battery problem

I dont have the electronics the newer cars have but I run 2 x 100ah batteries in the back they charge up in about 3 hrs driving with a 75amp bosch alt and a vsr to isolate the starter bat:) volt meter sits on 13.8/14.00 and the amp meter goes to about 40 amps to the rear batteries for 1/2 an hour then starts to drop :)

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Originally Posted by nicho

What I have now is a projecta duel battery controller with a century 560cca (main) and a optima blue for my accessories but I have a 180ah gel I want to mount in the rear for my fridge and camp lights and inverter etc. What's the safest route for the gel so I don't kill it

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Hi nicho, this may sound strange but don’t run real thick cable from the engine bay to the Gel battery in the rear.

If you use 6B&S twin ( 13.5mm2 x 2 ) or 16mm2 twin, you will easily charge your battery in a reasonable drive time but the cable length and size will act as a quasi voltage/current regulator and will protect the gel battery.

Just fit 50 amp auto resetting circuit breakers at either end of the positive cable and thats all you need.

As with what THE BOOGER posted, your 100 amp alternator will easily handle that sort of load and more.

Sounds good to me. But 1 last question and sorry for hijacking the thread. What do i need to do about my battery controller? A new one that covers 3 batteries or an additional controller connected inline with the second battery? I also intend to get a monitor for all 3.
Thanks again Drivesafe your advice is much appreciated
Nicho

Hi again nicho and while I would love to sell you a new isolator, the one you have, if it’s working OK, is all you need.

As far as battery monitors go, nothing beats a $10 multi meter.

If you fit battery monitors at each battery, they will only give you the actual state of charge of each battery either when all the batteries have been sitting unused and uncharged for at least 24 hours or while they are in use, but only with a small load on each battery.

Once you start your motor, the only voltage you are going to read, at all the batteries, is the voltage of your alternator.

So again, get a $10 multi meter and spend the saving on other useful items, like a slab or two, or you could keep the savings to pay your up and coming Carbon Tax.:twisted:

Thanks again drivesafe, I already have a multimeter so I guess aside from purchasing the cabling you stated and a good solid mount for my gel battery I should be as happy as Larry.