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

Made it myself.

 

I posted a jpeg a while ago manwithoutplan asked for it

 

I see theres a switch in the circuit. Can you tell me what happens when I flip it on or off?

 

If you're referring to the red switch on the far right, that comes with the blue sea ml-ACR. It joins or isolates the two batteries connected to each other.

 

Can you link me to whatever site sells those components?

 

The switch is included in the ML-ACR kit.

Link:
https://www.bluesea.com/products/76...rging_Relay_with_Manual_Control_-_12V_DC_500A

Wiring:
http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/wiring_diagram/ML-ACRs.jpg

Instructions:
http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990180180.pdf

It can be purchased at many retailers. I bought mine on Amazon when it was on sale:

$203 Blue Sea Systems 7622 ML-ACR 12V DC 500A Automatic Charging Relay with Manual Control, Gray

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Automatic-Charging/dp/B001VIXLRO

 

^^^ that and the only other components that arent blue sea is the battery monitor that I chose here, the battery you choose, and wherever mounting bracket you choose for said battery.

 

Lastly, with this wiring, will it all be connected to the alternator or will I have to disconnect current wiring harness to connect the new stuff?

 

Well I haven't done this setup yet. It's a work in progress as my budget allows. I don't see s reason why you can't use the existing wiring to the alternator.

 

This question kind of confused me so maybe this isnt the answer that you are looking for. You do not have to disconnect any stock wiring to be able to install any of this. Everything works as an addition to the OEM system.

The battery monitors can be what ever style that you want. Many people use the dual monitor that @docloco mentioned but I have a total of 3 batteries so i used digital read outs like the one linked bellow:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-0-56-3-1-...r-Voltmeter-/231032929547?hash=item35caa2bd0b

 

@InTheRough That answered exactly what I wanted. Maybe I worded it wrong but as long as I don't have to do anything with stock wires, I'm happy. I'll only have two batteries so the double voltage level reader will do for now. In the future, I'd like to have everything on my iPad, including engine temps, obd codes, voltage levels, etc etc.

 

Here's my dual batt volt gauge

 

Need!

 

Has anyone looked at Crutchfield and their kits they have for the wiring for the secondary battery and big 3 upgrade? Obviously would have to add a couple things to this like an isolator to begin. But thoughts?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_122BIG3XP/XS-Power-BIG3XP.html?tp=36390

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_122AK3500/XS-Power-AK3500.html

 

The wire is copper clad aluminum
I wouldn't use that stuff

I will only use welding cable with ends i crimp on

 

Ah didn't catch that. Good point. Thanks

 

x2

 

Ok guys, I'm getting close to making my dual battery trays final.

I have 5 of my last prototypes at powder coat now.. I think I have the final design but I want to make sure they are solid before I start cranking them out.

@ramonortiz55 has the only one in the wild so far and I'm looking for his feed back. Here's what I'm planning on offering:

• Battery Tray Kit
  • Complete so you can place a second battery in the passenger wheel well. Has provisions for mounting a ML-ACR, RTMR Relay Box and Bussman panel mount breaker.
• Battery Tray Kit + Basic Wiring
  • Same as the battery tray kit, but will come with the RTMR, breaker, and possibly fully wired to one of my switch panels.

Let me know what you guys think!

 

I will work on installing this over the weekend.

There will be pictures. There will be a writeup!

 

I have a question for those that put their house battery in the bed of their truck. What size wire did you use for that long run?

Assume the ML-ACR will be located under the hood, near the starting battery. I'm thinking in front of the wheel well, passenger side, for the house battery location.