I installed a new camera system with a DVR and my battery could not handle the deep cycles (draws about an amp). I looked into a dual battery system but was concerned about the total capacity (dual PC1200s). I did not want to create an additional battery location for the second battery. The best solution I could come up with was to use an Odyssey 2150 battery. I was able to use the existing cables and just needed to make a custom battery tray. Here are some pics:


The bottom of the tray needed a 1" square tub to keep the side closest to the drivers from hitting the wheel well. You can see how the square tubing is shorter where the wheel well rises.

Used some rods on the tray that are threaded on the end to hold a piece of angle to hold the battery in the tray.

Here is the original battery. Note the height and depth.

This is the tray installed. The rising wheel well is in the bottom right of the picture. There is a 1/4" piece of acrylic on the bottom of the tray to keep the bolt heads from protruding into the battery.

Here is a size comparison of the two batteries. You can see the Odyssey battery is taller and longer but has the same depth. Note the 3/8" screws are removed from the terminals on the Odyssey battery. This enables use of the stock Hummer battery cables.

In order to get the battery into the tray you will need a battery carrier to load it on it's side. The largest carrier was a little short but I was able to bend it a little to make it work for the 8.75" battery depth (which is really the height). The battery weighs 80 lbs so this was a critical tool to install the battery.

Here you can see the battery installation complete. The battery cables are screwed into the terminals similar to the stock battery. the area is a little tighter but it all works.


I am really happy with this battery. It is holding a charge just fine and starts the engine with ease. Hope this helps someone who wants to increase their battery capacity!

 

Very nicely done! While I know an AGM battery can be in any orientation my OCD would drive me nuts with it on its side though. lol

Another thing you might consider would be a higher output alternator.

 

It is a dry battery. No Liquid Acid moving around. The only requirement is to not invert the battery.

I am going to monitor the charging over time. If I see that the battery starts to lose capacity then I will consider a higher output alternator.