Dual Batteries
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 59
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Dual Batteries
I was wanting to convert my truck to a dual battery system and I was wondering if anyone has done this before. What kind of stuff would work for this conversion? Everything is pretty much straight forward and I was just wondering what kind of switch would work. I want to be able to charge both batteries at the same time but only use one and have the switch to determine which battery will be used. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
You can get a battery disconnect switch to isolate to 1 battery but you will not be able to pick the one you want to use, unless someone else know's of a switch to select which one . Your charging system will charge two batteries fine. All that is needed is another mounting tray for the 2nd battery, some cable's and of course the battery.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
One option would be to use an isolater, and then a switch on each battery positive terminal. For a look at the switch, type in ZX733444R in the keyword search box at jcwhitney.com.
The battery isolater will hook the the spare battery to the to the truck for charging only. It will let the truck's alt charge the spare battery, but will not let the spare battery be drained by the truck.
If you wanted to use the spare battery, you could open the switch on the main battery, and close the switch on the spare battery. Then use it to start the vehicle.
With the isolater you can also hook your radio, or any other load to the spare battery. This load can use the spare battery, with the truck not running, without fear of losing power to start the truck. The spare battery can run down, but the truck will still use the main battery for starting. The isolater will still let the spare battery be charged, but will not let the main battery be run down in this situation.
The battery isolater will hook the the spare battery to the to the truck for charging only. It will let the truck's alt charge the spare battery, but will not let the spare battery be drained by the truck.
If you wanted to use the spare battery, you could open the switch on the main battery, and close the switch on the spare battery. Then use it to start the vehicle.
With the isolater you can also hook your radio, or any other load to the spare battery. This load can use the spare battery, with the truck not running, without fear of losing power to start the truck. The spare battery can run down, but the truck will still use the main battery for starting. The isolater will still let the spare battery be charged, but will not let the main battery be run down in this situation.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,570
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I've used these people to do a couple of Superduties, their prices are a little high, but they include everything including the AC line(s)and it all bolts up perfectly. Batteries are separate. http://www.wranglernw.com Go to "Products," Ford is toward the end. You have to have both batteries under the hood, or separate regulaters for each battery or you will either undercharge the remote or fry it. It has to do with the battery temperature verses the charging voltage.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 44
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From: South Eastern U.S.
If the purpose is to have a 12 volt system with more amps so you can easily use your winch or other power hogging devices, you need to think about having a dual battery system without the batteries being isolated. If you just want a spare battery for emergencies then the isolator is the way to go.
If you choose the duel system with higher amp output, you need to consider a higher output alternator. The OEM alternator can charge two batteries, but it will not recharge your system as fast as you might need it to leading to premature battery failure.
If you choose the duel system with higher amp output, you need to consider a higher output alternator. The OEM alternator can charge two batteries, but it will not recharge your system as fast as you might need it to leading to premature battery failure.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
If you know any one into boats you can ask them, or check with a boat store / shop. I have seen a few fishing boats with electric trolling motors that have a battery switch. Select # 1 , # 2 or both batteries. I think it is so they can isolate one battery so they don't discharge to far and get stuck. Also has a all off position, that may be useful.
