Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 at 16:49
A few different thoughts going around on duel batteries with a winch Kev.
1. Fit 2 batteries joined togther in parallel. Winch only takes half the power from each minimising deep discharge in either. Ideally of the same age, size & construction to maximise life. Down side is you need to stop yourself before you flatten both with no chance of restarting.
2. Isolate 2 batteries & run winch off the start. Starting batteries are more suited to the high load/quick recharge required by a winch. 2nd battery is available to run the fridge & a big key switch can be used as a backup for starting.
3. Isolate 2 batteries & run winch off auxillary. A large special purpose battery can be used to run the winch & other assesories leaving the starting battery untouched.
With some duel battery isolators you need too allow for the high power draw between the two while the engine is running which could be as much as 120 amps per battery. (Often they are just wired together via the isolator with 12mm cable or through a 50 amp bypass switch)
Some of the fancier voltage sensing isolators (of which I've had little experience) can allow for different size or types of battaries.
Not a huge fan of many of the isolating systems available having seen several fail from heat & vibration when they were needed most then causing premature battery failure. Instead I use system 1 with a low volt disconnect ($50) for the fridge which also has an alarm warning of low volts when winching.
Cheers Craig.................
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