Ok, i have been doing some reading and need some opinions / advise. i want to run 2 12v batteries not for 24v but for 12 to double the amps. what are the positives for doing this and are there any drawbacks from doing this. also i have a 3 bank charger right now connected to the 2 trolling motor batteries and the cranking battery would i need to change to a 4 bank or by hooking these up in parallel will the 3 bank still work for the 4 batteries? Right now all of my electronics lights, pumps etc.. are wired in the dash and run off of my main cranking battery. the only thing on the trolling batteries is the trolling motor.
12v BATTERIES PARALLEL HOOK UP
- Thread starter flyman
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djsmarinelectronics
Well-known member
So you want (2) sets of parallel wired batteries? If, so you need a 4 bank charger, one for each battery. Advantages is nothing more than a longer run time.
FishingwithRusty
Well-known member
assuming youre doing this for your cranking battery? as said above it will give you longer "run" time; shouldnt have a dead cranking battery or be unable to start the big motor. the batteries should be the same size, ive been told it will drain one battery more than the other if they are not the same size.
no just one set of parallel call it cranking battery A and cranking battery B, by same size are you referring to say both 31 series or both with 800 CCA ? sorry for so many questions just trying to make sure i understand and make the right decision.
Carl
Well-known member
you want the batteries to be spec the same...if not they will equalize to the weaker battery
Your current charger will work...just continue to connect same as now, when you link the 2, it is as one and may take a bit longer for that particular bank....weight is only disadvantage....
You see banks of batteries on charging stations being charged by 1 unit...
emoGeezer emoUSA
stratos21xl
Well-known member
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If you are considering doing this to your cranking battery I would keep in mind the added load you are going to put on the engines charging system when you are running. It is not designed to do that and it may end up damaging it in the long run.
fischnrod
Well-known member
I ran my trolling batteries like that on one of my previous boats with no problems, I took everything off my cranking battery but the big motor
SpurHunter
Well-known member
I have run this setup on my cranking battery for over two years with no issue at all. I cannot afford to be stranded without a way to crank that motor.
chillerman69
Well-known member
you need a bank per battery on your charger. you can do it anyway you want, meaning you can add a single to go with your 3 bank or buy a new 4. It's like you've read and heard from others above, you're doubling (approximately) your amp hours. I clench at the thought of adding a lead/acid battery due to the weight and reduced free space but if it's fine with you, I'm good. If your electronics aren't having any issues, the existing wiring should be OK. The extra start battery you may add may be better used as a house battery, one to supply units and pumps or whatever you choose and the existing start battery can start the big motor, maybe lights...little things. It depends how much money and time you're willing to put in the boat. A Stealth charger would keep the house and start batteries separated but still let the engine keep both charged. What you asked about will work because you never mentioned having any problems that needed fixing. This is just insurance
djsmarinelectronics
Well-known member
If you are going to use one charger I would not go with a 5 amp, will take three times as long to charge; I would go with at least a 10 amp if not a 15 amp; 4 bank charger would be even better.
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