Dual Battery Wiring

[Calblitzen]

While we are talking aboutr dual batteries and the Ctek system. Does anyone know at what temperature to the Ctek starts dropping off charging due to the temperature probe.

[MN GLXR]

Ctek only sends max 20a to the 2nd battery so get wire rated at more than 20a. The run is short so losses will be negligible.

[Kingbrown]

I've just questioned the same thing with CTEK myself.

The specs for the CTEK 260S Dual are referenced to 25 degC.
When the battery temperature is above 25 degrees, the charge voltage drops away at -24mV per degC.
The opposite applies below 25degC.

This helps to guard against thermal runaway.

There's also a 50 degC limit for the charger - above which the CTEK reduces output to protect itself.

Hope this helps.

[Calblitzen]

Yes, I read this in the specs as well. Where do people put the temp probe to reduce this issue as a cab can get hot reducing to charging. I run 2 fridges and maybe the load is too great. If I attach the smart charger you can get 80A charge. Currently running a Redarc battery isolator with no problems.

[viking shippy]

It concerns me to think that some of you guys might put a lead acid battery in the cab with you ..if it vents from over charge or lack of water or gets hot you can fill your cab with hydrogen Gas one flash and your ash FYI...

[Mudme]

One q on the ctek as I just fitted mine is it right for the green light and the 2 orange ones to be on all the time

[big_bob_thefirst]

Ya mate, green means its on and 2 lights indicate something. Either service battery being charged by alternator or solar panel. Check out the manual:

http://www.ctek.nu/Archive/ProductManua ... UAL_EN.pdf

[Scale]

I'm about to install a second battery system and have read that in the newer cars the ecu shuts down the alternator when the battery is fully charged which makes all the smart solinoids useless, is this the case with the Triton? I have a 2013 mn?

I'm thinking on this unit
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewi ... 1011985421
Not sure if the Ctech would work properly either.
Rick

[viking shippy]

Hi scale use the search function there is heaps of info on this subject all ready covered you just have to search

[Cowboy Dave]

I've been running a ctek on an 09 MN for a while now and it does the trick. The redarc will work too but looks to be more expensive.

[Scale]

Thanks guys will sus it out.

[Quinny]

This morning I got into the 12V cable install.

I had some dual core, double insulated 16mm2 cable and a 40 Amp in line circuit breaker ...



...and thanks to a very generous member on here

... I got some of this:

Super heavy duty 20mm flexible conduit ... excellent stuff




Unfortunately the dual core cable would not fit through the conduit above. No matter... Spit the cable in half and I put the +ve wire in the tough conduit and the earth wire in some 10mm split conduit.




I tried Tex's method of going into the passenger side front corner of the tub but due to the size of the cables I was pulling, it didn't work out... 2 hours later ...

My Mum would have been very disappointed with the words I was using ... I think you could easily get two 10mm cables through there though ... See Tex's thread for more info on that ...


So I ended up doing this:




Once I put a ply floor in the tray, I intend to build a box on this side that will contain the air compressor and fuse panel - so it will not be seen anyway ...


So after about 400 cable ties, blood, sweat and more profanities ... The cable appears at the other end of the car





... and the cables terminated and the circuit beaker installed:



I have just cable tied off the terminals for now until I replace the second battery ... and figure out what I am going to do in the tub. Pretty happy how it turned out...

[Naff]

I blame the internet for this double up.

[Naff]

Looks good Quinny!

[Crash486]

Nice. Great write up definitely something I'll refer to later.

[Quinny]

Looks good Quinny!

Thanks mate ...

[dan_4818]

im about to do mine in my tray shortly. Mounted in near the same position as yours. Curious as to how much cable you used? I have ordered 10 metres so hopefully should be plenty to do the car aswell as the second battery in my boat

[Quinny]

im about to do mine in my tray shortly. Mounted in near the same position as yours. Curious as to how much cable you used? I have ordered 10 metres so hopefully should be plenty to do the car aswell as the second battery in my boat

10m will be plenty ... I had 7m and used it all ... more is better

[Dunga71]

im about to do mine in my tray shortly. Mounted in near the same position as yours. Curious as to how much cable you used? I have ordered 10 metres so hopefully should be plenty to do the car aswell as the second battery in my boat

10m will be plenty ... I had 7m and used it all ... more is better

Ran my wires the other day and used nearly all of a 10m roll,so you will be fine

[Dunga71]

Ran mine into the tub here

[Calblitzen]

Ran mine via the rear taillight.

[Thommo3337]

I used a similar spot and used some 20-25mm cable glandes (used on top of industrial switch boards)that screw down on to the cable and water proof it, also making it neat.

[MadMick]

Hi Guys,

Just read though this and am wondering if I am the only one that runs the dual batt system just off a simple solenoid?. Also, why do so many of you put the second battery in the back of the vehicle and not under the bonnet?. Sure there is not much room, but its more than possible. I'll get some pics of mine and post them here.

Here is a really simple diagram of how I have been running my dual batteries for nearly 30 years in different vehicles .



Click for larger image.

[Quinny]

Hi Guys,

Just read though this and am wondering if I am the only one that runs the dual batt system just off a simple solenoid?. Also, why do so many of you put the second battery in the back of the vehicle and not under the bonnet?. Sure there is not much room, but its more than possible. I'll get some pics of mine and post them here.

Here is a really simple diagram of how I have been running my dual batteries for nearly 30 years in different vehicles .



Click for larger image.

Hi Mick,

[Edit - Thanks Mick, I can see them now ]

I can't see your image that you posted above, but I think I know what you are talking about ... By "simple solenoid" do you mean a voltage sensitive relay ? That's is what I am doing now, with a second 105 A/H battery installed under the bonnet. Keep in mind that I have the superior V6 motor ( ) ... so the second battery fits in pretty easy. I know there are diesel owners that have done it as well - so should not be a big deal.

The reason I am running the cable into the tub is to have a third battery in a box that I can leave at the camp site to run the fridge & lighting etc... The cable is connected from the second battery under the bonnet to a cteck 12V charger & a 120 A/H battery.

Hope this helps ...


Q

[hvac guy]

Due to different battery technology around now days
most deep cycle batteries do not like the heat and vibration
As well as larger capacities needed for bigger fridges and extended stays.

With the improved efficiency in charging for quick charge times and longer stable voltage life.
A special charger is needed to insure maximum efficiency and life of the battery.

As a car alternator cannot supply the correct charge voltage for complete charging.

The biggest problem with a solenoid is the maxim in rush of current, the biggest killa of the new style batteries.