Charging system for truck

[ChoochCharlie]

I have some tools that I need to keep charged and in my truck for work.
The flashlight is no big deal as it trickle charges on 12v. But the laptop and cordless drill, i have been running off an inverter so it draws enough to kill the car battery overnight. I would keep some other tools charging too if I had a better system. Really should get the 12v converters for all of them, but have not found the right system yet, see below.

I drive a GMC Yukon which has an empty space for second battery.
I know there are devices that charge #1 and #2, but then run devices only on #2 when the engine is off, isolating and saving #1 for engine starts.
Anyone use one, and where do I find which one is best?

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Charging system for truck

Battery isolators are pretty easy to hook up, I know harbor freight sells them, we used to use them a lot with our camper and trailers, also had had thousands of them hooked up in our rigs in the military. They allow both batts to charge while the engine is running, the isolate the start batt from the aux batt when the vehicle is not running.

Just do a Google search for Battery Isolator and pick the one you feel will work for you.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Charging system for truck

Seems like an extension cord to the house/garage would work as well as anything if you are just charging at night.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Charging system for truck

I would put in a deep discharge battery like the Sears Platinum(made by Odyssey) and put in an ACR like the Blue Seas model. Many people just use relays but I like the ACR because it will prevent the connection if you ran your deep discharge battery too low.

SI-Series Automatic Charging Relay - PN - Blue Sea Systems

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Charging system for truck

how about something designed for the job and is compatible with your charging system? NAPA AUTO PARTS

You get a diode drop charging your battery so it doesn't fully charge.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Charging system for truck

how about something designed for the job and is compatible with your charging system? NAPA AUTO PARTS

Bubba beat me to it.

NAPA has the Sierra catalog, so they have access to Marine rated isolators and inverters as well as all the usual NAPA branded parts.

If they can''t set you up, it can't be done.

I'm curious what alternator you have in your truck, if still a CS you can upgrade to the next series, AD244, available at wrecking yards or at the NAPA parts counter.

 

[ChoochCharlie]

Re: Charging system for truck

Thank you all. Exactly what I needed.
Signal to noise ratio here is so much better than any other forum I frequent.

 

[stackz]

Re: Charging system for truck

Seems like an extension cord to the house/garage would work as well as anything if you are just charging at night.

this is what I was going to suggest lol.