Nicely done. If you produce more than one let me know!
Dual battery setup questions (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter KLF
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #42
Would really like to see that mounted, with the grille out of the way. I'm about to start on the same type of project, but with a dual NOCO battery charger. Plenty of room, but mounting is challenging.
RET2
SILVER Star
No bow wakes!
Great topic and have another question to throw out there: I currently have an IBS system in my 100 series (also 2 AGM batteries both with Slee battery trays), and am considering purchasing the Redarc BCDC 1225D. Has anyone already done something similar and if so, were there any compatibility issues or special wiring to make the work together? TIA
The BCDC acts as a battery isolator, so the IBS would no longer be needed.
Link
The only downside is that I believe you would need jumper cables if you ever needed to start from your hotel battery. My BlueSea ML-ACR allows for push button manual joining. Not sure if your IBS features the same. That said, I'll likely migrate to the BCDC at some point due to it's all-in-one capability of optimizing AGM battery charging as well as acting as a solar controller.
Link
The only downside is that I believe you would need jumper cables if you ever needed to start from your hotel battery. My BlueSea ML-ACR allows for push button manual joining. Not sure if your IBS features the same. That said, I'll likely migrate to the BCDC at some point due to it's all-in-one capability of optimizing AGM battery charging as well as acting as a solar controller.
Two additional options would be to wire a contacting solenoid between the two batteries that could be controlled (paralleled) from inside the cabin or simply adding a parallel manual reset circuit breaker between the battery banks while you already in there making connections.
Maybe just a few extra minutes for the additional breaker method, which would be best if mostly concerned with self-jump starting and not digging for your jumper cables...
Or be an over achiever and do both
Yep, that would definitely work as well.
OTHO it would give me a good excuse to finally build a set of the Worlds Most Expensive Jumper Cables. I already have the Anderson pointing out the front that is used as a disconnect for the winch. I could plug into that and then alligator onto the hotel batt.
OTHO it would give me a good excuse to finally build a set of the Worlds Most Expensive Jumper Cables. I already have the Anderson pointing out the front that is used as a disconnect for the winch. I could plug into that and then alligator onto the hotel batt.
Yet another project I’ve dreamed of, but never done
If you want to save a little and make them a little easier, I usually just start with a quality pair of 2 gauge jumpers cables, lop an end off and crimp on your Anderson terminals.
First of all, thanks much for the reply. I actually called Redarc in Australia yesterday afternoon and talked to "Todd" who was extremely friendly and helpful. He's not familiar specifically with the IBS but is familiar with dual battery management systems. I asked him the same question and his response was that there are some compatibility issues, and suggested that if I keep the IBS, that I leave it in "manul" mode, meaning leave off the auto switching (parallel battery) feature. He also mentioned that they sell a "smart" solenoid that works with that system to switch back and forth so may look at that. Also, the IBS of course shows voltage levels of both the starting and auxiliary batteries which I like, and the Redarc does not have that feature, so would need to buy either 3rd party voltmeters, or perhaps I just remove the IBS relay and simply use the display to monitor battery voltage. We'll see...
Being the overachiever that I am, I may do both, and perhaps more.... hmmmmm...Two additional options would be to wire a contacting solenoid between the two batteries that could be controlled (paralleled) from inside the cabin or simply adding a parallel manual reset circuit breaker between the battery banks while you already in there making connections.
Maybe just a few extra minutes for the additional breaker method, which would be best if mostly concerned with self-jump starting and not digging for your jumper cables...
Or be an over achiever and do both
indycole
GOLD Star
I have the BCDC1225D and a Redarc Isolator to join batteries for winching and jump starting. It's been a great solution so far.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Hey Cole, can you remind me which batteries you are running?
indycole
GOLD Star
Deka Group 31 FLA Tractor Battery in the primary bank
Odyssey Group 35 in the aux bank
stupid question of the day: Is it even necessary to go "smart" with a second battery? I've been reading all about isolator switches, charge controllers, etc, but what would happen if i just connected a second battery in parallel with nothing more than a some 1/0 cable?
When the alternator is running, both would be charged at the same time. When it's not running, you would have "double" the battery reserve.
When the alternator is running, both would be charged at the same time. When it's not running, you would have "double" the battery reserve.
- Thread starter
- #55
As I understand it, it's nearly impossible to find 2 batteries that are absolutely identical, such that one will always be "weaker" than the other. Less voltage, less capacity. The weaker battery will always be drawing off the stronger battery when the alternator is not running to keep them charged. This will kill both batteries eventually.
This is definitely reasonable and possibly a preferred way for multiple reasons. Not the least of which is they result in a combined large capacity bank that is available to all devices for more runtime, that better supports loads with more current, and with a shallower depth of discharge to any one specific battery. Prolonging the cycle life of both batteries.
RV's do this all the time. What's important is exactly how they are wired in parallel, to ensure balanced draw and charging. Refer to link here for wiring diagram and more discussion -
KISS Dual Battery Upgrade
There’s been a lot of discussion on batteries and battery systems. Here’s my attempt to offer an easy button. The task of a battery first and foremost is to offer power and reserve capacity. There’s many battery setups and systems talked about. But perhaps some of those are solving a problem...
forum.ih8mud.com
I would also encourage the install of a simple low voltage cutoff device to wire accessory draws to. This will ensure that the dual battery bank is never fully depleted, ensuring starting power, and also protecting the battery from premature damage due to overdraw.
Victron Battery Protect Install
I've added a few accessories that allows power draw when the vehicle is off. I don't plan to ever install a dual bank battery system so I'll always be drawing from the single starting battery bank. Wanted to ensure it cuts off loads leaving enough starting power. Even with a dual bank, it's...
forum.ih8mud.com
