Thread: Simplest Dual Battery Setup

1/ Install second battery.
2/ -ve terminal to a good chassis earthpoint.
3/ +ve terminal to Primary battery +ve with heavy cable.

Use a multimeter to monitor battery vs fridge run time.

voila

simple and probably best for winching too...

S

Hi,
Get a deep cycle battery for your winch/fridge/camping needs so you won't ever accidently discharge your starting battery.
The deep cycle battery can be directly connected to your starting battery through a device like



Traxide sell these, and are a good crew to deal with.
I bought a kit from them to put in my second battery and found them very helpful indeed when I ran into a problem of my own making.

usual disclaimers here - just a happy customer

cheers

Install second battery, same as starter and connect both through a 3 way marine switch. Cheap and effective.

Works for me.

I fitted a dual battery to my old D1. I used a heavy duty solenoid to connect the positive leads and a chasis earth. The solenoid was activated by the alternator charge light. This meant the solenoid would not engage until the engine was running. If your main battery goes flat just run a lead from the second battery to the solenoid terminal to connect the two together.

HTH

Ivan

Originally Posted by Ivan

I fitted a dual battery to my old D1. I used a heavy duty solenoid to connect the positive leads and a chasis earth. The solenoid was activated by the alternator charge light. This meant the solenoid would not engage until the engine was running. If your main battery goes flat just run a lead from the second battery to the solenoid terminal to connect the two together.

HTH

Ivan

I have a similar thing on my classic, except I have a relay that connects the two positives together when the ignition is on. Run my fridge and other auxiliaries off the second battery (which runs them all the time) and all the normal stuff (cd player lights etc.) runs off the original battery. it cost about 50 bucks for wiring, relay, connectors and cig plugs, plus a secondary battery.

Keep in mind:

fridge = deep cycle battery (low current / long time)
winch = cranking battery (high current / short time)

A marine type battery can do both. If your second battery will be powering both winch and fridge, I would recommend a marine type battery.

I run a SLA 100AH battery in the back alongside the fridge it has a set of cables connected to the main via a 60Amp relay which is locked on once the ignition is on it only runs the fridge and i have an extra socket for other bits if needed in the back its a non perm set up and when im not using the fridge the battery and fridge are removed and the cable that conects the battery tucked away and the fuse down at the relay end is removed so line to back is neutral when not in use .
I am yet to fit a second batt up front but it will happen soon enough and i will probably just use a similar set up to what i have now tho go for a 200Amp relay to join the 2 batts up front

Just buy the TRAXIDE US 160(?), great kit, will run your winch, Australian made, and great to deal with. Plus Tim is a member on here.