I have done some research and have an idea of how to fix what I have going on. I would draw a diagram but I can't figure out how to use my damn Macs paint. So I will describe what I have going on. I did not wire it this way.
Current set up
Main battery located on drivers side. This battery has just about all of the main vehicle wires ran to it including 4 fused direct power to things like external lights and a CB. The main battery is where the Alt is sending power. The Alt is on the passenger side. From that battery there is a power cable running around the front to a deep cycle battery located on the Pass side. The Pass side Deep cycle has the winch, a rear always hot fused accessory and my trailer brake setup. The Deep cycle also is where the starter gets its power.
This whole set up does not make much sense to me. How I understand it is Deep cycles do not like high draw like starting and main battery does not like to be drawn down.
My idea of how to fix the issue
1. Run a 10' cable from the main battery around the firewall and down to the starter while removing the current wire to the starter.
2. Put a solenoid in the current power wire from the main battery to the Deep cycle and hook it up to a toggle to control when both batteries receive charge after I start and when I park. Thinking maybe this? Blue Sea
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Automatc-Charging/dp/B000OTIPDQ
3. Get as much of the lights and accessories as possible on to the deep cycle. I was thinking I could run a wire from the deep cycle back towards the main battery and hook that up to all the current fused lines on the main battery. Reason is I figure it is easier to run 1 then rerun those 4 to the deep cycle.
Does this sound like a good plan to you guys?
What gauge should I run from the main battery to the starter for the 10'?
Where should I buy the cable and solenoid?
What gauge should I run from the deep cycle back towards the main battery area for those other wires?
I am not sure what 2 of the 4 hooked up to the main battery power yet. Known is a front spot light and CB. They are fused with a 30 or 20 so nothing too huge.
Should I just put another fuse box in off that?
Current main battery is a few months old. Deep cycle is 4 years old and will be replaced when I make the changes. I also have one of those battery jumper deals in the truck that are the size of a laptop and apparently can power the space shuttle.
I can take pics if anyone needs it. This was my Grandfathers truck and he added wires for 30 years one at a time. I am sure he knows what each does but it is a mess to me.
Current set up
Main battery located on drivers side. This battery has just about all of the main vehicle wires ran to it including 4 fused direct power to things like external lights and a CB. The main battery is where the Alt is sending power. The Alt is on the passenger side. From that battery there is a power cable running around the front to a deep cycle battery located on the Pass side. The Pass side Deep cycle has the winch, a rear always hot fused accessory and my trailer brake setup. The Deep cycle also is where the starter gets its power.
This whole set up does not make much sense to me. How I understand it is Deep cycles do not like high draw like starting and main battery does not like to be drawn down.
My idea of how to fix the issue
1. Run a 10' cable from the main battery around the firewall and down to the starter while removing the current wire to the starter.
2. Put a solenoid in the current power wire from the main battery to the Deep cycle and hook it up to a toggle to control when both batteries receive charge after I start and when I park. Thinking maybe this? Blue Sea
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Automatc-Charging/dp/B000OTIPDQ
3. Get as much of the lights and accessories as possible on to the deep cycle. I was thinking I could run a wire from the deep cycle back towards the main battery and hook that up to all the current fused lines on the main battery. Reason is I figure it is easier to run 1 then rerun those 4 to the deep cycle.
Does this sound like a good plan to you guys?
What gauge should I run from the main battery to the starter for the 10'?
Where should I buy the cable and solenoid?
What gauge should I run from the deep cycle back towards the main battery area for those other wires?
I am not sure what 2 of the 4 hooked up to the main battery power yet. Known is a front spot light and CB. They are fused with a 30 or 20 so nothing too huge.
Should I just put another fuse box in off that?
Current main battery is a few months old. Deep cycle is 4 years old and will be replaced when I make the changes. I also have one of those battery jumper deals in the truck that are the size of a laptop and apparently can power the space shuttle.
I can take pics if anyone needs it. This was my Grandfathers truck and he added wires for 30 years one at a time. I am sure he knows what each does but it is a mess to me.
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