1.1.1 Batteries¶
Dual battery system with AGM starter battery and LiFePO4 deep cycle auxiliary battery.
START Battery - Odyssey PC1500¶
Type: AGM Deep Cycle Battery
Model: Odyssey ODX-AGM34 (PC1500)
Manufacturer: Odyssey Battery
Product Page: Odyssey PC1500
Specifications¶
- Capacity: 68 Ah @ 20-hour rate
- CCA: 850A @ 0°F (-18°C)
- PHCA: 1500A (Pulse Hot Cranking Amps)
- Dimensions: 10.9" L × 6.8" W × 7.9" H
- Weight: 49.5 lbs
- Cycle Life: 400 cycles @ 80% DOD
Purpose¶
Critical systems requiring high cranking amps and reliable starting:
- Engine starting (Cummins R2.8)
- PMU power (all engine bay loads)
- SafetyHub circuits
- HVAC, radiator fan
AUX Battery - Dakota Lithium 135Ah¶
Type: LiFePO4 Deep Cycle with Heated BMS
Model: DL+ 12V 135Ah Dual Purpose
Manufacturer: Dakota Lithium
Product Page: Dakota Lithium 135Ah
Specifications¶
- Capacity: 135 Ah (108 Ah usable at 80% DOD)
- Voltage: 12.8V nominal
- CCA: 1,000A equivalent
- Max Continuous Discharge: 135A
- Peak Discharge: 1,000A (2 sec)
- Dimensions: 9.5" L × 6.9" W × 8.2" H (Group 24)
- Weight: 27.2 lbs
- Cycle Life: 5,000 cycles @ 80% DOD
- Operating Temp: -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
- Heated BMS: Internal even-heat technology enables charging down to -4°F
Purpose¶
Accessories and high-draw auxiliary loads:
- SwitchPros lighting (up to 68A full offroad lighting)
- BODY PDU (audio, USB, heated seats)
- Winch (400A peak)
- ARB compressor (90A)
Why LiFePO4¶
| Factor | Odyssey AGM | Dakota LiFePO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 68Ah | 135Ah |
| Usable capacity | 34Ah (50% DOD) | 108Ah (80% DOD) |
| Weight | 49.5 lbs | 27.2 lbs |
| Cycle life | 400 | 5,000 |
| Cold charging | Any temp | Heated BMS |
3× usable capacity enables 6+ hours of full night offroad lighting vs ~2 hours with AGM.
System Configuration¶
- START battery (Driver Wheel Well): Odyssey PC1500 - critical systems
- AUX battery (Passenger Wheel Well): Dakota Lithium 135Ah - accessories
- Isolation: BCDC Alpha 50 (independent operation when engine off)
- Jump Start: BCDC jump start assist can parallel batteries if START fails
- Redundancy: Vehicle operates on START battery alone if AUX system fails
Mounting¶
- START battery: Driver wheel well - enclosed compartment with access panel
- AUX battery: Passenger wheel well - Barnes 4WD battery box (Group 24 compatible)
Outstanding Items¶
- ~~Order Dakota Lithium DL+ 135Ah battery (~$999)~~ → Purchased
- Backorder Barnes 4WD battery box (Group 24 compatible, ~$67)
- Powdercoat or paint battery box before installation
Installation Tasks: See Section 1 Installation Checklist