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draboo's avatar
draboo
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014

2002 Holiday Rambler Neptune: Adding another house battery

I am adding another house battery since there is room for one. It only came with two. I am adding the same battery as the two that are already there. Those two are new Interstate batteries, about 2 weeks old.

Do I just run a jumper in series to the battery next to it? I purchased two short cables to connect it to the system.

Thanks,eh?

Brad

10 Replies

  • CA Traveler wrote:
    Gotta love those dogs!

    Click for balanced wiring information. Use method 3 for balanced wiring but method 2 is a compromise.


    Since it states that the difference isn't very significant between method 2 and 3(compared to the massive difference in voltage between method 1 and 2) and is simpler to install, I m gonna go with #2.

    Thanks, CA Traveler for the link!

    Brad
  • CA Traveler wrote:
    draboo wrote:
    CA Traveler wrote:
    If 6V batteries then you need 2 additional batteries connected in series and then the pair connected in parallel with the other set.

    If 12V then connect in parallel. DO NOT CONNECT IN SERIES as that would give you 24V.

    Balanced wiring is best, search the forums. Mixing battery types or age will shorten the battery life. But it can be a good alternative until the next set of batteries.


    OOPS!! I meant connect them in series!(+ connected to + and - connected to -) The batteries are 12 volt.
    A typo I'm sure as that's a parallel connection.


    Lot's of activity here this morning, barking dogs, neighbors picking up recliner, etc.

    PARALEL! I meant PARALLEL!
  • Balanced wiring with 3 batteries is more involved than 2 or 4 and would require additional cables to make them all the same. But you could just connect the 2 rig leads to opposite corners of the 3 batteries and you'll achieve the goal of more power with a slightly shorter life.
  • draboo wrote:
    OOPS!! I meant connect them in series!(+ connected to + and - connected to -) The batteries are 12 volt.
    You might want to read that link I provided before you do anything. Wiring up batteries wrong can ruin your day.
  • draboo wrote:
    CA Traveler wrote:
    If 6V batteries then you need 2 additional batteries connected in series and then the pair connected in parallel with the other set.

    If 12V then connect in parallel. DO NOT CONNECT IN SERIES as that would give you 24V.

    Balanced wiring is best, search the forums. Mixing battery types or age will shorten the battery life. But it can be a good alternative until the next set of batteries.


    OOPS!! I meant connect them in series!(+ connected to + and - connected to -) The batteries are 12 volt.
    A typo I'm sure as that's a parallel connection.
  • CA Traveler wrote:
    If 6V batteries then you need 2 additional batteries connected in series and then the pair connected in parallel with the other set.

    If 12V then connect in parallel. DO NOT CONNECT IN SERIES as that would give you 24V.

    Balanced wiring is best, search the forums. Mixing battery types or age will shorten the battery life. But it can be a good alternative until the next set of batteries.


    OOPS!! I meant connect them in series!(+ connected to + and - connected to -) The batteries are 12 volt.
  • If 6V batteries then you need 2 additional batteries connected in series and then the pair connected in parallel with the other set.

    If 12V then connect in parallel. DO NOT CONNECT IN SERIES as that would give you 24V.

    Balanced wiring is best, search the forums. Mixing battery types or age will shorten the battery life. But it can be a good alternative until the next set of batteries.