Dual Battery system?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Dual Battery system?
Hi guys,
what would it take to install a 2nd battery in my truck, while maintaining a 12 volt system? I've seen the dual battery in cube vans and larger vehicles.
I would like extra juice for cold winter starts, and powering a winch.
take it easy,
maharashii
what would it take to install a 2nd battery in my truck, while maintaining a 12 volt system? I've seen the dual battery in cube vans and larger vehicles.
I would like extra juice for cold winter starts, and powering a winch.
take it easy,
maharashii
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Dual Battery system?
You have at least two options, one is cheap and fairly easy to do: Install a 3 position (on-off-on) switch that switches from jump, isolated, normal using a solenoid. Basically its just a switch that jumps the first battery using the second when you hit the switch and otherwise is just the one battery by itself.
The second setup cost a bit more but is more automatic. Most parts stores have a battery isolator starting in the $40 range. On advantage of these is that it's supposed to keep both batteries charged. I've been told that there is a problem keeping both batteries charged in a dual battery system without some automatic isolator. Painless wiring has some systems for this, but they are pricey.
I'd make sure that whatever setup you go with, that you have the option to have both batteries connected for starting. The manual setup requires that you hit the switch to get both but the down side is that I think you have to hit the switch from time to time to charge the second battery.
I've also heard that it's better to get two of the same size batteries but I don't know if this is true.
The second setup cost a bit more but is more automatic. Most parts stores have a battery isolator starting in the $40 range. On advantage of these is that it's supposed to keep both batteries charged. I've been told that there is a problem keeping both batteries charged in a dual battery system without some automatic isolator. Painless wiring has some systems for this, but they are pricey.
I'd make sure that whatever setup you go with, that you have the option to have both batteries connected for starting. The manual setup requires that you hit the switch to get both but the down side is that I think you have to hit the switch from time to time to charge the second battery.
I've also heard that it's better to get two of the same size batteries but I don't know if this is true.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
beratte
Electrical Systems/Wiring
39
Feb 15, 2015 03:01 AM
84Ford250
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Jan 22, 2015 09:13 PM
Joe Impastato
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Oct 13, 2014 03:54 PM
