Hunter 30t 1992: I have a standard on 1/2/All/Off battery switch with two deep cycle lead acid batteries as #1 and #2. Has anyone put them together in series or parallel on #1 and put a cranking lead acid battery on #2? The engine standard issue alternator and the AC battery charger would then be charging both. I would simply turn it to 2 for starting and then back to 1 with the engine off.
Starter Battery
- Thread starter Rxsail
- Start date
One of the first upgrades I did. Parallel the two deep cycle batteries. Use the second feed for the cranking battery. Be sure to use a fuse for each circuit. Consult wiring charts for the proper size wires to the cranking battery.
There is no reason why you cannot start the engne on bank #1, be it one OR two batteries.. If you need the ah capacity of 2 batteries,then parallel the two you have, then get a deep cycle of the same make/age of the two in the #1 bank. You don't need a "starting-type battery". It is preferable to have all batteries of the same chemistry/age/size.
This is one of those things for which there are numerous 'right' ways to do it.
A simple solution to your question is to connect a start battery directly to the engine start motor, eliminate the three-way switch and use any of a number of relays marketed for this purpose to connect them for re-charging. Some people way over-think this stuff.
A simple solution to your question is to connect a start battery directly to the engine start motor, eliminate the three-way switch and use any of a number of relays marketed for this purpose to connect them for re-charging. Some people way over-think this stuff.
I wrote about my set-up a few months ago. I have four 6v T-105 Trojans for my house. Two batts wired in series to form two 12v banks. These are wired to a selector switch (SS), one set to #1 and the other to #2. This SS is wired to #1 on the main SS. I have a 12v batt that I use as a starting batt. This is wired to #2 on the main SS. That being said, I now have two house banks that I can parallel or isolate one or the other or shut them both off using their own SS. I can select #1 house, or #2 starting or all from the main SS. This gives me six combinations of banks from which to choose. I know I am really over amped for the sailing I do now but this setup served me well when cruising. I hope this makes sense.
The small diesel engines can be adequately started by a deep cycle battery. Using three batteries of the same age and type will not cause the alternator to be charging two different types of batteries; it might prevent additional wear and tear in the alternator.
As mentioned there are many ways to do what you are thinking, my advice, do up a drawing and then post it for us to review and comment on, once the thought process is clear implement the results.
I did this on my 356 last year. Hooked the two OEM batteries in parallel on bank one and added a single battery in it's own battery box on bank two. I leave the switch on bank one and bank two is reserved for "emergency" starting.