Dual Battery Setup

[veebs]

It's been a few minutes since I fiddled with the Disco, and my mind has wandered to the dual battery 'system' i currently have...

The trusty Traxide unit died some time back now, and the bush fix at the time was to bypass it by connecting both battery leads to one terminal (ie, permanently link the batteries).

Since getting home, some 2 and a bit years ago now, I've removed the isolator completely, and connected the aux battery to the main directly - same result, just looks tidier under there.

The low battery cutoff unit, that lives in the back of the car is still there, and presumably working to make sure any load from the rear of the car doesn't drain the batteries completely dry.

The whole thing seems to be working just fine - I've been brave enough to let the fridge run for a few days without any drama, and the car always starts with an enthusiasm not seen earlier. Am I missing a risk with this? Not sure what would happen when one of the batteries dies?

[Tins]

It's been a few minutes since I fiddled with the Disco, and my mind has wandered to the dual battery 'system' i currently have...

The trusty Traxide unit died some time back now, and the bush fix at the time was to bypass it by connecting both battery leads to one terminal (ie, permanently link the batteries).

Since getting home, some 2 and a bit years ago now, I've removed the isolator completely, and connected the aux battery to the main directly - same result, just looks tidier under there.

The low battery cutoff unit, that lives in the back of the car is still there, and presumably working to make sure any load from the rear of the car doesn't drain the batteries completely dry.

The whole thing seems to be working just fine - I've been brave enough to let the fridge run for a few days without any drama, and the car always starts with an enthusiasm not seen earlier. Am I missing a risk with this? Not sure what would happen when one of the batteries dies?

Send ehe Traxide back to Tim. Bet you he'll fix it.

[DiscoJeffster]

It's been a few minutes since I fiddled with the Disco, and my mind has wandered to the dual battery 'system' i currently have...

The trusty Traxide unit died some time back now, and the bush fix at the time was to bypass it by connecting both battery leads to one terminal (ie, permanently link the batteries).

Since getting home, some 2 and a bit years ago now, I've removed the isolator completely, and connected the aux battery to the main directly - same result, just looks tidier under there.

The low battery cutoff unit, that lives in the back of the car is still there, and presumably working to make sure any load from the rear of the car doesn't drain the batteries completely dry.

The whole thing seems to be working just fine - I've been brave enough to let the fridge run for a few days without any drama, and the car always starts with an enthusiasm not seen earlier. Am I missing a risk with this? Not sure what would happen when one of the batteries dies?

As you have them permanently linked, you run the risk of a fridge or whatever consuming enough power that it won’t start at some point, as you’re not disconnecting them at 12.2v that the Traxide does to leave you enough starting capacity. Other than that, there is no problem. I’d do as suggested and send it off, or pull it open as per the other thread and resolder the possible dry joints.

[veebs]

As you have them permanently linked, you run the risk of a fridge or whatever consuming enough power that it won’t start at some point, as you’re not disconnecting them at 12.2v that the Traxide does to leave you enough starting capacity. Other than that, there is no problem. I’d do as suggested and send it off, or pull it open as per the other thread and resolder the possible dry joints.

Cheers - I had the USI-160, which was filled with resin, so no easy fix available I dare say. I figured the ABG-25 unit, which sits between the fridge and the batteries would serve as protection too? Revisiting the wiring diagram, it doesn't protect the Anderson plug at the back, so that's something to consider I guess

[DiscoJeffster]

Cheers - I had the USI-160, which was filled with resin, so no easy fix available I dare say. I figured the ABG-25 unit, which sits between the fridge and the batteries would serve as protection too? Revisiting the wiring diagram, it doesn't protect the Anderson plug at the back, so that's something to consider I guess

Good point, I forgot that. I’d contact Tim about a solution anyhow but you’re probably safe in its current configuration.

[RANDLOVER]

Veebs you are right to be concerned about a battery dying as you could have two half dead batteries, without knowing until one goes and you are left with nothing useful.

For this reason I have a spare starting battery charged via a power diode so if the main dies it doesn't take the spare with it.