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08-05-2016, 10:17 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 15
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Dual battery install steps?
I'm going to add a 2nd battery this afternoon and I was hoping to validate that my logic is right. I'm planning on:
1. Disconnecting the positive trailer lead
2. Disconnecting the negative trailer lead
3. Running a jumper from battery #1 negative to battery #2 negative
4. Running a jumper from battery #1 positive to battery #2 positive
5. Reconnecting trailer negative to battery #1
6. Reconnecting trailer positive to battery #2
Sound right?
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08-05-2016, 10:24 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
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It depends if you are using 2 12 volt or 2 6 volt
__________________
2015 Ram 2500 4x4 6.4l with 2015 Sandpiper 25RLS
Wife, myself and 2 furry kids
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08-05-2016, 10:26 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 1,675
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeepin_182G
I'm going to add a 2nd battery this afternoon and I was hoping to validate that my logic is right. I'm planning on:
1. Disconnecting the NEGATIVE trailer lead
2. Disconnecting the POSITIVE trailer lead
3. Running a jumper from battery #1 negative to battery #2 negative
4. Running a jumper from battery #1 positive to battery #2 positive
5. Reconnecting trailer POSITIVE to battery #1
6. Reconnecting trailer NEGATIVE to battery #2
Sound right?
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This slight change keeps you from accidentally touching your wrench to the frame ground while connecting/disconnecting the Positive terminal. Which would cause a spark and possible explosion.
ETA: since you state 'adding a second battery' I assume your current single battery and the additional battery are both 12 volt.
__________________
Dan
2014 Berkshire 390RB-60
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08-05-2016, 10:29 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: West Jordan, UT
Posts: 877
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeepin_182G
I'm going to add a 2nd battery this afternoon and I was hoping to validate that my logic is right. I'm planning on:
1. Disconnecting the positive trailer lead
2. Disconnecting the negative trailer lead
3. Running a jumper from battery #1 negative to battery #2 negative
4. Running a jumper from battery #1 positive to battery #2 positive
5. Reconnecting trailer negative to battery #1
6. Reconnecting trailer positive to battery #2
Sound right?
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correct, I will add that the batteries should match, meaning same size and same age.
__________________
2018 XLR Nitro 36T15
2015 GMC 3500 6.6/Allison
Nights Camped (2018-16) (2017-16) (2016-13) (2015-13)
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08-05-2016, 10:30 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 15
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Would be a 2nd one of these
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08-05-2016, 11:54 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuicideSaints
correct, I will add that the batteries should match, meaning same size and same age.
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Thanks for the input SiicideSaints. I was able to get the same size battery. As to the age, the current trailer battery was only used during the drive home from the dealership and then it was connected to the TV so it's practically new.
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08-05-2016, 12:22 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: West Jordan, UT
Posts: 877
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you should be just fine then
__________________
2018 XLR Nitro 36T15
2015 GMC 3500 6.6/Allison
Nights Camped (2018-16) (2017-16) (2016-13) (2015-13)
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08-05-2016, 12:52 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: KY and FL
Posts: 184
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To join batteries in parallel, use a set of cables to connect both the positive terminals and another set of cables to connect both the negative terminals of both batteries to each other. Negative to negative and positive to positive. You then connect your load to ONE of the batteries, but both drain equally.
__________________
Larry W8PO & Lori N8IHJ and Louie the wonder dog
2014 Surveyor Cadet 265RLDS
2015 GMC Denali HD
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08-05-2016, 01:16 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern NC
Posts: 3,963
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I would add a shut off also. The shutoff that is standard on the trailer still allows a lot of drain.
__________________
2022 Montana 3855 BR
2019 F350 6.7 4X4 LB Dually
Edgewater 205 EX 150 Yamaha
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08-05-2016, 01:32 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,801
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Google "12 Volt Side of Life "
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.) 
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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08-05-2016, 01:49 PM
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#11
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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I do this every time I buy new tt. Just purchase the extra battery cables that will connect the two batteries in parallel. Hardest part is making the tray to hold both batteries. My tt came with the cut off switch. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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08-05-2016, 03:05 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern NC
Posts: 3,963
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aceinspp
I do this every time I buy new tt. Just purchase the extra battery cables that will connect the two batteries in parallel. Hardest part is making the tray to hold both batteries. My tt came with the cut off switch. Later RJD
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That is easier with a TT and batteries outside. My 5er they are in the front storage, not pass through, and must be vented. Special battery box with a hose connected to the top that runs to a vent on the compartment door. Sadly, a double battery box is not available.
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08-05-2016, 03:13 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dan-nickie
This slight change keeps you from accidentally touching your wrench to the frame ground while connecting/disconnecting the Positive terminal. Which would cause a spark and possible explosion.
ETA: since you state 'adding a second battery' I assume your current single battery and the additional battery are both 12 volt.
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My neighbor screamed and jumped about a foot last week, when he did this on his trailer.  So yes, always pull the negative cable first. 
__________________
Trailer: Lifted 228BH, heavy duty springs and Yokohama tires DELAMINATED ROOF
TV: 2016 GMC Sierra Z71 4x4 CC, SLT
Spare TV: Two Alaskan Malamutes
Living somewhere in ID; previously lived in Moab UT; previous to that, don't ask!
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08-05-2016, 03:29 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 2,146
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJohn
That is easier with a TT and batteries outside. My 5er they are in the front storage, not pass through, and must be vented. Special battery box with a hose connected to the top that runs to a vent on the compartment door. Sadly, a double battery box is not available.
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Check on line. The Love You RV. YouTube guy uses four 6s and found a box that went right to the vent tube. I have seen them around $100.
To the original post. I would connect the two batteries with big big cables. At least the 2 ga that they have in the auto parts stores. You want those two acting as one.
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08-05-2016, 07:44 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern NC
Posts: 3,963
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom48
Check on line. The Love You RV. YouTube guy uses four 6s and found a box that went right to the vent tube. I have seen them around $100.
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Thanks ~~ late now but I'll have that in favorites.
__________________
2022 Montana 3855 BR
2019 F350 6.7 4X4 LB Dually
Edgewater 205 EX 150 Yamaha
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08-05-2016, 10:19 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 2,146
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJohn
Thanks ~~ late now but I'll have that in favorites.
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Wow and he lives out there full time in an old Cougar 5er
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08-11-2016, 10:46 PM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 98
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I just love this forum! I had both my batteries stolen last weekend from the storage lot (along with about 50 other trailers) and I forgot to take a picture of the cables hooked up. The cables weren't cut thank goodness. I've ordered locking metal straps and will purchase new batteries after the straps arrive.
My point is that I couldn't remember how to hook up the two batteries but voila! Here is the answer!!!
You people are awesome!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Laura
__________________
2015 F150 XLT Sport 4WD 3.5L EB
2014 Freedom Express 246RKS
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08-04-2017, 02:36 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,303
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I have always removed the batteries from our TT while in storage. Not just as a theft deterrent, but also I put them on a charger a couple of days before a trip.
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08-04-2017, 05:37 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern NC
Posts: 3,963
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Pete
I have always removed the batteries from our TT while in storage. Not just as a theft deterrent, but also I put them on a charger a couple of days before a trip.
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We have had no problems at the storage so I leave mine in and connected. We all know the battery shut off switch on the camper is nearly useless so I installed a cut off at the battery. They will remain charged at least a couple months that way.
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