Dual Battery Installation

[snyderaaron]

How easy is it to install another battery. I always forget to turn on some switch and it runs it down. I know I need one of these http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Blue-Sea-Systems-e-Series-9001e-Selector-4-Position-Battery-Switch&i=70446&aID=601S1C&merchID=4006 and a battery, but is there another else. If anyone has pictures of what I need or how to do it that would be awesome.

[jpetty3023]

I bought my perko switch and battery an then took boat to local stereo shop and had them install it. Think tower speakers, along with second battery and perko labor was about 140.00. I know this don't answer your DIY question but the 140 was easier than getting a few more grey hairs


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[kaneboats]

I think I found this one or one like it for about $35 by searching the net:

http://www.amazon.com/Perko-8511DP-Compact-Battery-Selector/dp/B001BOPBTY

Easy to install yourself and comes with directions based on the set up you want. I put everything from the positive terminal on the switch so depending on which battery I'm running everything works. Others like to run a separate battery for the stereo. I just wanted a second battery in case I run dead so I can just switch over. I keep them both charged and ready but you never know.

The biggest difficulty with the install is removing your battery cable connector from the end of the long cable that goes back to the starter. You have to remove the cable connector and install a ring connector so it will go on the terminal on the new switch. I found a part at Home Depot to do this job. Otherwise you have to crimp or solder (or both) the new connector on there. (BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.) Good luck! Oh yeah, I would go to the Perko site and see if you can get the .pdf of the directions. Might make it easier for you.

[NCSUmoomba]

It is pretty simple, it just requires the abilty to read directions and some patience. The additional wire needed is pretty expensive, but its worth it. Also, I would recommend the Blue Sea "Add-A-Battery" as it is a more hands off system. When the boat is off, the "house" and "starting" battery are isolated, so the stereo can run the "house" battery down to nothing, but it will not touch the "starting" battery, so the boat will start right up and go home. When the boat is running, the two batteries are combined so that they are both being charged by the alternator. There is no switch back and forth between batteried needed, the ACR does all the thinking.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Blue-Sea-Systems-Add-Battery-Dual-Circuit-System&i=76619&aID=601S1C&merchID=4006

[kaneboats]

This is the one I installed:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00144B6AE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/178-1150480-2145227?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0JSM7JW5HTHNYK60G0XZ&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B001BOPBTY

I was able to just twist the cable end right off the cable and add a ring connector attached with a compression end. The one I used looked a lot like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100183915/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=copper+connector&storeId=10051

[bzubke1]

It might be worth it to get one with an alternator field disconnect (AFD) so that if someone turns the switch to off while the engine is running it doesn't damage your alternator. I just got the standard switch because it was out of the way and I knew no one was going to mess with it, but it's something you may want if you think someone might mess with it.

[snyderaaron]

I think I found this one or one like it for about $35 by searching the net:

http://www.amazon.com/Perko-8511DP-Compact-Battery-Selector/dp/B001BOPBTY

Easy to install yourself and comes with directions based on the set up you want. I put everything from the positive terminal on the switch so depending on which battery I'm running everything works. Others like to run a separate battery for the stereo. I just wanted a second battery in case I run dead so I can just switch over. I keep them both charged and ready but you never know.

The biggest difficulty with the install is removing your battery cable connector from the end of the long cable that goes back to the starter. You have to remove the cable connector and install a ring connector so it will go on the terminal on the new switch. I found a part at Home Depot to do this job. Otherwise you have to crimp or solder (or both) the new connector on there. (BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.) Good luck! Oh yeah, I would go to the Perko site and see if you can get the .pdf of the directions. Might make it easier for you.

I don't need to run a stereo off of it. Basically I just want it like you said so when it runs down, because some idiot(me) forgot to turn off the blower switch. Do you have pics of your setup?

[wolfeman131]

BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.

I think we decided that you had to use some plasma flux and jb weld covered in bubble gum, shrink wrap and a band-aid. There was something about using a hair dryer, too. Right?

[parrothd]

I use an Isolator, much easier than the perko switches...When the boat is running it charges both batteries, when off the batteries are isolated from each other, you run all your accessories, radio, pumps, etc,etc off the second battery the primary battery is only used for starting....

http://www.amazon.com/Inboard-Battery-Isolators-Arco-Bi-0703/dp/B002JQ9UL8

[snyderaaron]

I use an Isolator, much easier than the perko switches...When the boat is running it charges both batteries, when off the batteries are isolated from each other, you run all your accessories, radio, pumps, etc,etc off the second battery the primary battery is only used for starting....

http://www.amazon.com/Inboard-Battery-Isolators-Arco-Bi-0703/dp/B002JQ9UL8

Why is it easier? Do you have to switch anything on or off? If I leave a Perkins switch on will it run down my battery?

[jmvotto]

If you want something foolproof then get a vsr with a switch. I used a bep and loved it, lots on here used the blue seas with an acr slightly different but get the job done the same.

http://www.boatersland.com/bep714100a.html?gclid=CPitjIWhta8CFcXc4AodLlUAjA

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Blue-Sea-Systems-Add-Battery-Dual-Circuit-System&i=76619&merchID=1006&r=view

[parrothd]

The isolator is super easy because you don't have to do anything once it's installed. There's a little more to the setup because you have to re-wire your accessories to use the standby battery, once installed you don't have to mess with switches. You can combine an isolator and the switch for the best of both.. :)

I have figure 1 setup..

http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/bussmann/Transportation/Resources/instructions/BUS_CBT_INST_180119a.pdf

[snyderaaron]

I think I found this one or one like it for about $35 by searching the net:

http://www.amazon.com/Perko-8511DP-Compact-Battery-Selector/dp/B001BOPBTY

Easy to install yourself and comes with directions based on the set up you want. I put everything from the positive terminal on the switch so depending on which battery I'm running everything works. Others like to run a separate battery for the stereo. I just wanted a second battery in case I run dead so I can just switch over. I keep them both charged and ready but you never know.

The biggest difficulty with the install is removing your battery cable connector from the end of the long cable that goes back to the starter. You have to remove the cable connector and install a ring connector so it will go on the terminal on the new switch. I found a part at Home Depot to do this job. Otherwise you have to crimp or solder (or both) the new connector on there. (BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.) Good luck! Oh yeah, I would go to the Perko site and see if you can get the .pdf of the directions. Might make it easier for you.

Sorry I'm not that technical with this stuff so I appreciate all of the information. If my stereo is hooked to my primary battery and that goes dead. Would the stereo work if the secondary battery was on?