Painless dual battery kit

[Echodawg]

I was wondering if those people who own this kit have been happy with it?

http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=40102

I am also curious how you keep track of the charged status of the second battery?

 

[Corey]

Very happy, that is the kit I am running.
There is no voltage monitor, it is a pretty basic system.
Flip the switch to the left so the green light is on, and it charges the second battery when the engine is on.

Flip the switch to the middle and the system does not charge the second battery.

Flip the switch to the right and the second battery is on full time, even with the engine off, but also the red monitor light is on too.

Only thing I do not like is the lights are bulbs and not LEDs.
The green one is burned out, need to replace it sometime.

I just leave the switch to the left position full time so the Optima is charged when the engine is running.

Painless also tells you to not hook up any accessories to your second battery, it is to be used for an emergency start only if you drain down your main starting battery.

 

[Herbie]

Don't know where you're planning on buying yours, but for about the same price as I see that kit going for in a few places, I got the Westin/T-Maxx kit:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEY-47-3800/

It has a battery monitor like the more expensive National Luna stuff, but is definitely a bit more basic than NL also. I saw it as a good compromise. Two things I like about the T-Maxx kit: The battery monitor is on with the engine/charging, and off otherwise, but you can manually "poke" the button to check levels. Since my monitor is visible from my bunk, the lights would bug me if they were on all the time. 2) The kit will automatically connect batteries with a charge coming in from either side. Normally the alternator charges and the solenoid closes, but it will also close and connect the batteries if I connect a charger or solar system to the house battery while I'm parked.

 

[Echodawg]

Good to hear you haven't had any issues. Very clean install Corey, looks good.

Herbie - Another option is good. I like how it includes a monitor. Does this system allow you to be able to self jump in case of a dead battery?

 

[Herbie]

Yes, on the display/interface there is a manual "Link" button, just like with the NL kit. The intention is to use it for self-jumping or running high-current applications like a winch.

There's a write-up on my installation in my build thread (see sig), but there's a mess of pictures with some commentary here.

My controller installed:

My solenoid and 150A breaker installed on a plate fixed to the battery tray:

 

[Echodawg]

Thank you. I like the jumper cable idea.

 

[TheGetLostTaco]

Digging up an old thread, did the 150A breaker come with your kit? I have the same setup and mine did not come with the purchase.

Yes, on the display/interface there is a manual "Link" button, just like with the NL kit. The intention is to use it for self-jumping or running high-current applications like a winch.

There's a write-up on my installation in my build thread (see sig), but there's a mess of pictures with some commentary here.

My controller installed:

My solenoid and 150A breaker installed on a plate fixed to the battery tray:

 

[BigSwede]

I am also curious how you keep track of the charged status of the second battery?

My Yaesu 1900r ham radio has a voltage meter function, and since it is wired into the house battery, I can use it to check house battery status when the engine is off. When the engine is on it is reporting charge voltage.

 

[Herbie]

Digging up an old thread, did the 150A breaker come with your kit? I have the same setup and mine did not come with the purchase.

No, I bought a pair of breakers so I could fuse both ends of the cable run (since a short in the middle could affect both batteries). They're "bussman" brand, off the shelf from autozone, iirc.


Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[TheGetLostTaco]

Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mike S]

I have a National Luna dual battery kit in my 80. Works fine, no issues over the 4-5 years.

My previous LC build I used marine grade components and built my own system. Liked it a bit better due to a simpler, more intuitive control interface. As for a voltmeter -- I am more interested in amp flow.

 

[fourstringfletch]

I would table this in favor of solar. I've had the painless kit installed since about 2006 and it's been flawless, but I haven't flipped the switch since I installed an 85w panel last year.
Pack jumper cables that can reach between your batteries and share a toast with your alternator to a long, stress free life ... in the sun, which is keeping the beer cold indefinitely.

 

[freeagent]

Herbie, now that you've had the T-Max kit for over 3 years now, are you still happy with it?

 

[unseenone]

I doubt the beer will last indefinitely though. Even with 2nd Battery, solar seemed like a necessity to me.

 

[Ramjet]

I have an IBS System, for the past two,years I have not worried about my fridge running, even after 3 days of continuos use in 90 plus temps without starting the truck. I also hook a solar panel to the battery when we are parked though.