Xpedition Auxiliary Battery

[Mango1234]

I had two Dorado batteries I wanted to use on my Lectric Xpedition so I built this:

I unplugged the rear OEM battery holder and plugged in the Dorado. It's working great, my 17.5Ah Dorado plus one of the original batteries went 50% further than the two original batteries. I then have two more batteries I can swap in. The Dorado battery holder comes with short flying leads so I butt spliced in half of an xt60h extension cable. I damaged the original grommet, the new one is much beefier. I shrink wrapped then spiral wrapped the new wiring. I replaced the bolts that came with the clamps with carriage heads for more clearance.
Here are the parts I used:

Reention Dorado Battery Mount Plate

This item is available in our store. Buy the latest high performance custom electric bikes online from our store at exclusive prices. Our collections include all-terrain electric bikes, comfort cruiser electric bikes, commuter electric bikes, and folding electric bikes & accessories. Check our...

biktrix.com

YLS-M/F to XT60 M/F cables with XT60 Adapters

YLS-F-Z210AG female connector to black XT60 Male golden with braided tube L=400MM YLS-M-Z210AG male connector to black XT60 Female golden with braided tube L=400MM Black XT60 male - Black XT60 male adapter Black XT60 female - Black XT60 female adapter warranty materials for international sales...

electricallwheel.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Midwest Fastener® 1/4" x 3/8" Rubber Grommet - 1 Count

These rubber grommets form a tight barrier to seal out liquids and gas and are great for cushioning the nut or bolt head.

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® 3/8" x 3-1/2' Black Spiral Wrap Tubing

This Gardner Bender® spiral wrap protects hoses, wires, and cables from cuts, abrasions, and UV wear. In addition, you can use it to organize up to three-and-a-half feet or six cords!

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® 5/16" x 8' Black Thin-Wall Heat Shrink Tubing

The Gardner Bender® PVC Heat Shrink Tube measures out to eight feet in length. It is heat retardant and flame resistant, and you can use it for general-purpose applications.

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® Blue Butt Splices - 21 Count

The Gardner Bender blue butt splices are fully insulated and rated at 600-volt maximum.

www.menards.com

Grip Fast® 1/4"-20 x 2" Zinc Grade 2 Carriage Bolts - 6 Count

Carriage bolts are pushed into a hole with the same diameter as the shank and then often hammered into place where the square shoulder locks it in place. They are often used in applications where a smooth finish surface is needed for security, safety, and appearance.

www.menards.com

 

[PCeBiker]

That's a good idea.
I struggled with trying to carry a second Dorado battery for over a year.
I ended up with a speed wobble/shimmy with the battery mounted to my rear rack, then my rack broke off.

I looked at that Biktrix battery mount but it was too big to fit on my top tube and I'd have to figure out how to attach it securely.
I ended up molding Polymorph Plastic into brackets attached to my top tube,..

It looks like crap right now, but I intend to trim the brackets and paint them black this coming winter.
It's working great, but I have to stand on my toes to clear the battery.
I've landed on my jewels a couple of times already.

 

[Mango1234]

Now I need a padded case for the spare Dorado battery. I have the padded shipping box it came in, but it's too big to fit in my storage tote.
This is heavier and more money than I want to spend:

 

[PCeBiker]

I had a trunk bag mounted to my rear rack.
My 18" Dorado battery fit nicely inside the bag,..

There are padded battery bags available too, but they don't have a hard case,..

There are hard shell battery cases too, but I couldn't find one that was 18" long,..

 

[6zfshdb]

I had two Dorado batteries I wanted to use on my Lectric Xpedition so I built this:

View attachment 182703
I unplugged the rear OEM battery holder and plugged in the Dorado. It's working great, my 17.5Ah Dorado plus one of the original batteries went 50% further than the two original batteries. I then have two more batteries I can swap in. The Dorado battery holder comes with short flying leads so I butt spliced in half of an xt60h extension cable. I damaged the original grommet, the new one is much beefier. I shrink wrapped then spiral wrapped the new wiring. I replaced the bolts that came with the clamps with carriage heads for more clearance.
Here are the parts I used:

Reention Dorado Battery Mount Plate

This item is available in our store. Buy the latest high performance custom electric bikes online from our store at exclusive prices. Our collections include all-terrain electric bikes, comfort cruiser electric bikes, commuter electric bikes, and folding electric bikes & accessories. Check our...

biktrix.com

YLS-M/F to XT60 M/F cables with XT60 Adapters

YLS-F-Z210AG female connector to black XT60 Male golden with braided tube L=400MM YLS-M-Z210AG male connector to black XT60 Female golden with braided tube L=400MM Black XT60 male - Black XT60 male adapter Black XT60 female - Black XT60 female adapter warranty materials for international sales...

electricallwheel.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Midwest Fastener® 1/4" x 3/8" Rubber Grommet - 1 Count

These rubber grommets form a tight barrier to seal out liquids and gas and are great for cushioning the nut or bolt head.

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® 3/8" x 3-1/2' Black Spiral Wrap Tubing

This Gardner Bender® spiral wrap protects hoses, wires, and cables from cuts, abrasions, and UV wear. In addition, you can use it to organize up to three-and-a-half feet or six cords!

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® 5/16" x 8' Black Thin-Wall Heat Shrink Tubing

The Gardner Bender® PVC Heat Shrink Tube measures out to eight feet in length. It is heat retardant and flame resistant, and you can use it for general-purpose applications.

www.menards.com

Gardner Bender® Blue Butt Splices - 21 Count

The Gardner Bender blue butt splices are fully insulated and rated at 600-volt maximum.

www.menards.com

Grip Fast® 1/4"-20 x 2" Zinc Grade 2 Carriage Bolts - 6 Count

Carriage bolts are pushed into a hole with the same diameter as the shank and then often hammered into place where the square shoulder locks it in place. They are often used in applications where a smooth finish surface is needed for security, safety, and appearance.

www.menards.com

Nice build! It should give you a significant range boost.

Do you notice any difference in bike balance with the battery weight on one side?

One minor improvement I can suggest is to round off the corners of that aluminum angle bracket. I know from experience that you will eventually catch clothing or even your leg on it, especially if you take a spill.

 

[6zfshdb]

Now I need a padded case for the spare Dorado battery. I have the padded shipping box it came in, but it's too big to fit in my storage tote.
This is heavier and more money than I want to spend:
View attachment 182706

Yeah, these padded cases can get expensive but so are the batteries. Safety during transport is also a consideration. I consider it insurance and use these cases from Nanuk:

Amazon.com

Many sizes are available. I can fit 2 or 3 batteries in the same case. I save some money by buying them empty and adding cheap egg foam for padding. There's even room for a charger:

 

[Mango1234]

Thanks for the replies. I don't feel any balance issues due to the battery being on one side. I would like to attach my other Dorado on the opposite side on long trips to keep the weight low. The bike is harder to get up on the kickstand because of the extra weight and the small tires.
I have hit my leg on that corner once and I do plan to round it. I have yet to try the rear Plus 1 chair for clearance.

I was looking at battery bags and zeroed in on that orange one. The packing foam from the original box should fit inside that bag.

 

[Mango1234]

I got the orange battery bag. It fits the Reention Dorado ID Plus battery plus the original shipping foam plus a charger perfectly. It fits snug in my 21 gallon tote that fits in the Xpeditions Orbiter rear rack