Doesn't really feel like the right forum, but I'd like some help installing a second battery. Its going to be used in a camping situation, main battery stays untouched (but still be able to dip in if I need) for starting and driving, 2nd battery will be used for everything else.
I'm not too good with electronics, so I have some concerns.
If I connect them in parallel, when the 2nd battery is drained, will it pull from the main battery? I'd like it so I can control when the 2nd battery is being charged. That way it doesn't drain from the main battery prior to start, and I can start charging it only once the engine is running.
Will having 2 batteries hooked up in parallel put a dangerous strain on the alternator? When I'm charging the 2nd battery, will it also drain/strain the ignition system?
Basically I want to have 2 batteries, and have them as isolated as I can, but still charge both at the same time. I guess some sort of switch and isolator would be needed?
I'd also like to hook up one of the emergency shut off's for the main battery that will shut it off before it gets below starting power.
And.....if it makes a difference, I'd like to be able to charge either battery, but mostly the 2nd one with a solar charge thing.
Its going in a cheap POS truck, so I'd like to keep costs to the minimum. Having said that I think I'll be using a normal car battery for the 2nd one, instead of a deep cycle, unless you think it'll be dead before the 4 months are up.
Thanks.
I'm not too good with electronics, so I have some concerns.
If I connect them in parallel, when the 2nd battery is drained, will it pull from the main battery? I'd like it so I can control when the 2nd battery is being charged. That way it doesn't drain from the main battery prior to start, and I can start charging it only once the engine is running.
Will having 2 batteries hooked up in parallel put a dangerous strain on the alternator? When I'm charging the 2nd battery, will it also drain/strain the ignition system?
Basically I want to have 2 batteries, and have them as isolated as I can, but still charge both at the same time. I guess some sort of switch and isolator would be needed?
I'd also like to hook up one of the emergency shut off's for the main battery that will shut it off before it gets below starting power.
And.....if it makes a difference, I'd like to be able to charge either battery, but mostly the 2nd one with a solar charge thing.
Its going in a cheap POS truck, so I'd like to keep costs to the minimum. Having said that I think I'll be using a normal car battery for the 2nd one, instead of a deep cycle, unless you think it'll be dead before the 4 months are up.
Thanks.
