New trailer, need to install two batteries

[Pbois334]

We just purchased our first TT with plans to start doing more camping. A step up from out pup. I picked up a 2008 Trail Cruiser 21rbh for its bunks and light weight. The first mod I would like to do is add a second battery.
I fist have to say that I have tried the search function in the forum and can't seem to find what I need. I would like to purchase another battery and install a selector switch. Not sure if I just wire the dual batteries the same as I did in my boat or is it more complicated in a camper?

[Pbois334]

I looked at a couple of others wt three popouts but thought 1 pop out was less places for issues. Also, excuse the language in my posts, **** iPads.

[PAThwacker]

Climbing the Dinette gets old really fast My old hybrid had a bench only to clamber over. You have to crouch down and shimmy around table and then reposition crouched up to bed. Many don't have the body to do that. Other rear bunk house htt was the northtrail T22 exp tent. That model had a side dinette. My old Starcraft in picture was the irreplaceable travel star sport 21rbh. It featured front and side hybrid beds with bunk beds perpendicular in the rear. As you can see I love those bunkhouse hybrid that are two completely different trailers when turtled.

[Pbois334]

This be my first camper I don't know what to expect with the dinette. Only my wife and I with the two small kids so I mad hoping that it works well for us. I looked for about 6 months on cragslist and the net for a used one before I found this one. It's clean and bought from a campers inn dealer in PA. I had found another one in NY on Craigslist but it was best for basically the same $

[PAThwacker]

Hi Where did you find the 21RBH? Its one of my favorite trailers ever built for dual usage year round. Only bad part is the U-dinette up front.

[Byrogie]

Use the switch. Can't hurt and can be used as a disconnect, and good if you need to separate the batteries for any reason.

[Pbois334]

It's does 1, 2, both and off

[bob213]

bikendan wrote:
A battery disconnect switch is essential.
Too many parasitic power drains.

X2

Does the switch you have allow you to choose #1,#2, both or OFF? If so just use it as a disconnect.

[bikendan]

A battery disconnect switch is essential.
Too many parasitic power drains.

[Pbois334]

Great. Thanks

[naturist]

No reason to have a switch. Just one more thing to fuss over and one more thing to break. Just be sure to wire correctly with one trailer lead to each battery, rather than both leads to same battery and other battery jumpered to the side. This will ensure the two work equally and charge equally.

[Pbois334]

Very good reading. I have two deep cycle batteries. I was thinking of a selector switch because my mind was on boats. My boat batteries would drain each other if not shut off while sitting. Looks like parallel is the way to go. Is there any reason to have a shutoff switch at all?

[samsontdog]

time2roll wrote:

Pbois334 wrote:
Not sure if I just wire the dual batteries the same as I did in my boat or is it more complicated in a camper?

Nothing complex here. Put them in parallel if they are 12v batteries.

The 12 Volt Side of Life

Good article

[time2roll]

Pbois334 wrote:
Not sure if I just wire the dual batteries the same as I did in my boat or is it more complicated in a camper?

Nothing complex here. Put them in parallel if they are 12v batteries.

The 12 Volt Side of Life

[theoldwizard1]

Pbois334 wrote:
I already have two brand new group 24 batteries ...

You did not mention what type of batteries they are. You really want TRUE deep cycle/deep discharge batteries. Not "dual purpose". Deep cycle will last longer.