Ray55
Missouri
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Joined: 10/23/2011
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Fabguy wrote:I would just go to an auto parts store and get some pre-fabed battery cables.
X2 I added battteries and spent some time looking at wire, clamps worked out cheaper and much eaiser to purchase ready made. If you need one longer than they have then use the same size or lager wire to make the connection.
US Army Retired X 2 (Both wife and I)
2012 North Trail TT 30QOK
2005 Dodge deisel 2500 HD, shortbed, 6 speed manual, Equalizer Hitch, Warn Winch, highlift jack, Honda Gen Set, Winona Canoe
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TubaPete
Comstock Park, MI
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Joined: 03/05/2005
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Fabguy wrote:TubaPete wrote:Probably would be OK. Keep all the batteries in series and use wire at least as heavy as your present system. I think my system used no. 4 guage
Parallel....
Oops. Sorry. Should have known better.
Tuba Pete
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unimogdave
Ontario
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Joined: 02/20/2011
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Is there a special need for four batteries, or do you just want to extend boon docking time without using a generator or Solar? If I just wanted to extend my boon docking time and you had say Group 24 batteries, you might be better off to go to two group 34 batteries instead of 4 group 24's? Are you building a special box for them, with two batteries and two propane tanks, I have little room for more batteries on my trailer tongue.
Another option is to convert your interior lights to LED. Powering a trailer with LED lights will last longer with 2 grp 24 batteries then power a trailer with incandesent lights and 4 batteries.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Relamp with LED had the effect of doubling my battery.
I would also review how you are charging those batteries. What seems like low capacity could be a fixed voltage converter not getting the power in as expected.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675 watts solar
Send a PM if I missed something
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2oldman
Moses Lake
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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Ice breaker wrote: add another bank of two (2) 12 volt batteries. .. and what gauge wire should I use to connect the two extra batteries? That totally depends on what sort of loads you're putting on the batteries. You haven't mentioned anything about that.
At least it makes a difference to me.
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renoman69
Edmonton Alberta
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Are all 4 batteries going to reside in the same location???
2009 Jayco Eagle Superlite 25.5RKS
2008 Silverado 2500HD Z71 4x4 Duramax/Allison
Reese 15K slider
Honda EU2000I,
270 watts of Kyocera solar
Blue Sky 3024i controller
450 AHs of Trojan power
Xantrex True Charge 2 40amp charger
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renoman69
Edmonton Alberta
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Ray55 wrote:Fabguy wrote:I would just go to an auto parts store and get some pre-fabed battery cables.
X2 I added battteries and spent some time looking at wire, clamps worked out cheaper and much eaiser to purchase ready made. If you need one longer than they have then use the same size or lager wire to make the connection.
I had a store bought cable before I rewired my fiver and when pulling it through the battery box the end came right off and it was all corroded inside. I bought myself a $60 hydraulic CRIMPER and crimped and heatshrunk all my own cables. I drove a spike into the beam in my garage and lifted myself (225#s) off the floor with the cable. I bet I have made 40-50 crimps so far. It is a very handy tool that I wish I had long ago.
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Canadian Rainbirds
Vancouver Island (Winter: Mainland Mexico)
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renoman69 wrote:Are all 4 batteries going to reside in the same location???
Important item. If the two new ones are any distance away larger cables should be used.
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Ice breaker
Emmett, Idaho
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Joined: 01/29/2012
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I have tried the LED lamps and did not like the lighting, switched back to the origional. The trailer is a 2012 Cougar and everything is electric on it. I spend up to 2-4 weeks at a time in the mountains and conserving batteries is a must. Between the water pump and the electric awning the batteries pay the price. I am going to build a battery box and place it on stand directly below the batteries on the tongue and use the #3 option suggested by pianotuna. That will involve setting up the extra battery bank each time I move, but I have the time. I also have a Yamaha EF2400is that I use for keeping the batteries charged, but I thought by adding the extra battery bank that I could lessen the run time on the generator. When in the mountains I do not have the tv, radio or any other city type media in use, total quiet is the goal. I also have a cheap 60 watt solar panel ($300) but without really good sun it does not keep up with the demand placed on the batteries. Thanks for the suggestions.
Lee
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smkettner
Southern California
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Ice breaker wrote: I also have a Yamaha EF2400is that I use for keeping the batteries charged, but I thought by adding the extra battery bank that I could lessen the run time on the generator. Gen supplies the power but what is actually doing the charging?
To reduce gen run time you need to be charging at 14.4 to 14.8 volts and 15 to 20 amps per battery. If you have a WFCO stuck at 13.6 volts (typical) you are just spinning your wheels with more battery.
Please post the converter model for best answers.
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