Adding a second battery

[mraz72]

all other times like bus bar, fuse panels can be added later? I am definitely going to add other accessories and I want added them to be easy, from a hook to the battery perspective....

 

[mraz72]

if you have a battery charger in place, doesn't it basically negate the need for the acr?

 

[Bill D]

Yeah, you can add the battery switch and second battery now.
Then when you want to add an amp you can connect the feed for the positive bus bar to the battery switch and the negative to the battery terminal.
Then when you want to add a fuse panel, you can tap the bus bars and run all your accessories off the fuse panel.

 

[Bill D]

The ACR connects the batteries for charging off the motors. It basically makes sure that the voltage on the start battery is charged then connects the house and start banks so that both can accept charge from the motors. If you have a shore charger and you don't draw your batteries too low, then you could get by without an ACR.

 

[mraz72]

just picked up the add a battery kit, now I will get the battery then plan the layout and buy cables.

west marina had the kit for 142, amazon has it for 110

 

[mraz72]

So I am looking at the cables I need. Do you guys buy a roll and connectors and crimp your own?

The switch, batteries and ACR are going to be all in the same area, passenger rear under the seat

 

[Bill D]

You can do that, or you can have custom cables made at west marine. If you don't have the tools to cut and terminate the cables, that's a good option. FWIW, I would oversize the cables. It will cost a little more up front, but ensure you have room to expand and limit voltage drop across the cable. Even on a short run like that.

 

[Island Jay]

If you have 2 batteries, a good 2 bank 12-20 amp charger would be fine for your setup. You can mix starter and deep cycle on the same charger as long as they are all lead acid or agm.
If you get a 3 bank charger on 2 batteries, just put banks 2 and 3 from the charger on battery 2. Completes the circuit and makes sure there is no loose dc bank flying around.

I have a 2 bank 12 amp Guest for $81 shipped for JB members. Good for your application. Includes all AC & DC lines as well as the fuses and ring terminals. Mount it. Install to the batteries. Plus in ac power, walk away.

I am partial to interstate patteries and perko 1/2/all/off switches, but that is just personal choice.

If I can help more please let me know.

 

[mraz72]

today, I have a group 24 start battery, The house battery is an AGM battery, I am not sure of the starter battery, but it is not AGM.

I don't think I will need to add a second house battery in the future, but if I did, I would need a difference or additional charger correct?

The charger you are talking about will connect to both batteries?

 

[0627Devildog]

I was going to get the 120A kit, is that correct?

Have we gotten clarification on this yet?

 

[mraz72]

I went with the 120A kit, I am pretty sure that is correct. I'll try to take pictures of the install and list materials to help others, we'll see how it goes

 

[0627Devildog]

I went with the 120A kit, I am pretty sure that is correct. I'll try to take pictures of the install and list materials to help others, we'll see how it goes

So I called the Blue Seas tech's as some in the other thread linked on page 1 advised to do. . . . . I was advised that the 65A kit is MORE then sufficient for our boats, but the 120A kit will also work as that is the MAXIMUM with no Minimum requirement.