Twin battery setup

[VKCOMMO]

Hey all

Just wondering what sort of wiring I should use to link the 2 batteries.. the plan is to have a D34 yellowtop in the rear, and a standard in the front (possibly a D34 in the front one day depending on the bank..)..

It will have a healthy audio system (couple of amps) wired onto the rear battery, plus the option of a fridge or something one day if I take it camping..

I currently have a roll of 4 gauge sitting here, but not sure if it is enough for the load from the alternator (keeping it charged/transferring charge from one to the other)..

If anyone can shed some light onto it it would be great (as to if I should just use the 4 gauge or upgrade to some bigger stuff)

Cheers

VKC

[wraith]

I wouldn't be using 4 guage. What vehicle will you be putting it in?

[VKCOMMO]

Gotta love paint :P

Basically, like this (except front battery is connected to the ground. haha. Musta saved before that. lol)

[wraith]

How often will you be running the fridge? Just a single upgraded battery should be ok if your not camping for an entire weekend or something.

[Jonah 101]

Question, Do you have to run the batteries connected to each other? could you not have a wire running off the alternator to the rear battery to charge it and save the rear battery just for sounds and fridge?

[wraith]

Question, Do you have to run the batteries connected to each other? could you not have a wire running off the alternator to the rear battery to charge it and save the rear battery just for sounds and fridge?

With most proper dual battery set-ups the second battery shares the charge with the first.

[showbags]

Why don't you use a 4WD type dual battery kit, them you get everything you need and you know it'll work. Projector & Red Arc both make good ones.

[Jonah 101]

With most proper dual battery set-ups the second battery shares the charge with the first.

Sweet as, was just an idea I thought up a while ago and wondered if it would work.

[VKCOMMO]

How often will you be running the fridge? Just a single upgraded battery should be ok if your not camping for an entire weekend or something.

Fridge will be very rare, it will be an if, not a when.. Id just like to have the extra power there if I need it, or even if I want to run the stereo or something when im camping.. only problem I see with the projecta kit is I have to have the ignition on to have the stereo on, which will link the 2 up..

Question, Do you have to run the batteries connected to each other? could you not have a wire running off the alternator to the rear battery to charge it and save the rear battery just for sounds and fridge?

That would still connect the front to rear, as the alternator goes to the front one..

Why don't you use a 4WD type dual battery kit, them you get everything you need and you know it'll work. Projector & Red Arc both make good ones.

You reckon just a DBC150? http://www.projecta.com.au/Images/PD...Management.pdf

[wraith]

I would just try a better battery first and go from there. If it doesn't work out then by all means go dual battery. It can be a pain running cables etc for dual batteries.

[VKCOMMO]

I would just try a better battery first and go from there. If it doesn't work out then by all means go dual battery. It can be a pain running cables etc for dual batteries.

I was going to be running the wiring anyway (to link the amps to the battery), and was considering getting a D34 as I still work for optima, so I was thinking put that in the boot, link the 2 together and keep the front until it dies, then go from there, whether I go for another d34 or what.

[wraith]

Well in that case pick up a Redarc dual battery setup. Run at minimum 2 guage. Hardest part will be running the wire to the back. Don't think there's a hole big enough through the firewall.

[VKCOMMO]

Well in that case pick up a Redarc dual battery setup. Run at minimum 2 guage. Hardest part will be running the wire to the back. Don't think there's a hole big enough through the firewall.

Cheers.. So 4 will be too much voltage drop?

What model would you recommend?

[wraith]

That and the potential current draw. It's always better to go larger. I have seen 4 guage setups but I am more of the school of over do it rather then under when it comes to cables.

Dual Battery Systems and Alternator charging

See if that link helps.

[VKCOMMO]

That and the potential current draw. It's always better to go larger. I have seen 4 guage setups but I am more of the school of over do it rather then under when it comes to cables.

Dual Battery Systems and Alternator charging

See if that link helps.

Thanks

Ill have a read through it

[axemurderer101]

At my work we use 2gauge on all dual battery systems under the bonnet with the redarc dual battery relay, what car is this going in? if its an auto you could easily run a pos and neg cable through the clutch grommet then you just have to get it under the door sills all the way to the back. And make sure you have a large circuit breaker or fuse on both batteries.