dual batt setup/2nd batt not charging

[devilbikerdude]

ok so i installed a perko switch with dual batteries, i have my two amps and an electronic crossover running off my 2nd batt in the back. but im sure i did something wrong cuz the second batt isnt charging much at all, i have cable running from my starter to the switch, a cable from battteries 1 and 2 running to the switch, now my question is, should i run a cable from the switch to my alternator and on the switch connect it to the same post as the second batt is connected to, would that give the second batt a full charge?

 

[erocrocks]

i think a quick fix would be to just run a cable between the two postivie battery posts, then you will have the CCA of both together, and both shoudl charge equallly, the only problem is if one dies, so does the other, so yes you have a risk of killing both batteries, buut it would solve your charging poblem i beleive


eric

 

[Steve Rupp]

There should be a terminal marked "common". I would think it should go there.

This setup will charge in whatever position the switch is in. So if you kill one battery, you have to switch it to the other battery, get it started then switch it to "all" or to the other battery. I prefer battery isolators because they only charge one battery at a time and the batteries aren't run in parallel. If you're trying to isolate your accessory battery from your starting battery, an isolator is probably a better option.

 

[78mitsu]

you need to check the battery isolator circuit, disconnect your second battery and with the key off, make sure you have no power on the second battery terminal, then with the key on, check it, it could be a ground problem on the second battery, if you know you've got power, then it must be ground problem (which would account for the partial charging.

 

[Caleb]

which perko switch did you use? They have ones that have 1-All-2-Off and they have ones that have 1-2-Off. This makes a difference on how they are wired. Also, as mentioned, go buy an isolator, you'll be much better off. We used to wire all our boats with the perko switches and isolators. It's pretty simple to do.