him a ring \ email (remember the 10hrs time zone difference). Details here http://www.traxide.com.au/ . Pete
2008 L320 TDV8
2022 Hilux Rugged-X

Hi i use a halfords solar charger does the job for me.