2 Batteries..1 Alternator?
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From: So Cal
2 Batteries..1 Alternator?
Hey Guys,
Quick newb question on this topic. I want to run two batteries (hopefully Optimas), and one alternator. Would this work? What I'm trying to do is run my truck off one battery and the other run all my accessories. But be able to have the truck turned off and run the accessories battery and not affect the other one, if that makes sense
. Any diagrams would help a lot too.
Let me know, Thanks!
Jason
Quick newb question on this topic. I want to run two batteries (hopefully Optimas), and one alternator. Would this work? What I'm trying to do is run my truck off one battery and the other run all my accessories. But be able to have the truck turned off and run the accessories battery and not affect the other one, if that makes sense
. Any diagrams would help a lot too. Let me know, Thanks!
Jason
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From: Virginia
Yes you can do it, but you need to buy a battery isolator. The isolator will let the alternator charge both batteries, but only let the aux battery run down from the accessories, leaving the starting battery charged and ready to start the engine. The isolators have instructions on how to wire them up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Use an isolator like a motor home does. One batt runs the acc when the engine is off. Leaving the other to start the truck. It will than charge both battery's. OR
Install a marine batt switch that will let ya chose all off, batt 1, batt 2, or all on
Install a marine batt switch that will let ya chose all off, batt 1, batt 2, or all on
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From: Virginia
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Dave is right. Go with the isolator. Unless ya want full control over what battery is getting used or charged. I like this setup best myself with the switch in the cab. If I swamp the rig while off roading I can wench myself out on one battery and have a fully charged one to start the rig after I dry it out. Also makes jumping another rig safer because ya can take your electrical system completely out of the system. No chance of frying something like a computer that way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Originally Posted by fitmonkey1219
so when the switch is on "all on" the alternator charges both?
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