For those of you with an '03 or '04 disco II, I thought I would let you know the Columbia Overland dual battery tray can be made to work with our vehicles--with a slight mod.

I got with Howard at Columbia and talked with him about what it would take to mod one of their trays to work with the 03-04 vehicles. He wasn't sure if it would work or not, and sent me one.

As you would expect, there isn't much of a difference, other than the fact that there is a hole in the front bulkhead to create an access point for the right front headlamp. This is where the pre-2002 Columbia Overland battery trays have a mounting point for a bracket to support the front of the tray. All I did was cut a small piece of aluminum and pop-rivet it in to an existing hole in the front end. I will probably change the pop-rivet out for a rivnut and stainless hardware, but it serves its purpose for now just so I know everything fits. Now to get another Optima!

Also, I relocated the windshield washer bottle and mounted it behind the new tray. There is a washer bottle kit available on Amazon for like $15. Fits perfect!

 

So you can fit two batteries in the original location? Why did you move the washer reservoir, was it because of a new bumper?

 

Yes to both. I'm going to add another optima red top (or get one blue top marine deep cycle which is huge.

I got a high clearance bumper from tactical rovers and the factory washer bottle stuck out like a sore thumb.

 

Here's a photo...

 

Gotcha!

I did know that about the washer reservoir. I didn't realize two batteries would fit in the original location.

Cheers!

 

http://www.columbiaoverland.com/prod...tray-1999-2002

 

FYI, link to washer bottle in referenced.

 

Dang, that looks awesome!

 

Especially with the Red or Yellow Top batterys, you can fit 2 in, side by side, if you are wanting more pull from a winch.

 

So I'm new to both land rovers and off-roading. Why would you want two batteries? I saw above Mike said you will get a stronger pull from your winch? Are there other options. I assume when you load your rig up with lights and a winch etc that it pulls more from the battery. The alternator doesn't charge it backup enough? I was planning on getting one of these. My buddy who has one of the most tricked out Disco 2's I have ever seen has one on his hood and it trickle charges his battery all day.

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=259