Dual Battery Setup - How To?

[nutlugs]

I am assembling a 1970 F100 as a car hauler. I would like to have a dual battery configuration in the truck. The second battery provides 122V power to the trailer to power winch, light, etc.

Does anyone out ther have experience with this type of setup? How to wire the batteries up? Both batteries will be located under the hood.

Thanks for all assistance.

[FORDification]

You'll need a battery isolator. You can get the whole shebang in a kit, which is probably the best way to go, though they're kinda pricey. However, I've heard good things about the Jaycar kit, and the price is right. Check out this link:

http://www.jaycar.com/productView.asp?I ... &SUBCATID=

[montana_hiboy]

you might find some info here.....http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavist ... _setup.htm

[heep70]

It is pretty simple. I did mine except I have a one-wire so it is a bit different.

[HurleyInt824]

my 68 Camper Special had Twin battery set up... let me see if i can find the diagrams. It is a set up like a current diesel set up with one alternator

[fmartin_gila1]

Most any RV place will sell you an Isolator setup.
Fred

[MaxKlinger]

My truck has two battery trays, but I don't see any other equipment related to the battery. Did our trucks come with isolators from the factory? How was the second battery wired when new?

[nomechanic]

My truck has two battery trays, but I don't see any other equipment related to the battery. Did our trucks come with isolators from the factory? How was the second battery wired when new?

Lots of fellas in Iowa use two batteries for plowing snow. Just tied together with (at least) 4 ga wire, pos to pos & neg to neg. With no isolator, the alternator is charging both batteries at the same time, so they should be the same type and the same age batteries. WITH an isolator, you can charge one or the other, but folks running a plow, a heater, and a cd player don't usually need this (truck is running, not sitting).

[4th effie n counting]

sorry guys goin off topic ..
fmartin, how's Globe never even met anyone who has heard of it. I left there in '83.
all I need is an isolator and 2nd battery to run dual?

[fmartin_gila1]

That's all you really need, the Isolator will allow the Alt to charge both batteries and you can totally discharge the 2nd battery and your 1st battery will still stay charged up to start the rig. Just power your 120 requirement from the Pos post on the 2nd bat.


OT

Globe stays about the same, although there is some growth and influince from being so close to Phx. There are some folks that live here and work in Phx. I moved here in 1989 and like it fairly well. Still depends on copper, cattle, and cotton. I am retired, so most of the ups and downs don't bother me much. Sure like the winters here compared to where I grew up(South Dakota).
Fred