Dual battery ideas

[asteffes]

So I picked up a new Optima yellow top today for $100US. Amazing, considering what they retail for. The fellow went through a wierd situation with batteries and wanted to unload this one for whatever he could get. So I'm contemplating a dual-battery setup. I'm considering using welding cable to wire up the Hellroaring isolator/combiner. Any thoughts on this? Seems like a cheap alternative to fancy Monster Cable with similar functionality.

[p1michaud]

So I picked up a new Optima yellow top today for $100US. Amazing, considering what they retail for. The fellow went through a wierd situation with batteries and wanted to unload this one for whatever he could get. So I'm contemplating a dual-battery setup. I'm considering using welding cable to wire up the Hellroaring isolator/combiner. Any thoughts on this? Seems like a cheap alternative to fancy Monster Cable with similar functionality.

asteffes,
Good work on the Optima. I did the same thing with my orbital. This guy thought he could power his complete trailer (VCR, micowave, lights, TV, etc...) off this one battery! Anyhow needless to say that he drained it in no time and returned it because he believed it was defective. :Wow1:
I've used welding wire for two applications so far, one for extending the winch controller wires and another for my dual battery set up. I think that the welding wire will do the job plus it's a bit cheaper alternative. :D
Cheers :beer:
P

[Scott Brady]

My dual battery arrangement is very simple, and uses 0/1 cable and a SurePower solenoid. I prefer the solenoid as there are no diodes. The solenoid uses the simple logic that is the main battery is receiving 13.2 volts, the alternator is running and it connect the batteries. If it drops below 12.8, they are disconnected. There is also a manual connect option with a switch.

http://www.surepower.com/separator.html

[cruiseroutfit]

I run the Wrangler products setup... A switch on the dash allows me to toggle between "Emergency" (both batteries), off (main battery), and charge both batteries.

http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/images/upload/dual_batt.JPG

[Brian McVickers]

That SurePower seperator looks like a wonerfully simple solution.
These systems can quickly become overwhelming with all the available components and options.

If that SurePower allows for a manual switch to use the aux battery for emergency starting, and if the price point is reasonable, I would keep it as simple as possible and go with that.:ylsmoke:

EDIT** -- Sorry, I just read your original question again and it had nothing to do with isolators or seperators, you are all set there. I know nothing of Welding cables but I have always purchased Marine Grade cable for my set ups. It is great against corrosion and if you don't nee a lot you can usually get it for cheap if the marine store has a "tail end bin" where they sell the tail ends and scrap lengths of cable for pennies on the $.

[Mike S]

Quality 1/0 welding cable (copper with tinned strands) will work great and last a long time. It is also easier to work with than regular battery cable because it is more flexible. Be sure the use a HD terminal and solder, then crimp the cable end in.

M

[Exrunner]

scott, I have a question....how do you run you aux accessories while in camp? Im new to the dual battery thing, but want to do it. any explination will help....thanks, Alex

Anyone else can answer if theyd like...

[Desertdude]

I found a 20ft set of jumper cables at Autozone for 40.00 - the cable is 1/0 two color ( Red/Blk) - the wire is very good and also flexible.

I have all my accessories to the starting battery and save my second battery for emergency starting, and combined batteries for extra power.
My reason for this is many times I run my OEM audio and interior devices while I am parked. In the event I use up all the energy ( which happens quite often) I want to be sure I have a battery fully charged (second Aux battery). As a back up to the back up I also carry a small powerful 12v battery jumper... Just in case ;)

[Boston Mangler]

My Super Simple "Manual" Setup

This is about as simple as it gets

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/batdiagramnew.jpg

[Desertdude]

Kevin - where did you locate your switch ?

[Boston Mangler]

Kevin - where did you locate your switch ?

It is under the hood. I know its bright red and not THAT hidden, but i hope this location might possibly deter a thief for a few seconds while i find my louisville! :D

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/batswtich.jpg

[shawkins]

I really like how you did your system Boston, and I almost put one of those in my Dads '91 4Runner but I wanted something you could operate from inside, and never got around to putting a system together.

I really like Sure Powers stuff and what is also cool, is they are about 10 mins away from me! I have been meaning to stop by one day and see some of their stuff in person (if they do that?) and pick their brains to see what they would reccomend for me.

Wrangler NW is also about 20mins away! Man, do I have the electrical connections here or what?!?:xxrotflma

[Nullifier]

So are you guy spowering your winch off your primary or secondary batteries? Since i have s ingle yellow right now i am abviously on the primary. From what I read however if you use a solenoidset up you might have flow issues in doing alot of winching and could possibly fry the system. I'm finally getting ready to install me new electrical system and want to confirm. I plan on staying on the primary battery with the winch. Especially since my fridge and other goodes will run on the secondary.

[HongerVenture]

My Super Simple "Manual" Setup

This is about as simple as it gets

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/batdiagramnew.jpg

Kevin,
I'm curious, how well did the 2 AWG wire hook up to your battery switch? I noticed in the specs (http://www.reddenmarine.com/site/new-detail.cfm?id=BS9001E) that it says it can handle up to 4/0 battery cable. How do these sizes compare?

[Boston Mangler]

Worked like a charm! I made my own cables using 2awg wire and crimping on 3/8" ends with the nice and fancy cable crimper at my local west marine!

Works great!

[91xlt]

i use the solenoids also, wired into the ignition circuit. the set up i use is from Painless Wiring it's the MasterMinder series, for a few reasons...1. wires into ignition circuit, so when vehicle is Off the solenoids open thus, the batteries are seperated, when On the solenoid closes and the batteries are joined, for charging and also for power, if any one of the batteries are low, when joined gives enough amps to start rig. 2. this unit is run by a small microprocessor, charges first the main batt, then Aux 1 then Aux 2 and in addition inside the cab is a selector switch unit giving you the choice to use Main only Main and Aux 1, Main and Aux 2 or Emergency which joins all 3 together....Yes i said all 3! i run an Optima red top for Main, for starting ...Aux 1&2 are yellow tops, i use the second mounted underhood for additional other than stock electrics and the Aux 2 mounted in rear of truck for camping equip and Em back-up 3. the Masterminder also gives the option of installing a 110v circuit to plug in when vehicle is sitting for extended times w/o starting, i figure eventually i will add this for extreme cold weather charging if need be.

[gcec]

We use the solenoid based product produced by National Luna

http://www.nationalluna.com/

Their Dual Battery Management system is easy lo install, has a visual monitor inside the vehicle, features an over-ride when winching, and is able to identify when the user has incorrectly wired the batteries.

They also make a wicked Portable Power Pack - it's a plastic box that holds a battery, solenoid, battery monitor and alarm, and Hella power points. Best part - it's removable. Just unclip two wires, pull it out of your vehicle and pop it on the the table to power devices by the fireside. Or, if your truck is your daily driver you can put the Power Pack in the house when it's not needed.