Dual Battery Setups! Let's see them! Multiple Batteries Thread!

Awesome, thank's for the heads up! Dual just isn't in the cards in the near future, but replacing my current one with one of those definitely is.

 

Installed mine the other day.

 

I've had a dual battery setup for a while now, but today finally added a voltage meter so I can see where they're at. (Obviously the numbers actually work, but the camera shutter cuts some of them off):


The little switch below turns it on and off. The meter I got here: $17 MICTUNING LED Digital Panel Double Voltmeter, Rocker Switch Style Voltage Monitor for Car Pickup Truck Dual Battery Pack (Red)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077XDHQNR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and the switch was from Fry's down the street.

 

Love this idea.

 

Its a Wurthco tray with new mounting holes drilled.

 

Need to get mine done this summer.

Has anyone upgraded their alternator?

Has anyone upgraded the alternator fuse?

Are their any particular writeups that have been specifically helpful outside of this post?

Thank you

 

Finally hooked up the Peak DBI dual voltage gauge.

I bit the bullet and finally convinced myself to drill a hole in the dashboard to install it.








Its wired to 12v+ switched source for the starter battery and 12v+ constant for the house battery.

Has any one had any issues with this gauge draining either battery over a long period of time? I kicked around the idea of putting a switch on the ground side of the gauge but didnt.

 

Good to know.

I got to drive the truck in the dark tonight. Fortunately the LEDs arent bright or obnoxious or really even in view from the driver seat. The steering wheel does a pretty good job of blocking them.

I wanted to put the gauge somewhere where I could view it with a quick glace from the outside of the truck by looking into the window. This seemed to be the best spot.

 

@steveo27 I've been running my DBI voltmeter for over a year and haven't had any problems with it draining the battery. I wouldn't sweat it. The draw from those LEDs is tiny. I mounted mine inside the busted sunglasses holder. Keeps it out of general view and outside of my view when driving.

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I mounted mine here

But I have it hooked up to a switch so I can shut it off when ever

 

Thanks dudes. I figured the draw was minimal at best and wouldnt be an issue.

 

Ever figure out what was going on here with the low aux battery charging voltage? I have been considering using the frame as ground for an aux battery and my positive lead would be longer and possible smaller gauge than what you were using because it will go to a DC-DC battery charger that would limit the draw to 20A from the alternator. Maybe I should consider going round trip with negative lead back to the start battery negative terminal.

 

2016 DCSB.

My intention is to install a removable deep cell battery in my bed to power/charge minor electronics and lights for a RTT setup. My intent is to plug a slow charger into the built-in inverter outlet in the bed for charging while I'm driving as opposed to wiring into the truck's alternator. I then plan on connecting my external inverter to the deep cell and run one extension cord into the RTT and one to the back of my truck bed. The setup will be inside a Leer cap I have on order.

Any comments/advice would be appreciated. Anyone else doing something similar?

 

I read that slow charge chargers are not good for deep cycle batteries, especially used for extended periods of time. I ordered a 2/10/20 amp smart charger and I'm going to ensure it is fully charged before I leave the house. I'm not for sure if I can run the 10 amp charge from the 400W inverter in the bed but I'm going to give it a try tomorrow when the charger gets here. If it doesn't I still plan on running it at 2 amp between destinations. I have a 2 week trip planned with my daughter from ATL to the Grand Canyon and returning via Utah and Colorado. I'll recharge when I have power at the campsite but some are primitive sites.

 

Question. I think I have all my necessary parts but im confused on the wiring, are there any diagrams you found helpful? and I have a smart isolator but I see I need a charging relay? like the blue sea acr? trying to get some help so I don't mess this up.

 

Has anyone had any charging issues on the 3rd gens?
I got the offgrid engineering kit and will be running two group 27 AGM batteries. One of my friends with a 2nd gen is running a diode/fuse from https://www.hkbelect.com/ that boost the voltage which helps with charging.
I ordered the one that was supposed to be for the 3rd gen but the fuse you're supposed to replace does not exist in my fuse box. Contacted HKB and they were nice enough to refund me since it doesn't work and updating the website since it doesn't but I'm still looking for something to do.

I haven't actually installed the batteries yet but just trying to be proactive here.

 

You might want to research this, it could be what you're looking for. AGM's like that 14.7 boost charge range.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mike-singer-voltage-booster-groupbuy-feeler-thread.541223/

 

Thanks I'll look into it. I'm just wondering if I even need it kind of thing

 

Reasearch your batteries requirements. If you have the tow package that alternator will help but may not be the best for your batteries extended performance. Or, look into a good/specific charger to maintain your batteries.

 

says right on both of them the same thing

Float charge 13.5-13.8V Cycle service 14.4-14.8V

Also not sure if the ScanGuage is just going by at the fuse box and if the measurement at the battery would be different. But scan gauge is always showing 13.8V