Wiring for dual batteries

[mibosa]

I have an 130AH deep cycle battery for my 66 Viscount renovation and have a second battery of the same size for occasions when I might need it.  I went to a caravan show in Adelaide today and noted that in some of the new vans the wires connecting the two batteries was quite small (diameter).  Could someone please advise the size wire required to join the two batteries which would be next to each other in the battery compartment of my van?  I'm sure I've downloaded or printed that type of information but can't dedicate the time to go though all my downloads and printed threads. Regards, Bob.

[greedy53]

i have just finished my little battery job and i used the same wire as the anderson plug,my local caravan dealer told me to use the biggest wire available,his thinking was heat small wires get hot and can fail causing all sorts of things ,like burning the van down
good luck

[mibosa]

Thanks Greedy53, of 77 viewers to my topic you are the first to offer any assistance!  I am with you on the big wire concept but what have you got going to your Anderson plug?  6 B & S or 16mm2?  Regards, Bob.

[boblor]

Hi mibosa
I Have found the off cuts from solar panel installers are good heavy duty cabling and fit the Anderson plug nicely.The cable I used is rated at 1,5 kv and is a 39 core fine wire double insulated. I don't think the solar panel installers use their off cuts, so go fine one and do a deal. This cable is very flexable and easy to use, I have used it on a number of vans over the past few years, for all 12volt runs.
Thats my two bobs worth on the subject.Some experts on the subject may recommend a much heavier cable for two batteries side by side for connecting one to the other ??.
Cheers boblor

[Koala]

I little tip for anyone wishing to fit a Anderson plug and run wiring through a tow car to a caravan. Supercheap sell a kit which includes wiring with anderson plugs installed.
Just sayin but I don't understand why people would want to fit monster batteries to their van unless they wish to run inverters etc. I run two 14ah batteries (about the size of motor bike batteries) and these are ample to run all lighting, radio and a domestic 3 way fridge. Usually the frige is only running on the battery in the van on 12volt when we stop for a coffee otherwise it is running off the car or on gas.
Recent 3 months on the road with this setup and no problems.
Koala

[gregh]

Hi Mibosa,


Here's a wiring diagram I followed for and installation I did on one of my earlier vans.

cheers

Greg

[mibosa]

To boblar, Koala and gregh, thank you all for your responses. I had my dummy spit about lots of viewers to my post with no responses and the three of you had the decency to throw some advice my way, for which I am appreciative. It enables me to think about what you have suggested and throw around all the options to suit my purpose. I am looking forward to the caravan/camping show in Adelaide in February 2015 (from memory) where there appears to be a good attendance of vintage vans where I can look and ask questions of those who have gone through what I am doing now. Regards to all, Bob.

[Don Ricardo]

G'day Mibosa,

Don't be too hard on those of us that read your threads but don't respond with info or advice. As you probably realise, a lot of us on the forum enjoy reading the various threads but (like me) don't have the technical experience and/or skills to be able to answer the questions you ask. The good thing about the forum is that there are people that can answer most questions that arise, and that they provide the necessary info when they are able.

Anyway, good to see that you got the info you needed from Boblor, Koala and Gregh. Well done to them.

Don Ricardo

[greedy53]

i went to the same dealer and asked what he recamended and was given the wire can't say what size it is ,it's two core red and black and red

[mibosa]

Thanks Greedy53, I think I will just go with some 6 B&S that I have left over. Regards, Bob.

[Aussie]

Hi mibosa, what are you running from your batteries?

Also, how will you be charging them? Do you have solar?

[mibosa]

Hi Aussie. I have installed 12v lighting throughout the van and have 12v power sockets as well. I am setting it up so as to charge the batteries from the car whilst driving and then solar panels when we are set up. Regards, Bob.

[Aussie]

Oct 27, 2014 13:25:36 GMT 10 mibosa said:

Hi Aussie. I have installed 12v lighting throughout the van and have 12v power sockets as well. I am setting it up so as to charge the batteries from the car whilst driving and then solar panels when we are set up. Regards, Bob.

Sounds great Bob!

Have you looked into chargers as yet? Im assuming dc/dc?

Solar is great, I deal with it pretty much every day. With your requirements, 2 batteries would def be overkill I feel.

I would suggest just running a single, convert your lighting to led, decent solar reg and panel and you'd be set up sweet.

Ive never run out of power with 100a/h agm, 30a reg and 120w panel. I also run lighing, outlets, fridge, water pump etc.

[mibosa]

Thanks Aussie, I'm hearing what you are saying about two batteries; I have the second battery on hand but haven't installed it. It might remain on hand for camping purposes prior to my van getting on the road or might allocate a position for it if thinking I might need it on a particular trip. I was thinking the I might instal an Anderson plug on the tow hitch for connecting to the tow vehicles power supply and when set up at our destination I would use that same van Anderson plug for connection to my solar panel. I presume that is the norm? All the lighting is LED, both strip lighting and spots and I am quite happy with the output. I have an ac/dc charger sorted, but what do you mean by dc/dc? Thanks for your feedback. Regards, Bob.

[Aussie]

Oct 27, 2014 15:07:07 GMT 10 mibosa said:

Thanks Aussie, I'm hearing what you are saying about two batteries; I have the second battery on hand but haven't installed it. It might remain on hand for camping purposes prior to my van getting on the road or might allocate a position for it if thinking I might need it on a particular trip. I was thinking the I might instal an Anderson plug on the tow hitch for connecting to the tow vehicles power supply and when set up at our destination I would use that same van Anderson plug for connection to my solar panel. I presume that is the norm? All the lighting is LED, both strip lighting and spots and I am quite happy with the output. I have an ac/dc charger sorted, but what do you mean by dc/dc? Thanks for your feedback. Regards, Bob.

Sounds like your all over it!

I wouldn't worry to much about connecting it to your vehicle, go straight for solar! That way, once installed it is plug and forget. The reg will do whats needed to keep your battery topped up.

You could still run an Anderson plug and use it to externally connect a battery charger for when your parked up if its not in direct sun (to allow the solar to charge it)

Based on what you've stated above, if you make sure your battery is fully charged prior to departure, you shouldn't have any power issues on your trips away.

One thing with solar, you need to ensure you have the ability to put back more than what your taking out. This way you'll never find yourself without power.

[mibosa]

Thanks Aussie, I'm sure I will hit you up with more questions along the way. Regards, Bob.