extra batteries
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I'm thinking of adding a couple more optimas in the back corners of my bed, either above or below the bed surface. It'll give me more juice to run inverters and stuff and also help stabilze the truck with extra weight that far back in the bed.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
Originally Posted by krewat
The trailer wiring circuit is controlled by a plain-jane relay with a 30AMP fuse.
You'll blow that fuse if the batts are really low.
My plans for two extra batts:
1) Mount them under the bed, either on the frame, or under the bed itself.
2) Run a dual isolator rated for 250 AMPs PER batt.
3) Put a 50AMP self-resetting circuit breaker between the isolator and alternator
4) Wire everything up with BIG stuff.
5) Setup connectors to plug stuff in, rated 50 AMP or so, plus run inverter off one of the batts.
This way, the 130AMP (optimistic) alternator can't be pulled to 100% charge by the secondary batts, they will be limited to 50AMPs. Better yet, I have BIG resistors that can current limit to less than 50 AMPs, so I may put one in between the isolator and alternator.
You'll blow that fuse if the batts are really low.
My plans for two extra batts:
1) Mount them under the bed, either on the frame, or under the bed itself.
2) Run a dual isolator rated for 250 AMPs PER batt.
3) Put a 50AMP self-resetting circuit breaker between the isolator and alternator
4) Wire everything up with BIG stuff.
5) Setup connectors to plug stuff in, rated 50 AMP or so, plus run inverter off one of the batts.
This way, the 130AMP (optimistic) alternator can't be pulled to 100% charge by the secondary batts, they will be limited to 50AMPs. Better yet, I have BIG resistors that can current limit to less than 50 AMPs, so I may put one in between the isolator and alternator.
Have you gotten to your mod of adding two batteries up underneath the bed? Do you have any pics or diagrams? I'm thinking of adding/putting two 6v Trojans up underneath the bed to help out my toyhauler.... Just wondering if anyone has something I could think about... I've been thinking about this for awhile.... I've got a Prosine 2.0 going into the trailer - so I'm wondering about cable legnths from the *** end of my truck to the batteries on the tongue of my trailer.... I'm using the recommended 250mcm cable to hook up the inverter/charger. VERY thick cable, but recommended... Any thoughts?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 0
From: Near DC
I have a 1200 watt Xpower and I am using cables no more than 5' long.
In my case, longer lengths dropped the amount of power from the battery.
I haven't mounted mine yet either, just placed it in the bed when I wanted to cook coffee. I too, would be interested in seeing more pics of mounting.
In my case, longer lengths dropped the amount of power from the battery.
I haven't mounted mine yet either, just placed it in the bed when I wanted to cook coffee. I too, would be interested in seeing more pics of mounting.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
Steve,
The main reason for my wanting to put batteries up under my truck bed was to eliminate the weight off of the tongue of my trailer. I wanted to go with (4) six volt batteries to power my Prosine 2.0. After thinking long and hard, I just couldn't justify the cost and effort in what might have been a partial fix. If I took the truck away from the trailer, I lost 1/2 (over?) of my power supply. In the end, I just added to more battery "trays" to my trailer and adjusted the weight inside my cargo area to compensate for the added weight. I am still going to hook up a smaller inverter inside my truck underneath the back seat. It will be powered by only (1) deep cycle battery w/isolator... That's down the road... I am EXTREMELY happy with my Prosine install in my Weekend Warrior. I didn't go with a sub-panel, but instead hooked it up so the whole trailer is now powered (not the fridge or hot water) to the inverter. I went ahead and had a NEW electrical panel installed and had it wired up correctly. The RV industry really needs to catch up to the boating industry.... Here's some pics of the battery trays, inverter and new panel if interested:
Battery Tray / Prosine 2.0 Install
It probably doesn't help, but if you come across anything, please post!!!
The main reason for my wanting to put batteries up under my truck bed was to eliminate the weight off of the tongue of my trailer. I wanted to go with (4) six volt batteries to power my Prosine 2.0. After thinking long and hard, I just couldn't justify the cost and effort in what might have been a partial fix. If I took the truck away from the trailer, I lost 1/2 (over?) of my power supply. In the end, I just added to more battery "trays" to my trailer and adjusted the weight inside my cargo area to compensate for the added weight. I am still going to hook up a smaller inverter inside my truck underneath the back seat. It will be powered by only (1) deep cycle battery w/isolator... That's down the road... I am EXTREMELY happy with my Prosine install in my Weekend Warrior. I didn't go with a sub-panel, but instead hooked it up so the whole trailer is now powered (not the fridge or hot water) to the inverter. I went ahead and had a NEW electrical panel installed and had it wired up correctly. The RV industry really needs to catch up to the boating industry.... Here's some pics of the battery trays, inverter and new panel if interested:
Battery Tray / Prosine 2.0 Install
It probably doesn't help, but if you come across anything, please post!!!
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