1 to 2 battery conversion

[albrighm]

I am uncomfortable with my current set up which is one new 650 MCA Deka starting battery to power a 200merc, gps, radio. I want to convert to a 2 battery system. I am pretty handy and not generally intimadated with jobs so is this a task your average do-it-your selfer can do? What supplies do I need? What suggestions does anyone have for the type of 2nd battery?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

What you need depends on what your plans are for the second battery. It sounds like you want it only for backup in case you run down the starting battery. If that's all you need it for, buy a medium size jump start box. It's a bunch easier to deal with and a lot less costly. You don't have any high power accessories so you really don't need the second battery. Peace of mind comes in many forms. You can add and ACR (automatic charge relay), a Battery isolator, or a Dual Battery Switch along with the second battery. In my view your second battery will be going along for the ride most of the time and doing nothing but "waiting" around for something to happen. Seems a waste of weight, time, and money. If however, you plan to add some high power accessories, the other three options are available and the second battery can be put to use.

 

[salty87]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

usually, your second battery will be a deep cycle. you'd wire everything but the starting circuit to the second battery making your current battery dedicated to starting only.

totally a DIY project. figure out what sort of isolator/combiner/switch/relay you want to use and wire it all up.

silvertip makes some good points though. however, redundancy often dictates that the back-up doesn't get used all of the time. jumper packs require maintenance and of course you have to remember to take it with you.

 

[witenite0560]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

What's the difference between 1) Automatic charging relay, 2) Voltage Sensitive relay and 3) Battery isolator? Thanks.

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

Im looking to add one of theses things, Im going to post a thread to see if anyone used it and if it works well. Cheaper then buying another battery and easy to install.

http://prioritystart.com/store.html

 

[SG Goobacks]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

Just finished my conversion yesterday, went pretty smooth except for some battery tray issues. Tried to use the existing tray with a like size one and would not fit, ended up getting a double tray from Cabella's and it all worked out great.
I needed the extra power mainly for the stereo system I have, it pulls way too much power and I would always have to start the motor every hour or so to charge it for piece of mind.
What I used:
2 Deep Cycle Marine Group 27 batteries (1 new, 1 existing) $ 77.00
1 Battery Switch (Blue Sea Systems) $ 40.00
1 Double Battery Tray $ 15.00
2 Positive Cable 24" $ 12.00
1 Negative Cable 24" (Trimmed to connect between batteries) $ 7.00
All in all, It took about 2 hours for install. (That's without the wasted time of the tray issues).

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

Would you post a pic of your work? I am interested in adding a battery for peace of mind...

Thanks!

 

[SG Goobacks]

Re: 1 to 2 battery conversion

I'll get some pic's hopefully before I head out, Taking off to Parker AZ for a 4 day weekend. Lots to do and so little time left to do it.