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

I have Google'd it before, so I'm basically an expert

 

LOL

[HIJACK]

I have been looking at the D250S also. Debating between this and a Redarc unit.

My biggest question is how can you use the second battery to jump start or replace the primary?

I have done this with an ACR, but the ACR setup does not fully charge the secondary battery. Even less so with our "smart" alternators.

[/HIJACK]

 

I have the D250. Have had it for 5 years. It’s been flawless and works excellent. I was getting ready to upgrade by adding a smartpass. So was hoping I could ask some questions. I’ll source the answer somewhere else I guess.

One of the nice benefits is it’s a solar controller also so don’t need that as well just a panel.

 

If the charge relay/isolator is doing it's job correctly you shouldn't have to worry about jump starting. Besides even with the ability to self Jumpstart, what about being a good Samaritan and Jumpstarting others. You can carry a set of jumper cables and do both.

 

I was really referring to the primary battery malfunctioning and not working. (Yes, it has happened to me.)

I have jumper cables to help others. The issue is my secondary battery will be in the bed, not readily accessible to jumper cables.

 

The ctek smart pass will self jump start. And yes I have also had my starter battery fine, pull into the gas station then have it dead when I go to leave. Battery is now officially shot. So self Jump is not a bad idea.

Someone mentioned using a solenoid and not being able to get their secondary battery full. This guys does a really good job explaining all that.

https://youtu.be/P6poRPUMKTI

 

Hi guys, I’m running a side by side dual battery on my 2016 Tacoma. I’m looking at a redarc bc to dc charger. Would I get the IGN model for variable voltage alternators or the one for fixed voltage/temp compensating alternators? Thanks so much in advance!

 

Read the comments above, our alternators are smart alternators.

 

Thank you!

 

Any of you electrical gurus help me out? I’m looking for a BASIC dual battery set up. I just want peace of mind when it’s 25 below in the winter.
Could I use this.

 

The biggest issue I see is that it's only 120A, could have trouble pulling enough amperage across in a jump start situation if one battery was dead or close to

 

This works well. You will never see 120amps, unless something goes badly wrong, across the ACR. I have been using this for a while now.

 

https://www.toyotaguru.us/engine-control-systems/current-draw-test.html
Typical V6 175A
There is lots of information available showing starters drawing well over 120A especially in the cold the draw can be much higher
@-40 I would do some research of your own to check what starters draw before trusting 120A is enough to start your truck on a -25 day
not trying to be a dick @Sandman614 I just would hate to see someone get stuck somewhere in that weather because of a burnt up battery disconnect

 

If you want basic and cheaper, look into the Stinger unit that's been mentioned in this thread. You can find the link at the bottom of this page. $55 through Amazon, 200 amp

 

The ACR isolates the starting battery from the aux battery. My statement stands, you will never see 120amps across the ACR, but let me revise that and say with high loads like a winch connected to the starting battery.

 

I have a winch so does that matter?

 

As long as it's connected to the starting battery, no. Generally an aux battery is used for lower draw accessories such as lights, and other 'house' type amenities.

 

What he said

 

Ok.