Dual battery wiring help

[davy crockett]

I'm planning to add a second battery to my '93 and I'm hoping someone can tell me if it's possible to wire it the way I'd like.

I'm planning to put the batteries on a constant duty solenoid to isolate the main battery and to run accessories like my winch and lights off the auxiliary. That part I think I can figure out. What I'd also like to do though is have it so I can jump the main battery from the auxiliary.

Is it possible to wire in a switch that would allow me to go from normal isolated charging to having the auxiliary jump the starting battery and how would I wire it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Isn't it easier to use an isolator? Check # 44 in my list of useful threads: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451850&postcount=14

 

[BrianDye]

Well the easiest way would be to goto AutoZone and get one of the main battery power switches for like racecars, and what you could to is have a 0 gauge (Or your choice) going from the positive terminals of each battery with the switch in the wire somewhere.

something like this, but the actual one im talking about in the racing section by the LED/Neons/Shift knobs etc has an actual key that turns it on/off.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...10&itemId=1405-10&store=2111&productId=196615

 

[davy crockett]

Isn't it easier to use an isolator? Check # 44 in my list of useful threads: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451850&postcount=14

I was told by a few guys that the isolators were more prone to failure and robbed power and the continuous duty solenoid was the way to go. I don't know a whole lot about this stuff so I could be way off.

Well the easiest way would be to goto AutoZone and get one of the main battery power switches for like racecars, and what you could to is have a 0 gauge (Or your choice) going from the positive terminals of each battery with the switch in the wire somewhere.

something like this, but the actual one im talking about in the racing section by the LED/Neons/Shift knobs etc has an actual key that turns it on/off.

So this battery switch would be wired independently of the solenoid and only used in case I need to boost? That would be pretty simple.

 

[BrianDye]

Yea, im not familiar at all with the solenoid deals, so what I was suggesting, was basically run 1 extra wire from the pos. to pos. and have that switch in the wire.

Now you could get into more sophosticated wiring such as putting that switch in the cabin somewhere, but you get the main point, when the main battery is dead or low, flip the switch and boom, 2nd batteries connected and you have plenty of power to crank.

Where are you thinking of mounting the battery?

 

[davy crockett]

Yea, im not familiar at all with the solenoid deals, so what I was suggesting, was basically run 1 extra wire from the pos. to pos. and have that switch in the wire.

Now you could get into more sophosticated wiring such as putting that switch in the cabin somewhere, but you get the main point, when the main battery is dead or low, flip the switch and boom, 2nd batteries connected and you have plenty of power to crank.

Where are you thinking of mounting the battery?

I'm going to mount it on the left side where the overflow tank is now.

I've got a tray out of a 97 that I've test fitted and it looks like with some creative mounting of the vent canister and ABS module I can keep the stock overflow/washer reservoir, just further back on the inner fender. I just need to figure out some brackets.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Just use a Stinger 200A Isolator..it IS a Isolation soleniod...

I was able to jump the main battery using the Auxillary battery, when I left the lights on...MORE than once!..LOL

And I put the 2nd battery in the rear cargo compartment.

Ryan

 

[BlackMounty]

Hi Davy. I would do a little more researching before listening to someone telling you to buy stuff from the neon section at Autozone. You'll have too much money invested in a dual battery setup to be buying cheap ricer kid wannabe stuff. Here is an informative thread authored by a member named Jefe. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286569

 

[davy crockett]

Hi Davy. I would do a little more researching before listening to someone telling you to buy stuff from the neon section at Autozone. You'll have too much money invested in a dual battery setup to be buying cheap ricer kid wannabe stuff. Here is an informative thread authored by a member named Jefe. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286569

That was a bit harsh and your link goes back to this thread but I'll find it. Thanks.

 

[BrianDye]

Well sorry man apparently my idea would turn your explorer into a ricer? All because I referred to the switch being in the aisle across from where the ricer neons and ricer LEDs are.

Sorry for the cheap idea also. ($60 is cheap for a switch now-a-days I guess)

 

[davy crockett]

Well sorry man apparently my idea would turn your explorer into a ricer? All because I referred to the switch being in the aisle across from where the river neons and ricer LEDs are.

Sorry for the cheap idea also. ($60 is cheap for a switch now-a-days I guess)

Don't sweat it Brian, I appreciate all the help and I may try your suggestion yet.

 

[FROADER]

Here is the link BM meant to post.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78480&highlight=dual+batteries