Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:39:29 -0800
Reply-To: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Dual-Battery Question
In-Reply-To: <002101c44cf1$b1712c70$d9032a45@ttowerdef17>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Willy,
Have to chime in on this. I think Doug is correct; 2 batteries connected in
parallel through a very low resistance is not a good thing - hard to predict
what will happen, long term. You can't guarantee identical conditions, much
less identical batteries. For a temporary connection, ok. But much better
through an isolator or some other impedance. Do remember that sparks around
a charging battery are potentially a *very* bad thing (hydrogen as in
Hindenberg). //Jack
Date sent: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 17:43:56 -0700
Send reply to: Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
From: Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Subject: Re: Dual-Battery Question
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Fin,
> I have found the two batteries will fight on another and deteriorate.
>
> Any un equal difference will constantly pull on one and push the other to
> hold more which eventually made them both go bad prematurely..
>
> Doug
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Fin Beven
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 5:14 PM
> Subject: Re: Dual-Battery Question
>
>
> For years I have linked my two (identical) batteries with a solid run of 4
> ga. wire, with crimped-on terminals at both ends. This effectively turns
> the two batteries into one LARGE battery. What's critically important is
> to use VERY high quality wire and terminals. If you have access to marine
> grade (West Marine on the Internet) I think that it's worth the price, as
> they assume that their equipment will be used in a very harsh electronic
> environment (salt air).
>
> This is not a recommendation, but no problems have resulted. However, I do
> have a good quality volt-meter that can be left on when the batteries are
> being used but the engine charging system is not (as when camped
> overnight). I'm just cautious not to let the voltage drop below 11.8 in
> moderate weather.
>
> Fin Beven
> '90 Carat, Custom Camper Conversion
> Pasadena, CA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joe Federici
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 11:10 AM
> Subject: Re: Dual-Battery Question
>
>
> I wouldn't consider it safe but to each his own. That said if your
> going to do it I would use as large around 6 gauge or better and fuse it
> for sure it won't take much to over charge the battery and really BAD
> stuff can happen one you reach that point.
>
> The isolator or relay setup isn't that had to do maybe you could take
> it with you and hook it up on vacation?
>
> JFF
>
>
> On Jun 7, 2004, at 1:38 PM, Russell, William wrote:
>
> Well, after a weekend of work, I've managed to get my Optima Yellow top
> installed and the stereo switched over to it. However, I have not yet
> installed a relay or isolator yet. What I would like to do, for this
> trip (I leave tomorrow), is employ a manual system. It would seem to me
> that hooking a wire from the + of the starter batter to the + of the
> Optima while the car is running would work. I would like to use
> something a little more graceful than a jumper cable as I will be living
> in the van for the next week. If I were to route a wire between the two
> batter compartments and use alligator clips to connect it, would this be
> safe? What gauge of wire should I use? Should it be fused?
>
>
>
> Any help is much appreciated.
>
>
>
> \/\/i!!y
>
> 1980 Westfalia "Jazzy"
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