As a result of extra electrical loads the standard battery was looking decidedly undersized so an "upgrade" was investigated. As the diesel model uses a larger battery as standard there seemed hope - and on further investigation this is some unused space.

Rather than doing it the easy way I decided to fit the largest battery "easily" possible.

The diesel battery was misleading, it wouldn't fit ( 405 long, 175 Wide, 235 High ) in a petrol model due to engine acessories.

So with some measurements a 305 long, 172 Wide, 225 High unit was shoehorned in with a few minor mods.

1. The plastic battery tray underneath the old battery was way too small, so its sides were trimmed off making it a pad rather than a tray.
2. The standard battery hold down rods were selectively straightned ( they are bent in stock ) to accept the wider unit.
3. An aftermarket hold down was used as the stock unit is too narrow ( quality "average" so will make a custom replacement one day... )
4. Battery terninal adapters were purchased to change from small round terminals to large terminals and bolts.
5. The vehicle earth lead terminal was cut off and a lug fitted.

As bonnet clearance at the front of the vehicle is very limited, the + wiring was fitted to the underneath of the purchased terminal adapter rather than on top.

If you are doing your own - then watch out for this, a short on the bonnet would be VERY bad news..... The battery is placed as far back as possible for clearance reasons. Vertical clearance is the major issue - so watch out.

The neg battery adapter also faces the front of the vehicle to avoid stretching the stock wiring too much. Refit the + terminal plastic cover if possible - anything to avoid shorts is a good idea - a little trimming was required and a cable tie.

The photo is a little misleading as the large winch supply cables make it look more difficult than it actually needs to be.

Tools needed - 10mm ring spanner to remove battery hold downs, spanner to tighten battery terminals adapters ( size varies ), knife or snips to trim battery tray and "something" to crimp on negative ternial replacement.

Parts needed: Battery, new battery hold down, crimp lug for neg lead, cable tie to hold on + plastic cover.

It's a tight fit but with some care it can be done ( watch height of battery AND terninals ).

I used a BOSCH BN70ZX Navigator 4WD battery, but this part number may not mean much so check the size ( 305 long, 172 Wide, 225 High ).

As life off road can be hard on batteries, consider fitting a tougher unit - one designed to be heat and vibration resistant. Stock car batteries are OK for around town, but really aren't up to serious off roading. You can spend LOTS of money on batteries and remember they have a limited life ( 3 years is common in manufacturers literature ).

Now you can music all night and still start in the morning.