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I know there are several dual battery threads on the forum, but I don't believe my issue has been covered completly. I have a 1976 F350 SC Camper Special, 460/C6 with factory dual battery option. I just installed a new passenger side battery. The driver side battery is old and weak. My question: will the new battery discharge to the weaker driver side battery? Will a trickle charger connected to the new battery pass current to the weak battery? Are they only connected for charging when the engine is running?
Thanks for any/all replies
I do recall that they should be closely matched. It might be that mismatching causes issues with charge rate to the better battery ... ... like maybe a thirsty poor aux battery craving current will elevate the charge rate to the better battery, maybe overcharging it.
There is a relay to disconnect/connect the aux battery that is controlled through the ignition switch.
There is a solenoid on the driver's side that should be able to isolate the batteries. If it's wired in and working, you should be fine. The batteries won't cross feed thus one draining the other.
Since the driver side solenoid isolates the two batteries, a trickle charger connected to the passenger side battery will not charge the driver side battery--is that correct? Likewise, with the engine running, will the altenator not overcharge the new passenger side battery as it provides current to the weak driver side battery?
Since the driver side solenoid isolates the two batteries, a trickle charger connected to the passenger side battery will not charge the driver side battery--is that correct? Likewise, with the engine running, will the altenator not overcharge the new passenger side battery as it provides current to the weak driver side battery?
Thanks to you pros that have replied.
A trickle charger would be fine and the trucks voltage regulator keeps the voltage to both batteries in check while it's running. This is assuming that everything is working the way it should.
You can also consider a trickle charger made for two batteries (has two outputs, one for each battery). This is what I have used in the past on large trucks with dual batteries.
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... like maybe a thirsty poor aux battery craving current will elevate the charge rate to the better battery, maybe overcharging it.
