Quote:
Originally Posted by Gkconfer
Nice job, Matt. I just purchased an additional 12v for the 2306 and was going to connect the batteries in parallel, but I'm confused on an issue...many issues, actually, but I'll stick with this one.
If the two batteries are connected in parallel and you are dry camping, do they both provide power at the same time and, therefore, discharge somewhat equally?
What is the advantage of your modification and how do you monitor battery #1, and at what point of discharge do you decide to switch to battery #2?
I see that you used 8 gauge connector wire. I looked at a chart recently to see what gauge and length of wire I should use to parallel connect the batteries, and the chart indicated #2 gauge was appropriate for a wire 12" to 18" long. I guess there is no harm in using heavier gauge wire but, as you can probably tell, all things electric is not one of my strengths.
Thanks,
Greg
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Hey Greg - I will try to answer your questions - if you have other questions shoot me a pm and I will try to help if I know the answer - if I do not know the answer I will tell you I am unsure of the answer
- my install / modification was for a shut off for a single battery not doubles.
If you have two batteries always best to buy two new batteries so if one is weaker then the other it doesnt drag down the other - which means the older battery usually drags down the new battery.
with two batteries you are doubling your amp hours and in which case it will take longer to charge them back up as well.
I used 8 Gauge wire because that is what is presently being ran to my battery from the camper.
#2 gauge wire is actually heavier then #8 gauge wire - the lower the # the thicker or heavier the wire just so you know
I am not sure how you monitor the batteries other then the panel inside will know if the batteries are charged or discharged when you hit the switch and it lights up on the appropriatte battery level - hopefully someone with Dual batteries will chime in and answer this one cause I am not 100% sure if this is correct in telling you this or not.
The switch I installed was for a single battery not a dual but they do make switch's for dual battery setup's - in which case it allows you to use battery #1 or battery #2 or both at the same time - one thing is I am not sure if you would want to use the 2 battery switch because if you forget to turn it to "all" for both batteries only one will charge when plugged into shore power.
I had a dual battery setup on my Boat but I also had a battery charger that was made for two batteries - my suggestion is to start a thread asking about dual batteries and the proper way to hook them up because I am not 100% sure on what answer to give you and dont want to give you wrong info either.