Adding a 2nd battery AR 210

[Daniel Mage]

What all do i need to add a second battery? Can i just add a second battery and run wires to it to run in parallel? I have never had a battery issue i just want to stay on the safe side. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

I recommend the Blue Sea Add a battery kit. The instructions are very clear on their website videos and the instructions that come with it. You will likely need to purchase some 4 gauge wire and 4 gauge ring terminals and a crimper big enough to crimp lugs that size.

Add-A-Battery Kit - 120A - Blue Sea Systems

Simplifies switching and automates charging for a complete two battery bank solution.

www.bluesea.com

 

[Beachbummer]

The ACR is a nice piece of equipment but not absolutely required. You could add the battery and a 2 battery switch and manage the battery switching manually. I tend to prefer simpler solutions with less moving parts, so I don;t have an ACR, but it means more responsibility on the operator to remember to switch from 1 to 2 or some other strategy to ensure both batteries are frequently charged, and exercised. (Out on 1 in on 2, or Switch between starting and then to Both to ensure both receive a change. If you leave in both all the time, you will draw them out both by mistake. but if you use 1 only all the time, 2 may not work by the time you need it. This last one applies with the ACR too!)

 

[ripler]

Buy a 4 position battery switch, the positions will be 1/1&2/2/off and get premade battery cables from your local autoparts store to connect them.

 

[jb32566]

... but if you use 1 only all the time, 2 may not work by the time you need it. This last one applies with the ACR too!)

i am guilty of only running off of battery #1 90%+ of the time. thanks for the "don't be a moron and do this" comment (i'm paraphrasing and making way more harsh than you put <homer simpson hits forehead and says doh emoji> ) alternating between #1 and #2 is a great practice. i will add it to my checklist.

 

[Recoveringfiberglassaddic]

I'm new to lurking around here and could pontificate about the benefits and drawback to the Blue Sea add a battery, or just a 4 position as we do lots of stereo work. Both have pluses and minuses. To me this is the bigger one.

Amazon.com : ProMariner 43012 ProSport 12 12 Amp, 12/24 Volt, 2 Bank Generation 3 Battery Charger : Fishing Nets : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : ProMariner 43012 ProSport 12 12 Amp, 12/24 Volt, 2 Bank Generation 3 Battery Charger : Fishing Nets : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

^^especially for guys that arent slipped/lift/marina stored(with no shore power). They extend battery life cycle for so long and save wear and tear on alternators and stators. Depleted batteries from sitting dont do well when a regulator starts hammering them with current to recharge them(really the regulator and brushes but that's technobabble) and the charging components dont like being full field current all the time either. Having a tender to plug into when you get home (or a slip with shore power) will save so many headaches and eventually you will recoup the cost when your two quality batteries last 8-10 years in the boat.

Just my opinion tho, and we know what opinions are like. I linked a 3 battery charger by mistake. 2 battery is what we do most and its ROI really isnt that long.

 

[Beachbummer]

So true, but if you have the stock stereo and use it only a little bit the boat has the power to restore the battery on a short trip. If you listen for longer time period often, or have amps and extra speakers you will surely benefit from your approach.

 

[djetok]

What all do i need to add a second battery? Can i just add a second battery and run wires to it to run in parallel? I have never had a battery issue i just want to stay on the safe side. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

It sounds like you are stock on the stereo. If it security you want get a noco gb50 jump pack. That way you can jumpstart if you run your battery down. I do this and I do not have a stock system. My stereo , sub and amp will run for 5 hours at a time. I do randomly check voltage though.