Paul’s esoteric meanderings

http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/ArchiveView.asp?ForumQID=32036

Battery isolators and battery systems are always an area of hot debate. This article is not to get into the differing battery constructions and variants, but rather into the systems to manage them.

In an ideal world every cell would be managed independently, and batteries would cover all our needs. The reality is that we have to make do with  differing solutions and varied information.

Some of the best battery information is here, here and here

This guy also has great information.  Read more... (1239 words, estimated 4:57 mins reading time)

An excellent test of products in the marketplace, all destroyed on a test rig. Love it.

Results surprised me slightly.

http://www.lizardlegs.com.au/blackrat/news.asp

As you can read on many websites and discussion lists, it will bring about the end of the world if you put two batteries that are not exactly the same in parallel.

Unfortunately for most 4WD owners, this is exactly what we want to do. Even if they are exactly the same using an isolator makes them do different jobs, so when you go to charge them they are no longer the same.

95% of battery isolator systems charge your dual batteries in parallel. Even the ones that claim to be smart – are just a set of relays (switches) inside to parallel the batteries together. (There are some EXPENSIVE exceptions, you’ll know already if you have one).  Read more... (191 words, estimated 46 secs reading time)

Now you would think that after doing breaking something once, I would learn. Apparently I am dumber than that. See, I figured the 100 Series Landcruiser that I had owned for a grand total of 6 hours was tougher than the Hilux Surf. Oops, wrong. Call the flatbed towtruck.

OK, here it is simply. If you own a Toyota 4WD, whatever the version, and want the rear LSD to get you out of a really nasty spot offroad, do NOT, EVER use the foot brakes to help. I know it works in Hummers, I know it helps to lock up the rear LSD, – Still DON’T, not even gently. The front diff will tear itself apart. You can use the handbrake all you like (Toyota handbrakes are only for decoration, they don’t actually do anything), but don’t use the foot brakes.  Read more... (263 words, estimated 1:03 mins reading time)

Sick of the pathetic fuel range in your Surf? I get around 400km to the standard tank with the 1KZTE 3L Turbo Diesel. 450 on the highway, 250 towing a car trailer. After following mates that get over twice that (I hate Land Rovers), I decided to fix the problem. I think it was Toyota’s decision to give the new Prado (same engine) a massive 180 litres, compared to my 55 litres that finally clenched it.  Read more... (2674 words, 30 images, estimated 10:42 mins reading time)