Dual batteries

[Quiroule]

I have 2 deep cycle 12 volts batteries; I am wondering if I could use them in parallel on my travel trailer. Would there be any problems?

Thanks

[xrated]

Originally Posted by Quiroule

I have 2 deep cycle 12 volts batteries; I am wondering if I could use them in parallel on my travel trailer. Would there be any problems?

Thanks

Nope....people do it all the time, as long as they are the same age, AH rating, etc. It's always a good idea though to have the pos lead come off of one battery and the neg lead come off of the other battery.....and of course make sure that they are hooked up in parallel....not series. Parallel hookup give you the same voltage as the battery but doubles the Amp Hours

[NH_Bulldog]

I run 2 Interstate Group 24 batteries In parallel. I can boondock for 3 days easy.

Think of parallel like a bigger gas tank. DO NOT wire in series, that will give you 24v and will cook something that you don’t want cooked.

[BLT]

I understand connecting two batteries in parallel.

However, what are the thoughts on :

1) Do the two batteries cause undue stress on your tow vehicle alternator?
2) Is the built in converter (AC -DC) charger sized to handle 2 or more batteries?

Thanks.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by BLT

I understand connecting two batteries in parallel.

However, what are the thoughts on :

1) Do the two batteries cause undue stress on your tow vehicle alternator?
2) Is the built in converter (AC -DC) charger sized to handle 2 or more batteries?

Thanks.

Using dual 12v wired in parallel or two 6v in series will not harm either charging system. If the batteries are heavily discharged then it will take longer to fully charge them but shouldn't be that noticeable. Be cognizant that charging via the tow vehichle will take much longer than the converter will in the RV. While the tow vehichle's alternator is likely rated at a higher amperage than the trailer converter the connection between tow vehichle at trailer is limited by the wire size. The wire simply isnheavy enough to carry a high amperage load.

[NH_Bulldog]

My truck has dual batteries and dual alternators (397 amps), so there is no issue charging or keeping the trailer batteries charged. The trailer charging system when plugged into shore power doesn’t care that you have two batteries, it just charges until they are full. I have run dual battery set-ups on three different trailers now and there has never been an issue