**IBS GROUP BUY** Ends March 23**CLOSED**

Good points on the lack of waterproofing of the NL and IBS systems. I might be missing something on the price comparison though. On the Bluesea wiring diagram it shows the ML-ACR wired with 2 x ML-RBS modules which puts the (Amazon) price over $600 without in cab monitor. Retail on the NL kit is $312 at several stores. IBS without RBM retails for $380. Bluesea is great equipment but are you saying ML-RBS is not required?

 

ML-RBS not required

 

Which diagram are you looking at? The diagram I see for the ML-ACR is this one. Shouldn't need an ML-RBS since those are for single battery installs.

 

True that the IBS goes to 12.8V. I missed that looking at the picture the first time. But you can wire up the ML-ACR to stay disconnected for 3 or 5 minutes. There are 3 wires on the unit for that feature but most don't use it because it's unnecessary for our applications. My understanding is the feature is there because in some boat applications people have to crank for longer than the default 30 seconds before it starts up so it's there to keep the batteries isolated for a longer period of time.

 

Ok I see where that diagram was. This is the one from the installation instructions:

 

Am I missing something here? Isn't the ability to self jump one of the primary reasons for having one of these systems? Self jumping is going to require the ability to carry at least 200 amps (possibly more depending on conditions) through the system.

I like the fact that the ML-ACR offers a high continuous amp load capacity. Much higher than what is offered in the NL and IBS kits with their limited solenoids and wire size.

 

I thought the intended purpose of these systems is to ensure the start battery is charged before the house battery starts charging, then automatically disconnect before the house battery drags down the start battery once you turn off the engine. A side feature is to link them in a start assist situation.

 

Its actually all of that an more.

Yes, when in camp I want to be able to run off of the auxiliary battery without effecting the starting battery. All of these systems will automaticallly isolate the two batteries when no charging is being sensed. But if you've ever been in a situation where you have a starting battery failure, especially if you are in BFE, then the ability to self jump from the aux battery moves up on the list of priorities.

 

I was pretty dead set on going with an IBS system. But now I think the Blue Sea ML-ACR is a better option for the price, and it allows me to get the wiring I'll need since I plan to put the auxiliary battery in the bed of the truck.

 

The blue sea unit allows for self jumping, hence the manual over ride feature to force them to parallel. The unit also isolates the main battery from the aux battery when the engine is shut off and the aux battery runs low as to prevent the engine battery from being pulled on.

Further, the schematic pcbuilder posted up top is from the blue sea site and is the one we use on our rigs and does not require an ML RBS inline. Thus, keeping the coat to mere couple hundred bucks plus a 20-30 dollar add on monitoring doohickey for your cab.

 

I guess the big question for me is, what will the pricing on the NL and IBS systems be? I like that adding a DBR relay in the IBS system allows for my 2nd aux battery, but the Blue Sea system looks attractive. There in cab M2 Multimeter is expensive but gives the most comprehensive monitoring period.

 

Can we get Blue Sea ML-ACR added to the poll? I've been leaning towards this unit as well.

 

If my IBS system got wet I'd have a lot more trouble than batteries.. Pretty sure my truck would be a loss.

 

That's what I was thinking, we'd be more worried about other stuff lol

 

What are you guys referring to?

 

huh?

 

The truck being under water?

 

the not waterproofed solenoid

 

That was my install project today and you just had to start this group buy now