2nd Alternator or one huge one?

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PLANK said:
i'd use a smart com relay, and a conection via quality cable in parallel with a switch to connect to the second battery to the first in case of flat battery on either side fomr over use.I've done it before on a few working transit vans and trucks - like this:

http://www.towsure.com/product/2973


http://www.towsure.com/product/497-Battery_Isolator_Switch_(Removable_Key)
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what does the smartcom relay do then Plank? will it autodetect when either battery is fully charged?
 
I think, as i haven't used one for a while, that yes, it detects when either is low and so doesn't over charge, or charge your second bat at the exspense of the first if it is a bit low.

the adition of cables and a switch ( as in the link) allows for a jump lead type conection in emergencies if either is flat.

The only issue i ever had with this was on a transit truck with lots of extra working lights, if you started the engine with the lights turned on it blew the fuse!:eek:

I corrected this mby including a large power diode(47p from maplins) i don't know why they did that and it was easily fixed, but it's been so long i can't remember the details now.

The only thing i would say is be carfull connecting the smart com, as if you power it up wrong it blows the diodes, once fitted properely i have had no issues with them.
 
the t-max one I not just straight linked as soon as ignition is turned. You start the car and it links them after 10-20 secs. Probably as soon as it knows the main battery is charged. You can also Manual link them for emergencies.

The smart com relay is a good price but what load can it take? Enough for a winch using the two batteries linked?
 
Fez_uk said:
the t-max one I not just straight linked. You start the car and it links them after 10-20 secs. Probably as soon as it knows the main battery is charged.

The smart com relay is a good price but what load can it take? Enough for a winch using the two batteries linked?
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it wouldn't need to, the realay just charges the battery, the switch and big cables link them together if you need it!

I remember now, that's what the power diode was for to stop excess curent drawn back through the relay - I think! :thumbs
 
Ah right, I missed the part using a manual switch to link batteries for winch etc.

Seems like a very good option if you don't want to spend too much.
 
Fez_uk said:
Ah right, I missed the part using a manual switch to link batteries for winch etc.

Seems like a very good option if you don't want to spend too much.
Click to expand...

yes, it's a cheap way of doing what your auto thingy does, and I like cheap! not that i'm mean or anything lol

To be honest when i first used them for this, i wasn't aware of an auto system for the same thing existing, but then i'd still have used the cheap way :thumbs
 
lacroupade said:
so I take it you've currently just got 'em connected in parallel then?
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Nope, at the mo I've just got my gay marine battery and all the cables go to it.
I'm just planning ahead for my next epic day in the wild:augie
 
two questins here,


  1. what does the T max at that price offer (apart from leds in the cab) over and above a properly wired in 2nd battery on a £15 split charge box. Thinking here about the rather substantial liesure battery in our caravan which is efficiently ran from said £15 unit.
  2. why is a second alternator required at all? Battery I can understand but the only dual alternator vehicles I've used were LRs and they had them because they were to be used further away from help than you could achieve on the uk mainland and running enough kit to stall a T2 ;)
:confused:
 
daved said:
two questins here,


  1. what does the T max at that price offer (apart from leds in the cab) over and above a properly wired in 2nd battery on a £15 split charge box. Thinking here about the rather substantial liesure battery in our caravan which is efficiently ran from said £15 unit.
  2. why is a second alternator required at all? Battery I can understand but the only dual alternator vehicles I've used were LRs and they had them because they were to be used further away from help than you could achieve on the uk mainland and running enough kit to stall a T2 ;)
:confused:
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1. I have no idea :nenau
2. That's why I posted the thread :doh
I'd just thought in the past that a high output alt would be a simple upgrade and recharge things quicker. Also that split charger things were expensive for high loads.
Std alt cheap up the scrappy, and I'm good with spanners n hammers and not so bright with the sparks:lol
 
makeitfit said:
1. I have no idea :nenau
2. That's why I posted the thread :doh
Click to expand...


:lol:lol


so on the logic of answer number two....................


shall I buy a banana straightener ????????????? often wondered :confused: ;);)

JML seem to make a good living out of solutions for problems that dont exist :thumb2
 
er um, not sure where I am now, you've out debated me, I think:nenau
2. Two alternators AND two batteries, I think is what I first thought of doing:eek:
Damn you demon drink :p
 
daved said:
two questins here,



[*]why is a second alternator required at all? Battery I can understand but the only dual alternator vehicles I've used were LRs and they had them because they were to be used further away from help than you could achieve on the uk mainland and running enough kit to stall a T2 ;)
[/LIST]
:confused:
Click to expand...

would said landys be the ffr mod spec for 24 volt radio etc

ssteve
 
makeitfit said:
er um, not sure where I am now, you've out debated me, I think:nenau
2. Two alternators AND two batteries, I think is what I first thought of doing:eek:
Damn you demon drink :p
Click to expand...
Ive got some bosch alternators here from saab 9-5 rated at 130 amp going cheap they must be really good as never sold one yet you would need to change the pulley as they have got those flat multi tooth things on them
 
makeitfit said:
er um, not sure where I am now, you've out debated me, I think:nenau
2. Two alternators AND two batteries, I think is what I first thought of doing:eek:
Damn you demon drink :p
Click to expand...


No............dont take it the wrong way, ive just been racking my brain trying to think why a 2nd alternator would be any good other than if the 1st packed in 200miles from civilization and turning back under tow wasnt an option.

I can see the logic of having it "just in case" but everything being driven by the engine saps the power which means less getting to the wheels :thumb2


The advantages of a 2nd battery speak for themselves if you load the electrics up and it isnt a burden on the engine/alternator once its charged :thumb2

thats my pretty simplistic take on it :doh
 
daved said:
yes, mainly for comms gear. also useful via the dashboard banana plugs for kettles and heaters in out of the way places :D
Click to expand...

iv'e never had a banana plug in an "out of the way place" what you do in your own time is best kept off these forums!!!!!

ssteve
 
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