Dual Battery Install?

[sawtooth4x4]

So on my range rover project. I'm putting the GM 6.2 diesel in it. It came from the factory with dual batteries. But when I removed everything from the truck there wasn't a battery isolator. The engine uses a normal gas V8 chevy alternator.

Is a battery isolator really needed? I plan on using two Diehard AGM batteries under the hood. I realize the need for dual batteries is for starting and the glow-plugs.

I keep seeing all these "EXPO" dudes running these exotic dual battery controllers. I just don't see the need to waste money on that kind of stuff. Am I wrong?

 

[BlueWolfFab]

No you do not. You're good to just wire them up parallel.

 

[mesha]

You don't NEED an isolator....

There is some protection in an isolator because both batteries wont go dead, but if you need both batteries to start your engine then I guess it doesn't matter

I would use an isolator just because I want more expo points.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Dual batteries to start and dual batteries for redundancy are totally different. I wouldn't set up a dual system without an isolator and the ability to manually over ride for winching, self-jump, etc. Call it "EXPO" (the use of the term says enough) or call it practical experience. Your results will vary.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I'm on my second diesel truck. Neither one of these trucks have isolators in them. If one battery goes dead, you are not going to be starting it on one battery alone. I've tried. I guess on smaller displacement diesels like Mercedes, Land Rover or Toyota, it might be possible. But I don't think I could start this 6.2 V8 on one battery, It just doesn't turn fast enough. I even installed a high torque starter in place of the original unit.

I was thinking about using a starting battery and a deep cycle for the winch. If I did that I would most likely need an isolator, correct?

 

[BCGPER]

You'll need two batteries to properly crank that engine over in the colder months. Just hook the winch up to one of the batteries. If you manage to kill both batteries, you're doing it wrong.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Well this engine shouldn't be a big deal because everything is mechanical except the glow plugs.

But the Powerstroke killed batteries. Mostly because due to the high pressure oil system leaking. That keeps it from firing. You keep cranking hoping it'll start.


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[Shawn]

I run a isolator in both of my side by sides. The main battery is just for starting, the second runs all of the accessories. With a pounding stereo I can hang out in the dunes rocking and rolling without worrying about starting the car. Once the primary battery reaches a full charge the isolator starts charging the second battery. Kind of nice

 

[SLC97SR5]

You are correct. For the factory application an isolator is not used. A single group 31 will roll that 6.5 over then you could use an isolator for the second group 31 or set it up with 3 group 65's.

It sounds like you are familiar with the IDI's, make sure the glow plugs are in good shape, the IP is healthy and that the return lines don't allow air intrusion...as long as the engine sees 250+rpm during cranking it pretty much HAS to start.