Cheapest way to charge two batteries ?

hi all

New here but no doubt will soon be using it alot as about to take off round your country.

im fitting out a campervan from scratch, i want to run two batteries, one for starting and one for interior lighting and a 300w inverter.

my plan was to mount a second battery in the back, next to the original one and wire the two batteries together with a large kill switch inbetween them. i know this would be inconvenient but it saves us alot of money and we have all the time in the world.

my question is, if i was to start using the original battery, then link the two batteries via the kill switch, would it damamge the batteries during charge ?

also, is there a better way of doing this than my idea, short of buying a $150 kit ?

id like to keep the cost down to $50 ideally/

many thanks

Brad
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 07:26

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 07:26
Brad,

Sorry mate but a cheap cost will give you a dodgy solution.
The end result could be two flat or dead batteries.

It's not a matter of damaging the batteries during charge, although both batteries connected in the manner you suggest should be of a similar make, age and type. This is not the best solution as a deep cycle battery is the better choice for auxiliary power and a deep cycle battery is not a good choice as a starting battery.

The biggest problem in joining two batteries with a kill switch is in forgetting to isolate the two batteries when the engine is not running. In this situation the two batteries will "equalise" with the battery with a lower voltage, or a crook cell, dragging down the voltage in the other battery.
This may not be as great an issue around town, where you have other means to jump start your rig, but in remote areas, you may end up with two flat batteries and no way to start your vehicle.

The only safe solution is to installl an isolator solonoid or smart controller between the two batteries and you would not do it for $50.
Then there is other considerations such as the need for heavy duty cable from the auxiliary battery to run your accessories without experiencing problems due to voltage drop.
An AGM battery is the best and safest type for auxiliary power and these are not cheap either.


Bill.
Bill


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AnswerID: 431040

Reply By: Outbacktourer - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 07:38

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 07:38
The old fashioned solinoid will do this for you. Check with ABR in the trader section. Solenoid will be <$30

OBT
AnswerID: 431044

Reply By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:23

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:23
Brad, When you have doubts it is usually because deep down you are ignoring the obvious, going against the grain and proceeding down a course of action which is risky....but in saying that, nothing ventured nothing gained and as this is not a boat ( where you would be out on an ocean) but a land vehicle and so what is the worst that can happen if your idea fails ?.........just inconvenience that is all....in other words try it and see how you go.

A lot of people will tell you in great detail what you can and cannot do but in the end you choose.

I have seen people just hook up 2 or more batteries in parallel ( and sometimes different types and sizes) and it all works fine...the question is really this...does the experience of a few determine the outcome for all !
I think not.
After all you are doing manually what a solenoid will do remotely.

If you dont believe me see how many people are towing caravans way over their towing capacity inspite of everything and everyone lol.

.
AnswerID: 431055

Reply By: Moose - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 13:13

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 13:13
Brad
So long as you don't forget to flip the switch each night it will work just fine.

And whilst perhaps ideally you should have to similar batteries don't worry too much about it. I've run a deep cycle with a starting battery and never had any major problems. Just be aware that a deep cycle battery that's been deeply discharged will never be fully charged by the alternator irrespective of how long you drive each day. So you may wish to take a battery charger and charge it up whenever you get a chance eg in a caravan park.
AnswerID: 431062

Follow Up By: harryopal - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 15:10

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 15:10
Brad, forgetting to flip the switch is something you so might easily do so here is a suggestion I picked up from when I was a lighthouse keeper.
We used to have power provided for the lights with a back up generator in case of failure. The head keeper would test the generator occasionally and so that he didn't forget to flip back to normal power he used a yellow circle of linoleum about 10" across which he dropped on the ground at the place he would be leaving to go back to his quarters. If he forgot to flip the switch he would see the yellow patch. He would then pick up the patch, flip off the generator and leave the patch in its place.
Anything bright like that would do the trick. Linoleum, a flat circle of tin painted brightly and heavy enough that it would't blow away with a puff of wind. Perhaps the place to keep the reminder would be next to the battery. When it is on you leave the patch perhaps next to the driving seat or your cooker, on your swag so that you see it or the last place before you are likely to be just before forgetting.
I use a USB port for files which I take backwards and forward between my office computer and home laptop. So that I don't forget to take the port home I leave my car keys on top of the computer block where the USB is plugged in. That way I can't leave without the keys and there is the USB.

And while on the tip theme. Whenever you camp and pack up to move on always get ready to go and then walk around your vehicle and camp site 3 times to make sure everything is secure and you haven't left the frying pan next to the tap or a shovel under the car.
Have a great trip.
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FollowupID: 701832

Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 19:21

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 19:21
this is great advice, it will work but if you forget you could be in flatt batt land.
.
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Reply By: Outbacktourer - Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 14:52

Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 at 14:52
Here is your Solenoid for $25

OBT
AnswerID: 431074

Reply By: SAxKK - Thursday, Sep 23, 2010 at 00:35

Thursday, Sep 23, 2010 at 00:35
Thanks for all the help guys, really appreciate it. to many forums dont offer out help and get funny with new people and repeated questions. so thank you all :D

i found a isolator with terminals and cables in a kit in Supercheap Auto for $70. its all wired in now and im glad i did it properly

thanks again for all the advice, i especialy like the lino one, i do similar things as very forgetful, jsut as well i used a solenoid lol.

Brad
AnswerID: 431139

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