2 6v + 1 12v battery setup??????

[Saz]

Here is the deal- I just traded my TT off for a new 5th wheel toy hauler, and my TT had a 6 month old pair of 6V golf cart batteries wired in series that I kept when I traded. Now the new 5er has a brand new deep cycle battery included with the trailer. Should I run the pair of 6's in series, PARALLEL with the 12 or is there something I am missing?

[pianotuna]

Hi Saz,

Manual switches give you 100% control, cost less, and are more flexible than the isolator.

[Saz]

Rbertalotto wrote:







Description 12 V with Auxilliary Start Battery Separators MODEL 1315 – charges primary and auxiliary battery after either battery has reached 13.2V.

Description



12 V with Auxilliary Start Battery Separators MODEL 1315 – charges primary and auxiliary battery after either battery has reached 13.2V. This model is particularly useful for motorhomes or other vehicles which are equipped with an auxiliary battery charger, generator, invertor or solar charger. SIMPLE INSTALLATION Connects to primary battery, auxiliary battery and ground. Absolutely no system modifications are necessary. Model 1315 work with any type of 12V negative ground charging system 100 amps or less. MULTIPLE BATTERY CHARGING The Battery Separator allows multiple batteries to be charged from one charging source (usually, but not necessarily an alternator). When the batteries are not being charged, the Battery Separator separates or isolates the batteries. PRIORITIZED CHARGING The Battery Separator waits until the battery connected to the active charging source reaches approximately 13.2V before paralleling and charging the remaining batteries. The system disconnects at approximately 12.8V. PREVENTS CHARGING SYSTEM OVERLOAD If the current requirements are greater than the charging source can produce, the Battery Separator will automatically separate the batteries, thus directing all available charge current to the battery directly connected to the charging source. The system will then reset and re-attempt charging the auxiliary battery. A time delay prevents false switching. START ASSIST FEATURE An optional input from the key switch or a manual switch will program the Battery Separator to parallel the batteries during starting. This feature will only engage if the auxiliary battery has sufficient power available to assist in starting. UNIVERSALLY SUITED for mounting on tow vehicle or towable. VOLTAGE SPIKES generated by the coil of the solenoid are absorbed by protective circuitry built into the Battery Separator. Specifications: V Turn On 13.2 V Typical V Turn Off 12.8 V Typical Continuous Current 100 A Peak Maximum 400 A Operating Temperature Control -40°C to 85°C Solenoid -28°C to 48°C Charge Priority Bi-directional (either battery charging will activate unit). Optional start input: Starting Volt greater than 3 V. Start assist lamp output 250mA maximum. Terminals Battery connection 5/16" stud Ground, start, lamp 1/4" spade (fast on terminals)
More info here:
http://www.ase-supply.com/product_p/sp-1315.htm

VERY COOL! I did not know there was such an animal! What do they cost?

[Rbertalotto]

Description 12 V with Auxilliary Start Battery Separators MODEL 1315 – charges primary and auxiliary battery after either battery has reached 13.2V.

Description



12 V with Auxilliary Start Battery Separators MODEL 1315 – charges primary and auxiliary battery after either battery has reached 13.2V. This model is particularly useful for motorhomes or other vehicles which are equipped with an auxiliary battery charger, generator, invertor or solar charger. SIMPLE INSTALLATION Connects to primary battery, auxiliary battery and ground. Absolutely no system modifications are necessary. Model 1315 work with any type of 12V negative ground charging system 100 amps or less. MULTIPLE BATTERY CHARGING The Battery Separator allows multiple batteries to be charged from one charging source (usually, but not necessarily an alternator). When the batteries are not being charged, the Battery Separator separates or isolates the batteries. PRIORITIZED CHARGING The Battery Separator waits until the battery connected to the active charging source reaches approximately 13.2V before paralleling and charging the remaining batteries. The system disconnects at approximately 12.8V. PREVENTS CHARGING SYSTEM OVERLOAD If the current requirements are greater than the charging source can produce, the Battery Separator will automatically separate the batteries, thus directing all available charge current to the battery directly connected to the charging source. The system will then reset and re-attempt charging the auxiliary battery. A time delay prevents false switching. START ASSIST FEATURE An optional input from the key switch or a manual switch will program the Battery Separator to parallel the batteries during starting. This feature will only engage if the auxiliary battery has sufficient power available to assist in starting. UNIVERSALLY SUITED for mounting on tow vehicle or towable. VOLTAGE SPIKES generated by the coil of the solenoid are absorbed by protective circuitry built into the Battery Separator. Specifications: V Turn On 13.2 V Typical V Turn Off 12.8 V Typical Continuous Current 100 A Peak Maximum 400 A Operating Temperature Control -40°C to 85°C Solenoid -28°C to 48°C Charge Priority Bi-directional (either battery charging will activate unit). Optional start input: Starting Volt greater than 3 V. Start assist lamp output 250mA maximum. Terminals Battery connection 5/16" stud Ground, start, lamp 1/4" spade (fast on terminals)
More info here:
http://www.ase-supply.com/product_p/sp-1315.htm

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I used two $6 perko switches from napa to give me maximum flexibility. For large loads I can use both banks at once. I can charge one bank while using the other, etc.

[Saz]

John & Angela wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

You can do it--but it is best to isolate the two banks from each other particularly for storage.

If there is only room for three batteries, once the six volts die move to three brand new 12 volt trolling batteries wired in a balanced manner.

Agreed. Consider using an A B switch. Put the two six volts on the A position. Keep the 12 in reserve on the B position.

Good luck and happy trails

I never thought about having a switch between banks. I am going to look into that a little more. AWESOME IDEA!

[John___Angela]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

You can do it--but it is best to isolate the two banks from each other particularly for storage.

If there is only room for three batteries, once the six volts die move to three brand new 12 volt trolling batteries wired in a balanced manner.

Agreed. Consider using an A B switch. Put the two six volts on the A position. Keep the 12 in reserve on the B position.

Good luck and happy trails

[pianotuna]

Hi,

You can do it--but it is best to isolate the two banks from each other particularly for storage.

If there is only room for three batteries, once the six volts die move to three brand new 12 volt trolling batteries wired in a balanced manner.

[michelb]

I think most people say it's best to have the same batteries (and obviously 2 6V and 1 12V wouldn't be the same) but I did it for several years and it seemed to give me more capacity (In my case, I already had 2 good 6V (so didn't want to replace those) but only had room for 1 more battery (so couldn't fit 2 more 6Vs) so adding 1 12V was the only good option if I wanted more capacity.

[2oldman]

Add 12v to 2 6v
12 and 2 6v 2010