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Oct 30, 2011 | 07:09 AM

#16

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshofalltrades

a warm diesel will start on one battery, but a cold one won't like it. also, the lower voltage while cranking will cause your starter to wear out a lot faster

as for the quad battery idea, i like it, but i would suggest that the 2 sets be separated through a multi-battery isolater so you don't run your cranking batteries down when running the inverter with the truck off.

and remember to have a fuse in the wire to your inverter unless the inverter is right next to the battery. otherwise, you'll be likely to join the fools with the huge stereos that catch fire because they have no fuse in the 4ga wire to their amp and it shorts out

Since inverters are used in RVs, I deal with them often. I totally agree with the idea of using either an isolator or a relay so the batteries are in two banks. When using an isolator be sure to read the application sheet as some Ford alternators require modifications and additional parts. I also fuse everything I install in every circuit. Fuses cost next to nothing compared to the cost of damage costed by a fire.

Be reasonable with expectations regarding the use of inverters. They are power pigs and batteries get hot under heavy loads. I have literally blown a hole right through the case when a battery got too hot feeding an inverter.

Good luck,

Steve

Oct 30, 2011 | 07:50 AM

#17

2020

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I went to a single group 31 equipment battery on my 1080 Massey farm tractor.I thought about trying the same thing on my son's truck to free up room underhood.I used 2 grp.24 auto batteries in the tractor and had a lot of starting issues.Since going to the big single battery,no problems.The truck is a different animal though.

Oct 30, 2011 | 08:16 AM

#18

86f250XLT-4x4

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Joined: May 2011

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From: Bellefontaine, OH

I had planned on just running a race car style battery switch that when on the alt charged all four and allowed me to shut it off and isolate the drain to the deep cycle batteries as for the fuse I will not be installing a inline fuse but only because the inverter I want has one right by the power insert on itself.

As for the other reason I plan on and I believe it's another good reason for the quad battery setup is because another mod I plan for the truck is a winch and if for some reason I have to shut the truck off I would rather drain the deep cycle batteries first for obvious reasons but also so they can take some of the serious strain away from the charging system while dragging my by the time i am done around 9,000 lb truck out of a hole like the last time I had her stuck

Last edited by 86f250XLT-4x4; Oct 30, 2011 at 08:18 AM. Reason: Mistake

Oct 30, 2011 | 08:25 AM

#19

86f250XLT-4x4

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From: Bellefontaine, OH

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...401_n.jpg?dl=1

Maybe that worked that's my ol girl stuck (I'm on my phone my computer is being a pain in the a$$ for some reason and won't connect to the internet

Oct 30, 2011 | 08:28 AM

#20

joshofalltrades

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Even with a fuse on the unit, I still recommend an inline fuseto protect the wiring. Consider what would happen if the wire shorted out to ground where it runs through the firewall, either it has a fuse to blow or that big wire becomes a fuse

Oct 30, 2011 | 08:34 AM

#21

86f250XLT-4x4

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From: Bellefontaine, OH

Very true I didn't think about it that way

Oct 30, 2011 | 09:29 AM

#22

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshofalltrades

Totally agree! Fuses right at or in the inverter are intended to protect the unit. It is the wire that needs protecting as that is normally where the fire potential is. I also use high temperature split loom anywhere there is the possibility of chafing.

Steve