Cheap Dual Battery Setup

 

Introduction:

Looking for a cheap dual battery setup for your Ranger or Bronco II?

Note: This will not work on the 2019 and newer Ford Ranger because they use a smart alternator.

There are a few things you’ll need:

• (2) batteries
• Battery cables (some have found it’s cheaper to buy a set of jumper cables and cut the clamps off) – Battery Cables
• Battery lugs for your cables (You’ll need these for your cable ends) – Battery Lugs
• Battery terminals to connect to the batteries – Battery Terminals
• 12 gauge wire – 12 Gauge Wire
• ANL Fuses & Fuse Holder (1 For Each Battery) – ANL Fuse & Holder
• Battery Isolator Relay (Choose One):
  • Stinger 200 Amp Battery Relay Isolator
  • PAC PAC-500 500-Amp Battery Isolator Relay

Diagram & Instructions:

Follow the picture above

Find a location to mount the second battery..

Make a short battery wire (4GA-6GA) from your main starting battery (+) positive to a fuse block.

Make another battery wire (4GA-6GA) from your fuse block to the isolator.

Make another battery wire (4GA-6GA) from the other side of your isolator to the other fuse block.

Make a short battery wire (4GA-6GA) from the other fuse block to your other battery (+) positive.

Make a single battery wire (4GA-6GA) from the (-) negative on your starting battery to the (-) negative on your other battery.

Connect a 12GA wire from pin on the isolator to a fuse in your fuse box that is only ‘hot’ when the key is in the ‘ON’ position.