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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: mudslinger987 on February 19, 2009, 05:26:55 PM

Title: dual battery setup
Post by: mudslinger987 on February 19, 2009, 05:26:55 PM
I have two batteries mounted in the back of my samurai and i was just wandering what the best way to wire them together. I heard of using solenoids and boat switches but its all very confusing. Just wandering if anybody has done this before and may know a way to wire them together. Any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: Drone637 on February 19, 2009, 06:50:08 PM
Are you looking for the ability to switch between the two batteries or just have twice the power to run your winch?
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: Jeremiah on February 19, 2009, 10:14:47 PM
The cheapest way is manual switch only. You literally are only running one battery or the other at a time. I'm a forgetful fool, and the BIGGEST reason for me to run a dual batt is to have an always-working backup to my main battery. There's more expensive (and slightly more complex wiring) systems that will automagically keep both batteries charged, but isolated from drain (so, they'll both charge, but accidentally leaving lights on will only kill one battery).
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: rascott on February 20, 2009, 06:35:26 AM
i am in the process of doing this myself.
i have a spare marine battery switch(i have a boat) that i'm gonna use.
they are a little pricey, but this one is cole hersey and rated 325 amps. 4 position- 1, both, 2, off.
works fine on my boat, and i have a lot of battery in it.
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: mudslinger987 on February 20, 2009, 06:59:37 AM
Are you looking for the ability to switch between the two batteries or just have twice the power to run your winch?

I need it to have more power. I have a 10 000 pound winch plus lots of lights and a stereo
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: beercheck on February 20, 2009, 07:19:45 AM
This guy did a sweet writeup.  Coupla hundred bucks, but..

http://www.bajataco.com/dualbatts/dualbatteries01.html (http://www.bajataco.com/dualbatts/dualbatteries01.html)
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: beercheck on February 20, 2009, 07:43:48 AM
This guy did a sweet writeup.  Coupla hundred bucks, but..

[url]http://www.bajataco.com/dualbatts/dualbatteries01.html[/url] ([url]http://www.bajataco.com/dualbatts/dualbatteries01.html[/url])



Also, read through this:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/dual_battery/my_dual_battery_setup.htm (http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/dual_battery/my_dual_battery_setup.htm)
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: Jeremiah on February 20, 2009, 09:09:18 AM
Dual batteries just gives you more storage. It's the alternator that allows you to run more lights & other gizzies continuously. Dual batts aren't needed at all for winches.
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: Drone637 on February 20, 2009, 09:43:34 AM
Dual Batteries will help with a winch if you have them setup in parallel as your doubling your cranking amps.  Or you can run a couple of 6 volt industrial batteries (aka, golf car) in series to get to 12v.  This will take the initial strain off of your alternator when winching.  I can run my 9000lb winch all day long with the dual 6v setup with the stock SJ-410 alternator.  :)

As Jeremiah said though, if you want to run it continuously you need a stronger alt.  Look at a GM conversion.
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: mudslinger987 on February 20, 2009, 12:46:28 PM
Dual Batteries will help with a winch if you have them setup in parallel as your doubling your cranking amps.  Or you can run a couple of 6 volt industrial batteries (aka, golf car) in series to get to 12v.  This will take the initial strain off of your alternator when winching.  I can run my 9000lb winch all day long with the dual 6v setup with the stock SJ-410 alternator.  :)

As Jeremiah said though, if you want to run it continuously you need a stronger alt.  Look at a GM conversion.

I think i will run them parallel and put a battery shut off switch on so i can cut all power when i'm not wheeling.
I will have a 100amp altenator soon to help with all the extra electrical
Title: Re: dual battery setup
Post by: Jeremiah on February 20, 2009, 01:44:35 PM
I run a bunch of electrical stuff on all my sami's (including a 9000lb warn) - never needed a larger alt, or second battery. The only reason I'm going dual alt is because I want to run an automatic, and can't bump-start if I run my primary battery down accidentally.