dual batteries set-up. 1 deep cyle 1 cranking?

[ericlerouge]

Ok, i tried to find an answer on the net about this. i've got a deep-cycle marine battery http://www.atbatt.com/product/24024.asp like that one. i hooked it up in parallell with a regular 12 volts battery on my truck. i tought it would be better than 2 regular batteries.

I started to worry that one battery would discharge, charging the other one? i'm not really good with electrical stuff. i'm i better to put back my regular 12 volts in place of the deep cycle? or the deep cycle will help me crank a bit longer on those cold winter days and not affect the regular battery?

 

[adsm08]

What is the intended purpose of the system?

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

2 12 volt batteries connected together in parallel will make 1 large 12 volt battery.

They should both match each other and be of equal age.

Then again 1 good cranking battery will be more than enough for your truck

 

[adsm08]

Actually Brutus, I'm thinking he diesel swapped this thing and needs the two of them now.

If that it is the case, just do 2 regulars or two deep-cycles. And they do need to be purchased as a matched set. We had a guy bring his 6.0 in with all sorts of charging/electrical issues caused by replacing only one battery.

 

[RonD]

Unless you do need all the amperage for the starter motor I would just install an isolator.
They are easy to install and if you wire it correctly the starter motor battery will always have enough power to start engine and recharge both batteries.

Google: battery isolator wiring

 

[ericlerouge]

Yeah. I didn't actually swapped the engine. I will put back the other battery i got. both batteries were purchased at the same time for another diesel truck. the deep cycle battery was intended for camping purposes.

I just had a hard time getting enough power with the old diesel truck i bought. That's why i've put the deep cycle in there. After cleaning the grounds and the connectors, it seems to keep its charge. the alternator gives about 13.5 volts. batteries gave me about 12.67 volts. Guess i'm ok.

i'll check in for that battery insulator.

thanks