My Batteries Finally.....!
- Thread starter DontPanic42
- Start date
DontPanic42
Adventurer
Kerry,
I'll do a search for that thread but if you find it first, would you give a link to the wiring diagram. It is interesting that the FUSO comes just with the batteries wired in parallel if a switching circuit is desirable.
Once I am up and running again, I may install a busbar arrangement like Doug did and like I have for the 3 house batteries and solar panel.
Thanks
I thought I had a more detailed thread. This is all I found:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45886&highlight=switch
Basically, I used a small buss bar and a dual battery switch to separate the batteries. Got the Blue Sea switch and some long surplus Caterpillar battery cables on Ebay and cut the cables to size, putting the battery switch in one of my storage cabinets just behind the battery. Seems to be working pretty well.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45886&highlight=switch
Basically, I used a small buss bar and a dual battery switch to separate the batteries. Got the Blue Sea switch and some long surplus Caterpillar battery cables on Ebay and cut the cables to size, putting the battery switch in one of my storage cabinets just behind the battery. Seems to be working pretty well.
every Dodge Cummins truck sold in the last 15 years or so has dual batteries in parallel with no battery switch. The key seems to be replacing the batteries at the same time and having the batteries exactly the same. Even different batteries with same CCA can make a difference...
westyss
Explorer
reviving this thread from the dead, I am curious how those that have gone with a single battery are finding the cranking and starting of the engines with one of the oem batteries? I have recently re and re'ed my battery set up and went to one battery for starts and it seems OK, just that when cold out it has a bit of a slow initial turn over but easy start, The batteries are fully charged and hold a charge well but they are maintenance free batteries so I cant use an hydrometer to determine the state of it, The other battery is sitting in the garage and I am planning to use it as a spare when the one in the truck dies. Any one in cold country using one battery??
alexrex20
Explorer
blue top has thicker lead plates.
I experimented with using one and both batteries a month or so ago when it was close to zero degrees. With one battery there was a momentary hesitation when first turning the key to start but then it kicked in just fine. I like having the option of one or both.
westyss
Explorer
Okay, that is what mine does, a little hesitation, then start, I will go with one and I will have an extra cable ready if needed to use the camper batteries.
westyss
Explorer
For those needing some info on using one starter battery, don't! Just got home from a 2 week vacation and while away the temps dropped down to -13'C (8'F) and my truck wouldn't start. Even after charging the battery fully, it would turn over but not have enough kick to start. So I am going to put the other battery back into my battery box, I ran with only one battery for quite a while and it worked OK, but these engines seem to need a bit more oomph from the batteries to start, experiment over!
DEFENDERBEAM
strategic command
When I replaced my batteries, I kept the dual set up, but I did relocate them to just in front and above the rear axle. Centered on the chassis vs.on the side. Also plan to install a couple in-line custom fuel tanks as well.
I got two odyssey pc2150's. I think I paid $750 including shipping at the time. Theyre not cheap, and I think they may have gone up since?
Got 'em at summit racing.
If you have the space, why not keep two batteries? Unless you need the extra 65-80 lbs. of capacity?
I think my odyssey's come in around 75# each?
I got two odyssey pc2150's. I think I paid $750 including shipping at the time. Theyre not cheap, and I think they may have gone up since?
Got 'em at summit racing.
If you have the space, why not keep two batteries? Unless you need the extra 65-80 lbs. of capacity?
I think my odyssey's come in around 75# each?
westyss
Explorer
I have the space, I built up a box for all my batteries, 4 deep cycle and had one starter but did provide for the second battery, just was looking to eliminate one, I still could by using the "start " option on my battery separator, for now I just hooked all the batteries together until we get a break in the weather and I'll figure out what to do.