connecting two Batteries
Submitted: Monday, Nov 11, 2013 at 21:20
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johno59
I have an additional deep cycle Battery and was wondering how you can connect it to the one provided with the van when it was purchased thanks johno
Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Monday, Nov 11, 2013 at 21:43
Monday, Nov 11, 2013 at 21:43
Hi Johno,
Just connect it positive to positive and negative to negative. In parallel in other words.
Just make sure there is a good 30 amp circuit breaker on the output side of the two batteries, when you connect them together, feeding all the lights and appliances and all should be
well.
Keep the interconnecting battery cables as short as you can and it should work fine.
All you'll need then is a solar panel and regulator to keep them charged and your off to a flying start. Remember 100 watts of panel for each 100 amps of battery capacity as a starting guide.

Dual Batteries
Hope this helps,
Cheers Bruce.
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AnswerID:
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Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013 at 17:54
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013 at 17:54
The first response from Bruce C was entirely correct, particularly the advice to keep the interconnecting cables short.......... and I would add, of adequate gauge.
Then followed the occasionally expressed idealistic proposal of diagonal connection. As Olcoolone says, "it makes no noticeable difference in a dual battery system" ..... provided that the cabling is of adequate current carrying capacity.
For Andrew D to suggest that Olcoolone "needs some technical DC study" is both impertinent and uninformed. Olcoolone is no "rank amateur". He has considerable knowledge and experience in automotive electrical systems, particularly those with auxiliary battery setups.
As someone with more than 60 years of Electrical Engineering training and practical experience, I can state that the concept of diagonal connection is of no discernible value in a scheme that is adequately cabled. Its value exists only in the mind and expression of an idealistic theorist. Certainly it will work no worse than the direct alternative, but no better either, and only complicates the setup, particularly if the two batteries are separated by a metre or two.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013 at 21:59
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013 at 21:59
"Certainly it will work no worse than the direct alternative, but no better either, and only complicates the setup, particularly if the two batteries are separated by a metre or two."
"provided that the cabling is of adequate current carrying capacity."
I agree...
Regards
Derek from ABR
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Follow Up By: Andrew D. - Wednesday, Nov 13, 2013 at 14:23
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2013 at 14:23
Allan B I very much stand by my comment of 'rank amateur'.
Sadly the lack of basic expertise and low education standards in Australia is what leads to all those that think they know or been correctly educated and haven't. Finding competent people in any field in Australia is a nightmare. When you look at the pathetic state of the RV industry and supposedly people with 60 years experience been clueless on something as basic as connecting batteries correctly in parallel tells you everything. Thankfully taught in the UK and USA for 30 years where the education and professionalism standards are on a significantly higher plane.
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802052
Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Wednesday, Nov 13, 2013 at 16:20
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2013 at 16:20
How on earth do we attract them?
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