any good dual battery setups

[belmont mild]

Looking for the jist of a dual setup never done one before but looking at it possibly/
Any really good write ups or diagrams

[Bronco Boy]

Here's my schematic:

http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Dual_Batteries/dual_batteries_wiring_02.JPG



And here are the batteries (http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Dual_Batteries/Dual_Batteries.html).

[westcoaster]

Not bad, it may be a bit clearer if it was drawn with the auxilliary solenoid between the positive post of the factory battery and the positive post of the auxilliary battery. I know, it is, but the termination is off the factory starter solenoid which really isn't relevant in a dual battery set up. As a termination point , perhaps, electrically, no.

Constructive critisism.... that's all.

When you do buy your solenoid make sure it is rated for constant duty. ford starter solenoids are not and will burn out after a very short period of time.

[Bronco Boy]

Not bad, it may be a bit clearer if it was drawn with the auxilliary solenoid between the positive post of the factory battery and the positive post of the auxilliary battery. I know, it is, but the termination is off the factory starter solenoid which really isn't relevant in a dual battery set up. As a termination point , perhaps, electrically, no.

Constructive critisism.... that's all.
The schematic is EXACTLY how it is wired up.

When the ignition is off, the auxillary battery is isolated. When the ignition is on, it charges and provides power to the auxillary fuse block.

[toyes]

ya.... for a ford :laugh

[belmont mild]

Not bad, it may be a bit clearer if it was drawn with the auxilliary solenoid between the positive post of the factory battery and the positive post of the auxilliary battery. I know, it is, but the termination is off the factory starter solenoid which really isn't relevant in a dual battery set up. As a termination point , perhaps, electrically, no.

Constructive critisism.... that's all.

When you do buy your solenoid make sure it is rated for constant duty. ford starter solenoids are not and will burn out after a very short period of time.


where would you suggest i get this conatant duty solenoid from you seem to know your stuff!

[Bronco Boy]

where would.....i get this conatant duty solenoid from.....
As it says on the link I posted, Cole Hersee #24059. These are available from most parts stores, usually around $20.

[westcoaster]

As it says on the link I posted, Cole Hersee #24059. These are available from most parts stores, usually around $20.

I got mine from lordco (no idea what the brand is). I just walked in and asked for a constant duty one. I got one in a steel can with two big poles and two small ones. the big ones are obvious, the two small ones are the positive and negative to run the solenoid (obvious again) but it does allow the flexibility to run a positive or negative switched circuit.

Edited to add: My knowledge of ford starter solenoids not being up to the task was gained by first hand experiance and was not intended as a cheap shot at bronco boy's setup....

[Bronco Boy]

Edited to add: My knowledge of ford starter solenoids not being up to the task was gained by first hand experiance and was not intended as a cheap shot at bronco boy's setup....
Well that's good, cuz I didn't take it as a cheap shot. :)

You are correct about the starter solenoids, as they are only intermittent duty and will cook very quickly if used for this purpose. Could be fun to watch though! :clown

[RussFEST]

Whats the advantage of a setup like this over a multi battery isolator? Hook your alternator outlet to the middle prong on it, then the two other outlets from teh isolator goes to your batteries.

[Bronco Boy]

Whats the advantage of a setup like this over a multi battery isolator?
Cost. $20 for a solenoid vs $85-$125 for an isolator. Granted an isolator does a bit more, but for me it isn't worth it. I've had my dual's for 11 years and am on my second solenoid. Also, I used to sell isolators, and they had a large return rate.

[westcoaster]

Cost. $20 for a solenoid vs $85-$125 for an isolator. Granted an isolator does a bit more, but for me it isn't worth it. I've had my dual's for 11 years and am on my second solenoid. Also, I used to sell isolators, and they had a large return rate.

I'll second Bronco Boy's position on this. A solenoid is simple to install, and troubleshoot and when it goes faulty it usually won't kill your battery in the process....

[belmont mild]

hey bronco boy qucik question in those 11 years running this dual set up ever change an alternator in this setup?

[Bronco Boy]

hey bronco boy qucik question in those 11 years running this dual set up ever change an alternator in this setup?
Yes. About 9 years ago the original alternator stopped charging, so I put in a new one. That "new one" is still charging.

[belmont mild]

okay thats pretty good for a 11 year setup

[CanoeFOC]

Anyone put dual batteries into a 99 Tacoma? I can't find the room!! If I have to I'll mount it in the box, but it would be a last resort.

[shushuwa]

Bronco Boy,

On your schematic, how do u wire into it the alternator "batt" wire?

And the winch?

Thanx,

[Bronco Boy]

On your schematic, how do u wire into it the alternator "batt" wire?
However Ford did it when they built the truck.



And the winch?
Both batteries are dual terminal, so the winch is wired to the side post terminals of the auxillary battery. You can see the tops of the terminal covers here, on the right side:

http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Dual_Batteries/Dual_Batteries_02.JPG

[RussFEST]

Thats pretty neat to put them both on the same side like that! With a clean looking holdown like that.. Never seen it look that good.

I ended up having to put an optima battery on either side of my engine, with custom holdowns.. theres not much in the right place in there with a 7mge lol.

And I actually agree that your way seems cheaper and better Broncoboy.. I cooked my isolater a few weeks ago now. If we hadnt figured it out and connected both batteries together, the alternator wouldnt have had teh voltage to induce and I would have been stuck on an FSR.

That being said... I just bought a new 120 amp isolator. Your way seems too difficult now that Ive got it set up this way.

[sdillen]

Identical wiring...placement in a Ford Ranger. Going on 3 years now -- and I upgraded the alternator to a ~150amp one.

http://gallery.hot4x4.ca/albums/album253/aah.sized.jpg

The air lines were temporary at that point....it's different now.