Just wondering...

[shane96ranger]

I just picked this up on Amazon for 16 bucks. I am using it as a relay for my Taurus fan, but it can also be used at a battery isolator. It can handle an 80 amp continuous load and 150 rush/peak amps. Really impressed with it's quality!

It has 11 reviews (soon to be 12) with a 5 star rating.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EAWS6O/?tag=959media-20

Here it is installed on my Mustang:

 

[wildbill23c]

Didnt think about that. Then why dont diesels have a battery isolator

Diesels are just setup with 2 batteries at the factory for higher cranking amps to get them started in cold weather that's the only reason, if it was for accessories they would have been wired through an isolator. However you can easily install an isolator in them as well. If you've ever tried starting a cold diesel engine in negative temps you will understand why there's 2 batteries and no isolator LOL.

 

[bigtruck94]

So if I was to add an another battery, I need an isolater even when the second one is not connected to the first battery? I was thinking I could just carry a battery without the cables in my toolbox to hold power for my lights. I think I'll just hold for a while...

 

[matticus420]

I had a thread about doing this along time ago

 

[RonD]

So if I was to add an another battery, I need an isolator even when the second one is not connected to the first battery? I was thinking I could just carry a battery without the cables in my toolbox to hold power for my lights. I think I'll just hold for a while...

Yes, of course you can do that.
Its only if you want the alternator to charge the second battery that an isolator is needed, the isolator allows both batteries to charge(share alternator), but "isolates" them from one another.
So whatever is hooked to the second battery, lights, winch, camper, won't/can't pull power from the first battery.

 

[PanamaExpat]

I had a thread about doing this along time ago

YEP I remember that one. Obviously he didn't do a search....

 

[shane96ranger]

Its only if you want the alternator to charge the second battery that an isolator is needed, the isolator allows both batteries to charge(share alternator), but "isolates" them from one another.

I concur.

 

[matticus420]

YEP I remember that one. Obviously he didn't do a search....

Lol
i learned my lesson to search before puttin up questions

 

[bigtruck94]

Yes, of course you can do that.
Its only if you want the alternator to charge the second battery that an isolator is needed, the isolator allows both batteries to charge(share alternator), but "isolates" them from one another.
So whatever is hooked to the second battery, lights, winch, camper, won't/can't pull power from the first battery.

So what would I need to attach my wires to the battery? Just get regular terminals with out the cable attached to it??? How hard is it to install an isolator?

 

[wildbill23c]

You'll need some fairly descent gauge cables to run from the isolator, to the batteries. I believe from the last isolator I installed I used 4 gauge wires. As for installing the isolator pick out a spot you want to mount it, get some self tapping screws and install the isolator, then install your wires. The isolator comes with instructions on how to properly install it, what wires go where, etc. Its pretty dang simple actually.

 

[shane96ranger]

Here is a schematic. If you are using it to run lights, etc. I don't feel 4 gauge is necessary. I would have no issue running 6 gauge for that type of duty.

Sent from the can

 

[wildbill23c]

Its better to use larger than necessary cable, you never know what else you might add later. Once you get everything installed and using your electrical load and burn your vehicle down because that extra couple bucks for larger cable wasn't "necessary" you'll rethink your logic. However 4, 6, or 8 gauge would probably be ok. The best thing to do is try it, and put your system under load, feel the cable if its getting warm its not big enough cables.

 

[bigtruck94]

I see how this comes together. I knew you had to put an isolator in order to have a second battery, but I didn't know it was gonna be this easy!

Thanks guys for the info I learned a thing or two with this! Happy Memorial day!

 

[wildbill23c]

Yeah sometimes a little diagram just helps the matter make more sense than trying to imagine it. Just make sure you mount the isolator in an area that is somewhat easy to route your cables to.

 

[ConradOlson]

Yah but I'm an electrician and its just like hooking two 1.5 volt batteries in parallel you still have 1.5 volts but twice the available amps. Same thing with big batteries that are used in solar panels positive terminal to positive terminal. And negative terminal to negative terminal

I think you are right.. I will try similar connection and hope it works fine..