when do you combine batteries ?

[half k cruiser]

So i'm continuing my research into Dual battery setups. I see the Blue Sea ACR can be had as a package deal with one of there little red switches. I'm really not sure what all the switch does other than I know it allows you to combine batteries. Just not sure when, aside form maybe winching, you would ever need this? Does it help you out if one of them is too weak to start the truck ?

 

[Mudder]

I wish I could help with the button but when I was winching I'd separate the dual batteries so I'd only drain one and could start my truck again.

 

[onlyonedr]

So i'm continuing my research into Dual battery setups. I see the Blue Sea ACR can be had as a package deal with one of there little red switches. I'm really not sure what all the switch does other than I know it allows you to combine batteries. Just not sure when, aside form maybe winching, you would ever need this? Does it help you out if one of them is too weak to start the truck ?

I have run a set of jumper cables from my rear auxiliary battery up to my front battery to self jump, having a rotary switch to do this would be nice. I am not sure if that ACR is really necessary. I just installed a Sure Power dual-battery isolator in my rig and when connected properly it does funnel proper charging voltage to both batteries. I skipped on running a really heavy lead from the front of the truck to the back (my auxiliary battery is in the bed) so I am only running a cable large enough to handle the charging amps from the alternator.

 

[maxamillion2345]

I wish I could help with the button but when I was winching I'd separate the dual batteries so I'd only drain one and could start my truck again.

Do you shut the engine off when winching?

 

[badlander]

I use the red switch on my ACR at night with the headlights on to lock the ACR on. At stop lights the alternator doesn't put out enough to keep the batteries above the ACR threshold and sometimes the ACR will automatically disengage - if it's a long stop light. It just save it from cycling on and off so often. Not necessary during normal driving. It functions flawlessly. I've been running mine for years.

 

[Mudder]

Do you shut the engine off when winching?

Nope. But I run an 8274 and have done some hard pulls with it. I just like the fact of knowing that even if I kill my truck while its running and I'm winching i can start it again. My main battery is an Exide AGM though

 

[Salue]

I don't have the acr, only the round knob that lets me switch from 1, 2, 1+2 or off (kill switch). My Blue Sea switch is a little different from the one that comes with the acr kit. When I was daily driving it, I put it to just 1. If I'm going wheeling, I typically put it to 1 and switch it to 1+2 when I'm winching and leave it combined the remainder of the trip to let the alt recharge both batteries. When at camp it is set to 1. I've had it setup this way for 7 or 8 years now with sears diehard platinum batteries. I do try to remember to put the batteries on a tender when I get back from a trip and because of that I put the switch to off so that I'll have fully charged batteries the next time I go out. My rig has been retired from DD for about 5 years now.
This setup is less complicated than most dual kits but it has served me well. I just try to be mindful of when I combine the batteries and remember to separate when at camp so I have one charged battery just in case.

Cheers,
Salue

 

[Romer]

personally, I combine when winching and always have the truck running while doing it. I want the winch to have max power draw it needs

The only other time is when the primary battery is drained. Saved my butt when the main battery wouldn't start the rig. Battery ended up being defective and was replaced under warranty

I use the IBS Dual Battery kit

 

[bkdraft]

To answer the original post, Switch left at center position allows the ACR to auto charge both batteries once is determines the charge rate is high enough. After killing the engine it will auto disengage after 15 min, or upon starting, it will auto disengage. If for some reason your staring battery is low, you can turn the switch to On and it combines both batteries while starting. Off, is off, will not combine batteries at any time. If you have both batties connected and the starting battery gets below a certain voltage, (Below 9.6V (undervoltage lockout) Below 12.35V for 10 sec. Below 12.75V for 30 sec. Above 16.2V (overvoltage lockout)) it will disconnnect so you cannot run down your starting battery. Hope this helps you to understand. I really like the way it works.