What gauge wire needed to parallel 12v deep cycles

DrewE wrote:

mrad wrote:
Two LED tv’s, one satellite receiver, 27 wats in LED lights and a ceiling fan. I calculated it out to about 600 watts

Those items do not add up to 600W. LED TVs are probably around 30W apiece, the satellite receiver about the same, and a normal ceiling fan no more than 100W and usually a good bit less. You're probably closer to 200W actual power consumption at most.

I was going off the Honda website with what they rated different appliances.

As far as the 6 volt CG batteries go, I may consider this at a later date. I am trying to spare expenses. I had two deep cycles in my boat for the trolling motor. I will need to replace my TT deep cycle in the spring and may look into two 6 volts at that time.


Again, thanks to all for the info. I ma learning a lot. I may need to look for an "an electricity for Dummies" book so I can get more knowledgeable on this subject.

mrad wrote:
Two LED tv’s, one satellite receiver, 27 wats in LED lights and a ceiling fan. I calculated it out to about 600 watts

Those items do not add up to 600W. LED TVs are probably around 30W apiece, the satellite receiver about the same, and a normal ceiling fan no more than 100W and usually a good bit less. You're probably closer to 200W actual power consumption at most.

I would think about getting more battery. Maybe use 2 6 volters in series. Maybe even 4 6 volters. That way the batteries will not be drawn down and then 12 amp charger can handle it better.

The amazon link is fine.

mrad wrote:
There is no furnace fan to run. The inverter will only be running when the generator is off and charging will only take place when the generator is off.

Part of this is to see if there is a difference in the bite when generator is not running. Guides on the lake debate if the generators hurt the fishing. Some think the vibration may actually attracts fish while others are convinced it spooks them. It's also nice to sit in the house in silence as the sun sets.

I was going to order these cables

https://www.amazon.com/Gauge-Copper-Battery-Inverter-Cables/dp/B00SFXVMYW/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543425683&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=battery%2Bparralel%2Bcables&th=1

A friend has 4AWG if that would be sufficient.

Whats considered a good volt meter? On Amazon they range forn $12 to $137.

Again, thanks to all for the info. Great to have a resource like this site to be able to get some great info.

I missed how you will run the charger when the generator is not running!

Any old digital multimeter will do for the DC voltages you want (15-11)--costs maybe $10 at various stores.

Being more of a mad scientist than a fisherman, I would hoist the gen above the ice on a block and tackle from the shack's rafters and see how many fish per hour you catch with it on and then off the ice. Do that for several days to get enough data for proving the theory vs fact per usual lab testing requirements. :)

enblethen wrote:
Where is a "Vector" battery charger coming into his setup?

That is what I will be using to charge the batteries

Where is a "Vector" battery charger coming into his setup?

There is no furnace fan to run. The inverter will only be running when the generator is off and charging will only take place when the generator is off.

Part of this is to see if there is a difference in the bite when generator is not running. Guides on the lake debate if the generators hurt the fishing. Some think the vibration may actually attracts fish while others are convinced it spooks them. It's also nice to sit in the house in silence as the sun sets.

I was going to order these cables

https://www.amazon.com/Gauge-Copper-Battery-Inverter-Cables/dp/B00SFXVMYW/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543425683&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=battery%2Bparralel%2Bcables&th=1

A friend has 4AWG if that would be sufficient.

Whats considered a good volt meter? On Amazon they range forn $12 to $137.

The inverter also has an LED screen that claims to show volts. Would that give me the info I need?

Again, thanks to all for the info. Great to have a resource like this site to be able to get some great info.

So your Vector will be fine for doing the recharging at its 12 amps with that much gen time.

You don't have much running from the inverter so low amps there. Two 27s should be good sounds like.

You won't be running from the inverter with the gen on anyway. ? If you do--make sure the Vector is on the gen (NOT from the inverter!!!) doing the batteries at the same time the inverter is pulling amps from the batteries. That will help keep the batteries from running down.

You do need a voltmeter at least to get some notion of when the batteries are down to 50%. "Resting" that would be at 12.2v BUT with any load on them, voltage will be lower than that, so you might think they are farther down than they are when showing 12.2. Maybe pick 12.0 volts with things running off the battery as your "target voltage" to stay above.

Look at your converter. Check for make and model. Find manual for it to determine charge rate.
You could be running genset for 12-15 hours a day in cold weather if batteries feed other 12 volt items.
The two batteries in question, are they also running the furnace and other 12 volt items? If so the inverter is the least of your problem!