Dual Battery Ideas
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Salem, OR
Dual Battery Ideas
So the truck that I just inherited from my Dad is a 1978 F-250 4x4 Camper Special. It has a dual battery setup, and I can't think of anything that I would need dual batteries for. So what are some things that you all have run on your trucks that dual batteries would be usefull for?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
One battery can be the normal automotive type battery for starting. The other battery can be a deep cycle.
The deep cycle battery and it's loads are seperated from the normal starting battery by either a battery isolator, or in some older setups, by continuous duty relays. Look around under the hood and see if you have any extra relays that look like starter solenoids. The isolator or relays let the alternator charge both batteries, but keeps the loads from draining the starting battery. This is handy for a camper when you are out in the boonies, and want 12 volt power, but do not want to drain the starting battery that starts the engine.
The deep cycle battery and it's loads are seperated from the normal starting battery by either a battery isolator, or in some older setups, by continuous duty relays. Look around under the hood and see if you have any extra relays that look like starter solenoids. The isolator or relays let the alternator charge both batteries, but keeps the loads from draining the starting battery. This is handy for a camper when you are out in the boonies, and want 12 volt power, but do not want to drain the starting battery that starts the engine.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Diesel trucks have two batteries because they are harder to start in the winter. They need fast cranking speeds to build compression. The batteries are hooked together so they are essentially one large battery.
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I have 2 in my Bronco mostly for winching I have mine isolated using a continous duty solinoid on a switch so I can only draw off my aux batt with my winch when I may need my main batt to start the truck later
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
I did mine the other day, but dont have the isolator yet. Just ran them parallel, helps alot with amps draw. Lights dont dim nearly as bad now, and the volts stay up. Get paid tomorow, buying the isolator and a rear locker, so It'll be good then.
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