Dual Batteries

[ricky836]

I'm new to the whole camper thing so pardon me if this is a dumb question, I have a single 12V battery now that came on my camper (29HFS). Obviously there is enough room for 2 on the battery rack. I will be mostly boondocking with this unit, hardly ever going to be hooked up, would having a 2nd battery be beneficial and how would you hook it up? I looked at some units that said they had an extra installed at the dealer. I'm only wanting it for lights, power beds, playing the radio for extended times without turning on generator for a simple radio. Any info is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Also I did some searching on this forum and couldn't find a simple setup like I'm looking to do.

[stevejd235]

Here is what I did.

[MNtraveler]

For dual 12V batteries you connect positive to positive and negative to negative so they run in parallel and you stay at 12V.

Don't be confused by dual 6V setups which are the opposite. They run in series to double the voltage to 12V. Don't do that.

[nybigdog82162]

Originally Posted by stevejd235

Here is what I did.

Does the converter maintain both batteries OK when hooked up to power or towing???

[stevejd235]

Originally Posted by nybigdog82162

Does the converter maintain both batteries OK when hooked up to power or towing???

NYBigDog,
I'm plugged in 95% of the time when I camp. When I check the LED panel in the bathroom it indicates I'm full charged.
I will check the batteries when I get the camper this weekend before I plug in and report back. Most likely on Saturday...FYI

[racenviper]

Yes the converter will maintain both batteries, but you need to purchase two Deep Cycle batteries of the same size, manufacture and built code.

[wildcatter]

They need to be connected in a parallel configuration like MN said, here is a link on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g1xLnFsob0

.

[Chrism28]

Yes it does but you want your positive from the trailer to be on one battery and the negative to go off the other battery


2017 hyper lite 29hfs
2012 dodge 2500 cummins

[Flybob]

Try to find a battery that is as close as possible to the size and capacity of the one that is already installed. It will result in the converter doing a better job of maintaining both of them. Check your battery box. Many have holes on the top for venting but no holes in the bottom to drain water that enters. If you drill holes try to find a location that will not drain on the frame.

[wildcatter]

He points that out specifically in the Video.

[northstar1960]

the 29 hsf has enough room for 4 batteries on the tongue. though i normally have one pulled out for use as a trolling motor battery when not fishing it's hooked up with the others .

[wanderingbob]

Dual batteries , I am trying to puzzle out what tandem batts would be ?

[stevejd235]

Originally Posted by stevejd235

NYBigDog,
I'm plugged in 95% of the time when I camp. When I check the LED panel in the bathroom it indicates I'm full charged.
I will check the batteries when I get the camper this weekend before I plug in and report back. Most likely on Saturday...FYI

FYI....batteries were indicating 100% on the LED panel this morning after sitting in storage for ~3 weeks (under no useage...).

[BandJCarm]

More juice, lasts longer. Stuff runs on 12V no matter how many batteries you have. 1, 2, 200, 1,000 whatever.

I have FOUR 6V batteries, which just makes 'em last longer than two 12's. Just connect 1 and 2 in series to make 12V and 3 and 4 in series to make 12V and connect the 1/2 to the 3/4 in Parallel as if it were just two 12V's.

Simple as mud.

[RETCHIEF]

Why would you want the positive off one and the negative off the other if they are wired in parallel? You can put the load cables on one of the batteries. Just curious.

[wanderingbob]

A battery is defined as two or more CELLS , of approx 2 volts each . Those usually black boxes are just a container for those cells and the liquid . To get twelve volts you could use two " BATTERIES " of six volts or one "battery" of twelve volts or six individual cells .It ain't rocket science , you can stack em what ever fits . I need 24 volts on my boat and use three eight volts to spin my 6-71 Jimmy . I think " battery" goes back to the artillery , one was a cannon or gun , two or more was A " BATTERY "

[BandJCarm]

Or, a pitcher and a catcher................

[clr]

You take the TT positive off of one battery and the negative TT connection off of the other battery. This forces the current (power) to flow thru both batteries. Power like water will find the path of least Resistance and you want to keep both batteries in the loop at the same state.

[WolfWhistle]

I have 4, 230AH 6 volt batteries for a total if 460AH. I run each pair thru a battery selector / cut off. I charge via a magnum inverter / charger (2000w 100A) or 30A controller with 450W of PV panels (3 each). What makes it great is I have the magnum remote and the trimetric TM2030. First thing anyone boondocking will need; otherwise you are running blind
WW

[Surf Fisher]

Could someone explain why you should not pair a group 24 with a group 27 battery of the same type and manufacturer?

Thanks