This write-up will include 3 parts: Dual Batteries, Fuse Block, & Inverter.

We will start with the dual battery setup.

Disclaimer: I am not an electrical expert. This project was a learning experience. This will not be a step by step guide like my other articles. This will point you in the right direction and tell you everything you need to setup a proper dual or triple battery system with an inverter and fuse box.

The first thing to consider is your alternator size. The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan has a 160 Amp alternator. This should be enough to power my setup. If you have less than 100 Amps, you may need to upgrade your alternator.

Next question is what batteries to run? I kept my stock battery and added 2 Optima yellow tops. I will be running a a lot of electronics including dual monitors at times, so I added 2 marine batteries, you may only need 1.

You will also need a dual battery kit which includes a relay. I purchased the Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Kit.

Lastly, you will need battery cables. I used 2 AWG 12 foot cables.

Following the easy Rugged Ridge instruction I was able to setup the dual batteries. I mounted the relay near the fuse box.

I put the switch under the steering wheel…

I placed my 2 yellow tops in the storage compartment behind the passenger seat. I routed the Battery cables from the relay under the Dodge. I drilled a hole through the floor to the storage compartment and wired the batteries in parallel.

I used battery boxes to hide the batteries. As Optima batteries are sealed, there is little chance of leakage. However I still drilled holes in the battery boxes through the floor for ventilation.

Next I setup a fuse box. They are fairly easy to use. Red is power and black is ground. Insert the appropriate size fuse for your needs. I used (and recommend) Blue Sea Systems 5026 Fuse Block.

In the pick above the white covered box is my fuse block with 12 fuses. They are for various things such as:

– The black 4 port 12V socket system to the left of the fuse box.

– Socket extender at the rear of the van

– Socket extender on the right and on the left side of the van near the side doors.

– 4 port socket extender in the front of the van in the glove compartment to charge my Nexus 7, cell phone, and other accessories.

– Rear view camera

– On board cameras

– Blower motor in floor

– Vent fan in floor

In the pictures below you will see two circuit breakers. a 100 amp and a 120 amp. One if for the fuse box and goes between the fuse box and the battery. The other is for the Inverter. P.S… I know it looks like the two red wires are touching… but they are not as the bottom one is covered.

The picture below shows several 12V sockets in the floor directly under the passenger seat. I can see them and reach them from the drivers seat. I put a digital 12v reader into one and I put another 12v reader into a stock socket so I can monitor my voltage.

Below are pictures of where else I put sockets in my Dodge Grand Caravan.

Below is a picture of where I mounted my 1600 Watt Whistler Pro inverter which will later power my monitors. It is mounted under the drivers seat.

And finally how everything looks covered!!!

UPDATE 2/23/15