How to make a cheap isolated dual-battery setup for $50

[evldave]

Time for another update!!!

Thanks to dwh, we now have fully grounded switches in our cab! Please note that you can't run the switch power off a Duracell battery - that is for illustrational porpoises only!
I caught an error myself - remember to use the same gauge wire for ground that you use for power! I had the diagram with 4GA ground in the 'high-current' circuit...not a great idea! It's been upgraded to 2GA

Making the system modular on the cheap

So, you want to make it so you can quickly disconnect your solar panel? Easy! Use a weatherpack connector!

Get them from our friendly Amazon tribe HERE - you only need a 2-pin connector. Just wire it in between the charge controller and the battery. Then, when you want to disconnect your solar circuit, just unplug the connector! (note: to prevent risk of fire or explosion, disconnect the sun from your circuit before unplugging the weatherpack connector).

Addendum: If you want to leave the charge controller plugged into your battery and just disconnect the panel, you can do this by moving the weatherpack connector between the panel and the controller. See how easy, cheap and flexible this is????

So you went right out and wired up your trailer based on the first diagram and now you are wondering how to disconnect your trailer? Yes, I forgot trailer disconnects!

Easily fixed! Go HERE and buy part number SB50. Then just wire this into your 4GA wire where it shows in the new diagram (the connector is for 6GA, but you can shove the wire into the connector and using the smaller connector is important for...). While you are at it, order a few extra connectors of the same size (we'll need them later on in this thread, trust me)

Here's the new diagram!

Changes:

• Added ground for switch and illustrated power source in dash
• Updated ground wire in high-current circuit to 2GA
• Added connectors to both solar and trailer circuits
• Changed main power lines to red to make it easier to see

[dwh]

Boy oh boy. That's like Viagra for electricians. Makes me wanna stick my tongue on a 9v battery!

[dwh]

And if all else fails, you can always call in a U.S. Navy electrician:

http://www.videodetective.com/movies...periscope/6290

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thanks for the info. I'm a visual learner.... words just blur together. I only look at picture books and magazines.... for the pictures. Never said I was smart or 'nuthin.

[pods8]

Anyone bought those 4ga 20' cables in the first post? If so they okay looking or cheap wire? How fine are the strands and how flexible is the wire?

[dwh]

I don't have that exact set, but I do have a cheapo set of #4 jumper cables. The wire is VERY flexible, though I haven't bothered to even look at the strand count. The insulation is...eh...fairly tough, though not real tough.

They are a helluva lot lighter and easier to work with than my jumpers made of welding cable.

[pods8]

I don't have that exact set, but I do have a cheapo set of #4 jumper cables. The wire is VERY flexible, though I haven't bothered to even look at the strand count. The insulation is...eh...fairly tough, though not real tough.

They are a helluva lot lighter and easier to work with than my jumpers made of welding cable.

I'd be running stuff in a loom anyways its got potential.

[evldave]

Anyone bought those 4ga 20' cables in the first post? If so they okay looking or cheap wire? How fine are the strands and how flexible is the wire?

I have basically the same set, been running them from the engine bay to rear of my rig for quite a few years. They run exposed along the frame rail and I haven't seen any abrasion that's anything close wearing through (except where I ran them too close to the exhause ).

[bansil]

What program do you use for these awesome diagrams?
Thanks

[evldave]

What program do you use for these awesome diagrams?
Thanks

I use Microsoft Visio...and a bunch of google image searches. Could do a whole schematic diagram if I wanted (plenty of stencils of electrical circuits) but I like the pictures, makes it really easy to visualize.