2 Batteries..1 Alternator?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
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
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,023
Likes: 2,754
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
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
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
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,023
Likes: 2,754
From: Virginia
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
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
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Originally Posted by fitmonkey1219
so when the switch is on "all on" the alternator charges both?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
72camperspecial
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
May 28, 2013 09:12 PM