Dual battery how-to
09-09-2003, 05:40 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dual battery how-to
Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
wire up a dual battery system?
I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
with.
I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
(And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
wire up a dual battery system?
I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
with.
I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
(And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
09-09-2003, 05:54 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to <<<---- READ THIS NOW
DougW wrote:
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
setups that can help you further...
-- DougW
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
setups that can help you further...
-- DougW
09-09-2003, 05:54 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to <<<---- READ THIS NOW
DougW wrote:
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
setups that can help you further...
-- DougW
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
setups that can help you further...
-- DougW
09-09-2003, 05:58 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Approximately 9/9/03 14:44, DougW uttered for posterity:
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
Not even that good.
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
And even if it doesn't short out, the two can set there
and send current to each other with key off.
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Some have a switch so you can disable one or other. Don't
even think about running two batteries without a good isolator.
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
Not even that good.
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
And even if it doesn't short out, the two can set there
and send current to each other with key off.
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Some have a switch so you can disable one or other. Don't
even think about running two batteries without a good isolator.
09-09-2003, 05:58 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Approximately 9/9/03 14:44, DougW uttered for posterity:
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
Not even that good.
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
And even if it doesn't short out, the two can set there
and send current to each other with key off.
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Some have a switch so you can disable one or other. Don't
even think about running two batteries without a good isolator.
> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> WHOA! Very bad idea!
Not even that good.
> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
> Up to and including having one short out.
And even if it doesn't short out, the two can set there
and send current to each other with key off.
> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
Some have a switch so you can disable one or other. Don't
even think about running two batteries without a good isolator.
09-09-2003, 07:21 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Here you go:
http://www.sierrajeep.com/basic.htm
KH
"Joshua Nelson" <spam_box@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:b102b6e4.0309091340.4014a34f@posting.google.c om...
> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
> wire up a dual battery system?
>
> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
> with.
>
> I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
> winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
> etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
> recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
>
> (And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
> lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
> talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
http://www.sierrajeep.com/basic.htm
KH
"Joshua Nelson" <spam_box@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:b102b6e4.0309091340.4014a34f@posting.google.c om...
> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
> wire up a dual battery system?
>
> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
> with.
>
> I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
> winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
> etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
> recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
>
> (And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
> lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
> talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
09-09-2003, 07:21 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Here you go:
http://www.sierrajeep.com/basic.htm
KH
"Joshua Nelson" <spam_box@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:b102b6e4.0309091340.4014a34f@posting.google.c om...
> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
> wire up a dual battery system?
>
> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
> with.
>
> I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
> winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
> etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
> recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
>
> (And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
> lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
> talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
http://www.sierrajeep.com/basic.htm
KH
"Joshua Nelson" <spam_box@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:b102b6e4.0309091340.4014a34f@posting.google.c om...
> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
> wire up a dual battery system?
>
> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
> with.
>
> I considered simply leaving the batteries un-linked and running the
> winch and accessories to one battery while the ignition, alternator,
> etc. ran to the other, but this leaves the obvious problem of how do I
> recharge the battery that is not hooked up to the motor?
>
> (And yes I know there is an obvious taunt to be made about how a 4500
> lb winch doesn't draw much current anyway. Please just pretend we're
> talking about a 12,500 lb winch ere.)
09-09-2003, 07:57 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Although this is good advice, it has been very common in the RV field
to connect the batteries together, even when they were not exactly the
same type. This includes mixing of deep-cycle and starting batteries.
A special solenoid was used that kept the batteries separated until
the engine was running. Then they were connected directly together
for charging. I'm not talking about isolated instances here, but
large manufacturer's like Winnebago. The isolator is a safer approach
if the voltage drop across the diodes isn't of any concern.
----
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:44:24 GMT, "DougW"
<post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
>WHOA! Very bad idea!
>Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
>Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
>All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
to connect the batteries together, even when they were not exactly the
same type. This includes mixing of deep-cycle and starting batteries.
A special solenoid was used that kept the batteries separated until
the engine was running. Then they were connected directly together
for charging. I'm not talking about isolated instances here, but
large manufacturer's like Winnebago. The isolator is a safer approach
if the voltage drop across the diodes isn't of any concern.
----
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:44:24 GMT, "DougW"
<post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
>WHOA! Very bad idea!
>Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
>Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
>All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
09-09-2003, 07:57 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to
Although this is good advice, it has been very common in the RV field
to connect the batteries together, even when they were not exactly the
same type. This includes mixing of deep-cycle and starting batteries.
A special solenoid was used that kept the batteries separated until
the engine was running. Then they were connected directly together
for charging. I'm not talking about isolated instances here, but
large manufacturer's like Winnebago. The isolator is a safer approach
if the voltage drop across the diodes isn't of any concern.
----
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:44:24 GMT, "DougW"
<post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
>WHOA! Very bad idea!
>Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
>Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
>All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
to connect the batteries together, even when they were not exactly the
same type. This includes mixing of deep-cycle and starting batteries.
A special solenoid was used that kept the batteries separated until
the engine was running. Then they were connected directly together
for charging. I'm not talking about isolated instances here, but
large manufacturer's like Winnebago. The isolator is a safer approach
if the voltage drop across the diodes isn't of any concern.
----
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:44:24 GMT, "DougW"
<post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>Joshua Nelson wrote:
>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>
>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>
>WHOA! Very bad idea!
>Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>
>Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>Up to and including having one short out.
>
>
>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>> with.
>
>All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
09-09-2003, 08:50 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Dual battery how-to <<<---- READ THIS NOW
look at www.wranglernw.com
Its not hard to install....I managed it with minimal supervision. I didnt use their
tray (got Kilby's) or their batteries (got R & Y Optima's), but I did get their
isolator and wiring. I didnt bother with the battery manager - too much fuss (and
$).
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:54:42 GMT, "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>>DougW wrote:
>>> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>>>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>>>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>>>
>>>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>>>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>>>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>>>
>>> WHOA! Very bad idea!
>>> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>>>
>>> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>>> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>>> Up to and including having one short out.
>>>
>>>
>>>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>>>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>>>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>>>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>>>> with.
>>>
>>> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>>> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
>>
>>Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
>>
>>Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
>>
>>http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
>>http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
>>http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
>>
>>I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
>>setups that can help you further...
>>
>>-- DougW
>>
Its not hard to install....I managed it with minimal supervision. I didnt use their
tray (got Kilby's) or their batteries (got R & Y Optima's), but I did get their
isolator and wiring. I didnt bother with the battery manager - too much fuss (and
$).
On Tue, 09 Sep 2003 21:54:42 GMT, "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote:
>>DougW wrote:
>>> Joshua Nelson wrote:
>>>> Does anyone have a link (*ahem*, Bill) to some instructions on how to
>>>> wire up a dual battery system?
>>>>
>>>> I bought a dual battery tray and simply ran + to + and - to - in
>>>> sequence, but due to experiencing some subsequent problems with this
>>>> set up I think I may have done this incorrectly.
>>>
>>> WHOA! Very bad idea!
>>> Disconnect one of those batteries before you blow one of them up.
>>>
>>> Batteries charge and discharge at different rates. Unless the two
>>> batteries are exacly the same you will cause all sorts of problems.
>>> Up to and including having one short out.
>>>
>>>
>>>> I don't know a whole lot about electronics so if it has to get way
>>>> complicated with all kinds of extra fuses and relays and what not, I
>>>> may give up. But I've already got the second battery and tray so
>>>> there's some investment there already which I may as well continue
>>>> with.
>>>
>>> All you need is a battery isolator. Commonly available at RV stores
>>> and truck stops, etc. Instructions are on the isolator.
>>
>>Sorry for the extra subject padding but I feel it's important.
>>
>>Here are a few links to help you understand how to install the isolator.
>>
>>http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm
>>http://www.mphtower.com/am/lc/lc_dualbatt.htm
>>http://community.webshots.com/album/27192645FNPRXoZxZc
>>
>>I'm sure there are more than a few newsgroupers out there with dual
>>setups that can help you further...
>>
>>-- DougW
>>