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Thread: Optimising a batteries - starter with twin aux

  1. #1
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    Optimising a batteries - starter with twin aux

    I'm looking for ideas to get the most out of 3 batteries in the 130. Connecting the two AGM's optimally is a challenge.

    I'll have the two aux batteries wired correctly for two batteries in parallel, but that all goes out the window tying them back to the starter.

    The starter has to be permanently ground and I'm thinking I almost need a selectable ground for Aux 1 if I need extra cranking capacity at anytime.

    Although needed the 3rd battery is complicating things.

    This is a very rough wiring plan.....


  2. #2
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    #2 Aux ‘portable’ I would connect it i would use Anderson plugs keeps it nice and simple.

    Not sure your solar input is in the correct spot, I would have it covered next to #1 Aux....or

    do you planning charge the #2 Aux when it’s away from the car. In this case I would use Anderson plugs again and have the regulator at the solar shop panel than you have options where you charge. Assuming you have portable solar.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by weeds View Post
    #2 Aux ‘portable’ I would connect it i would use Anderson plugs keeps it nice and simple.

    Not sure your solar input is in the correct spot, I would have it covered next to #1 Aux....or

    do you planning charge the #2 Aux when it’s away from the car. In this case I would use Anderson plugs again and have the regulator at the solar shop panel than you have options where you charge. Assuming you have portable solar.
    Aux 2 is in a Ark pack and is already Anderson enabled, it gets left behind if I need to take the car away from camp so the rest of the tribe has power & lighting. What I was getting at is more the optimal way to link batteries in parallel.....something which is pretty hard to do with an isolator, I think. Any good work I do is undone in shared mode due to the fact I need an earth both sides (Starter vs Aux) in isolated mode.


    NOT OPTIMAL




    OPTIMAL


  4. #4
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    Hi Fubar and if you intend to draw constant loads of 50+ amps for long periods of time, then the OPTIMAL connects would be the way to go, and by long periods of time, I am talking about hours at a time.


    The thing is, unless you are living in a luxury yachting or large motor home, where such high and higher current draws are common place, and where 200+ amp alternators are used to recharge the batteries, you will gain no advantage from the OPTIMAL over the NOT OPTIMAL cabling setup.


    99% of RVers will have no issues when using the NOT OPTIMAL setup, because it is highly unlikely, even when using a winch, that you will ever draw high current continually for long periods, not just a few minutes.


    Your batteries will charge and discharge at slightly different current levels but the current difference is very small and they will always equalise in a very short period of time.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by drivesafe View Post
    Hi Fubar and if you intend to draw constant loads of 50+ amps for long periods of time, then the OPTIMAL connects would be the way to go, and by long periods of time, I am talking about hours at a time.


    The thing is, unless you are living in a luxury yachting or large motor home, where such high and higher current draws are common place, and where 200+ amp alternators are used to recharge the batteries, you will gain no advantage from the OPTIMAL over the NOT OPTIMAL cabling setup.


    99% of RVers will have no issues when using the NOT OPTIMAL setup, because it is highly unlikely, even when using a winch, that you will ever draw high current continually for long periods, not just a few minutes.


    Your batteries will charge and discharge at slightly different current levels but the current difference is very small and they will always equalise in a very short period of time.


    Thanks for dropping and providing some solid advice....if find all your advice on this forum invaluable.

    Cheers,

    Jason

  6. #6
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    Homestar is offline Super Moderator & CA manager Subscriber
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    Yep, keep it simple and how they are connected doesn't matter so much. When I have the Hilux connected to my caravan, I have 6 batteries in the system - all basically connected in parallel athough the cars cranking battery is switched through one of Drivesafes relays.

    I have not found an issue in this setup or a similar setup on my previous van for the sort of loads I draw which are basically a couple of fridges, charging personal devices, lighting etc. I wouldn't be at all worried if I had to apply a winch load t this for a few minutes here or there, the solar would soon recharge and balance all the voltages accross the system without issue.

    I think too many people try and overthink their 12 volt systems. Companies offering all sorts of wierd and wonderful hintech bits and pieces doesn't help things I don't think. They just confuse the average Joe basically.
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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