Separating Dual Batteries

58908 Views 89 Replies 26 Participants Last post by fargy483, Apr 2, 2019

JP4

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2015

Has anyone thought of putting a battery isolator relay between the two batteries on the factory dual batteries. I think they are each 78ah AGM's. I'm going to have very minimal electrical draw in my build. Probably just a DC cooler like the ARB

a few LED's, and maybe a fan. The cooler supposedly only draws about 1.35amps. and the fan not much more. I don't plan on solar as I will rarely be stopped from more than a night, so the vehicle will likely charge any loss fairly quickly. I'm also not averse to putting in a battery charger. Any thoughts on why this would be a good or a bad idea. Trying to keep everything as simple and light as possible.
If I decide to install a gas or propane heater, then I think I would likely need a more robust electrical system.
Thanks,
JP

1 - 20 of 90 Posts

USMC Vet

· #2 · Jan 16, 2015

If this has addressed this before, mea culpa.

The dual heavy duty batteries, does one act as a backup for the other, so you would still be able to start the Transit, if 1st one is drained?

If not, would it be necessary to add a 3rd to run all the mobility equipment, lifts etc so as to not end up with dead batteries?

Thanks

Semper Fi

alarmist

· #3 · Jan 16, 2015

Might consider changing to a deep cycle for the second battery.

Chance

· #4 · Jan 16, 2015

alarmist said:
Might consider changing to a deep cycle for the second battery.

Specs show the dual-battery option already includes deep cycle AGM batteries. And each battery has higher cold cranking amps capacity than the standard single battery.

See less See more

Reactions: 2

Chance

· #5 · Jan 16, 2015

JP4 said:
.....cut.......
Any thoughts on why this would be a good or a bad idea. Trying to keep everything as simple and light as possible.

.....cut.....

Advantage is as you say -- makes it simple and light. It also saves money if you already have dual-battery option, saves space, includes factory mounting and venting, etc....

Disadvantage -- I'd personally be concerned about whether it could affect your Ford warranty. I'm not suggesting it should affect the warranty, but expect there is fine print somewhere that states modifications does void warranty.

Since you plan on using very little power, another option may be to leave batteries alone and install a low-voltage cutoff that opens the circuit and or alarms you so you can run engine for a few minutes. With two batteries you should be able to use significant power and still start engine.

Reactions: 2

JP4

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 16, 2015

Chance said:
Since you plan on using very little power, another option may be to leave batteries alone and install a low-voltage cutoff that opens the circuit and or alarms you so you can run engine for a few minutes. With two batteries you should be able to use significant power and still start engine.

That sounds like a good idea.

I've also thought of just getting one of these as a back up.

Amazon.com : Yamaha EF2000iS 2, 000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant, Blue : Patio, Lawn & Garden

If it is powerful enough, it could run a small microwave and induction cook plate as well as a back up for charging the batteries.

JP

orton

· #7 · Jan 16, 2015 (Edited)

JP4 said:
That sounds like a good idea.

I've also thought of just getting one of these as a back up.

Amazon.com : Yamaha EF2000iS 2, 000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant, Blue : Patio, Lawn & Garden

If it is powerful enough, it could run a small microwave and induction cook plate as well as a back up for charging the batteries.

JP

What is the maximum charge rate of your battery charger? My 1000 watt Magnum MSS1012 has a maximum charge rate of 50 amps which is roughly 5 amps AC or 600 watts. A smaller 1000 watt generator may work.

A cheap ($50) 600 watt K-Mart Proctor-Silex microwave works on the MSS1012 Magnum. Into the surge capacity but I ran it for 10 minutes once. Power input is like 1140 watts to the 600 watt microwave. Induction cook tops require over 1000 watts. Does anyone know if an induction cooktop is useful at lower power settings? Can I buy a 1400 watt induction cooktop and use it at a lower setting or do the lower settings use the same power but turn power on/off to get the lower heat?

miked

· #8 · Jan 16, 2015

Hey Chance, Are those specs from the manual? The dealer I have been working with said that the dual batteries were not deep cycle...but as this vehicle is so new I feel like I often know more about it than the dealer.

Thanks for the info, if the dual batteries are in fact deep cycle AGM I will definitely be getting that option.

JP4

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 16, 2015

orton said:
What is the maximum charge rate of your battery charger? My 1000 watt Magnum MSS1012 has a maximum charge rate of 50 amps which is roughly 5 amps AC or 600 watts. A smaller 1000 watt generator may work.

A cheap ($50) 600 watt K-Mart Proctor-Silex microwave works on the MSS1012 Magnum. Into the surge capacity but I ran it for 10 minutes once. Power input is like 1140 watts to the 600 watt microwave. Induction cook tops require over 1000 watts. Does anyone know if an induction cooktop is useful at lower power settings? Can I buy a 1400 watt induction cooktop and use it at a lower setting or do the lower settings use the same power but turn power on/off to get the lower heat?

I don't have a charger, or any other components yet.

I have to say, for my occasional camping use, I'm liking the idea of just bringing along one of these small generators and running it for 20 minutes while I cook electrically. Just an idea for now, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Anyone have any experience doing that?
JP

VanMan

· #10 · Jan 16, 2015

JP4 said:
I don't have a charger, or any other components yet.

I have to say, for my occasional camping use, I'm liking the idea of just bringing along one of these small generators and running it for 20 minutes while I cook electrically. Just an idea for now, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Anyone have any experience doing that?
JP

Honda EU200i is what I have, super quiet, I camp/sleep in the van and have a 10x10 screened canopy that I cook/hang out in. Everyone see's it (gen.), "can I charge my laptop, phone, camera? (yes) super easy to make drip coffee
run small microwave, girls: can I plug my hair dryer into that (yes)
A+
We had a storm last year, power out for a day (about 9hrs) just came home with food, ran it to power the home refrig.(gen outside only)
A+, you get the picture....very good investment for the van,home,camping...etc

Reactions: 1

JP4

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 17, 2015

Thanks VanMan, it sounds like the little generator would be perfect for what I need. I plan on putting an awning on my van, so I can just set it up and run it as I need too. I like the idea of being able to do my cooking inside on the induction plate and microwave when it's raining outside. Not that you can't do that with propane, it just sounds easier to fire up the generator than setup the Coleman stove. I think I'll plan a little storage cabinet in the back for a generator.
We use these little generators all the time at bicycle races for the officials timing, photo finish, PA, and computer equipment. It's quite amazing how quiet they are.

JP

VanMan

· #12 · Jan 17, 2015

Correction: Honda EU2000i, around 13 amps out (like the specs for the yamaha "JP4" linked to)

VERY quiet on eco mode

bobojay

· #13 · Jan 17, 2015

miked said:
Hey Chance, Are those specs from the manual? The dealer I have been working with said that the dual batteries were not deep cycle...but as this vehicle is so new I feel like I often know more about it than the dealer.

Thanks for the info, if the dual batteries are in fact deep cycle AGM I will definitely be getting that option.

That's in the manual. They are the batteries that come with the diesel, and the optional gas batteries

Chance

· #14 · Jan 17, 2015

miked said:
Hey Chance, Are those specs from the manual? The dealer I have been working with said that the dual batteries were not deep cycle...but as this vehicle is so new I feel like I often know more about it than the dealer.

Thanks for the info, if the dual batteries are in fact deep cycle AGM I will definitely be getting that option.

It's from page 75 of specs posted on this forum. It's a very good document.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/2015_Transit_BEMM_v1-0.pdf

I don't know the cost of the dual-battery option but I would get it unless cost is way out of line. I can see running a small microwave for a few minutes off a 1000 to 1500 watt inverter. While a generator can run much longer, an inverter is more convenient. Most small generators don't have electric start, so you have to stop and go outside to start it. Then back out to stop it. Plus you have to fuel it and maybe carry gasoline. An inverter makes warming food like coffee while on the road that much simpler. Plus you can have both a generator and inverter if/when needed.

I have a small microwave in my van and rarely use it more than 5 minutes at a time. I haven't done the math but think that should easily run off a battery or two.

Reactions: 1

alarmist

· #15 · Jan 17, 2015

VanMan said:
Correction: Honda EU2000i, around 13 amps out (like the specs for the yamaha "JP4" linked to)

VERY quiet on eco mode

The Honda is amazing. I can run two sets of motorcycle tire warmers all day in 110º heat and it never complains.

Reactions: 3

Airedrifter

· #16 · Jan 17, 2015

2

Here's a couple of photos of the batteries and battery well of my factory dual battery setup.

I couldn't get any technical details on the batteries as to whether they are deep cycle or not. Could be, seems like I heard or read that somewhere. But, it wouldn't technically be required or expected in the designed application.

The battery well of the photo shows a line from the back Positive post to my Anderson plug. I didn't totally disassemble the metal retainer and plastic cover to measure clearances. I just gave it a SWAG glance. It didn't fit that way. The seat binded before fully retracted.

As it's a made up custom Anderson unit, I'm not going to get it redone.

I'm going to just connect it up on the front post. I don't think it makes a difference.

See less See more

Reactions: 2

onetwo

· #17 · Jan 17, 2015 (Edited)

Wow, some great info and links in this thread, thanks to all.

My only "beef" with the dual battery setup, which I opted for, is they should have put the extra weight of the dual battery under the Passenger seat.

Why add the extra weight of the dual batteries just under the driver?

I went with the dual battery option, power inverter, and heavy duty alternator.

We work in construction, and a lot of times there is no power on site, and although we have portable generators, it will be great to just plug into my Transit now, and not have to lug my 5000W Honda around with me anymore, and worry about gas, starting, cabin smelling of fuel and exhaust, and all the extra room it would take in my truck!

Also, we have a fleet of vehicles, and sooner or later we get flat tires. I have an electric impact gun that I can now show up and zip the tires on and off the vehicles, rather than do it by hand.

Great option from Ford, and I think there are a lot of potential uses for this.

See less See more

Chance

· #18 · Jan 17, 2015

Airedrifter said:
Here's a couple of photos of the batteries and battery well of my factory dual battery setup.

I couldn't get any technical details on the batteries as to whether they are deep cycle or not. Could be, seems like I heard or read that somewhere. But, it wouldn't technically be required or expected in the designed application.

.....cut.....

Every other detail matches specs, including size, part number, AGM, and cold cranking amps. The deep cycle part is a good bet too, not that it's all that important as you say. I doubt too many people are going to want to discharge their batteries deeply if they rely on them for starting. Even so, I figure that if I were to discharge two batteries to 50% they still have as much energy left as one battery. And more combined CCA too.

Chance

· #19 · Jan 17, 2015

onetwo said:
Wow, some great info and links in this thread, thanks to all.

My only "beef" with the dual battery setup, which I opted for, is they should have put the extra weight of the dual battery under the Passenger seat.

Why add the extra weight of the dual batteries just under the driver?

I went with the dual battery option, power inverter, and heavy duty alternator.

....cut.....

Do you know the inverter power rating? I recall reading what seemed fairly low, or too small to power most things I need. Also, do you know at what battery voltage it turns off?

I'm sure Ford engineers considered weight bias -- that's pretty basic (I hope anyway). It could be that van weighed more on right side or they wanted more weight on left for some reason we don't know. Either way batteries are probably in the range of 100 pounds or so, so it's not much for a HD van.

VanMan

· #20 · Jan 17, 2015

Thanks "Airedrifter" for the photo of the under seat, "USMC vet" has asked for this before (picture of install.) 1st time I have seen the pic. other than "CAD"

1 - 20 of 90 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.