Coach dual battery set wiring help

[scoutmstr]

I have two sets of 6volt AGM Lifeline batteries. (Four batteries total) I know how to wire each set in series. However I do not want to wire the sets in parallel. I will install a Perko switch so that I can draw down each set in turn. (Stops parasitic draw) My problem is understanding how to wire the incoming charge line so both batteries will charge without having to switch between sets of batteries to charge the battery sets. My coach has the Intellitec system of mechanical solenoids/isolators. I think an electronic isolator downstream of the Intellitec would work unless it causes some feedback into the Intellitec system. Has anyone ever wired up units the way I want or have a better understanding what wiring will work?

[MonacoMama]

scoutmstr...It looks like you may have to get a bit more tech support that we can answer here...

Good Luck

[RVee'r]

If your Intellitec converter can charge both batteries at the same time (which I believe most can), you should be able to install your Perko battery switch as the very last thing going to your battery banks (which in your case are two sets of 6V batteries each functioning as a 12V battery). Keeping the Perko on the "Both" setting would mean they are connected in parallel, for charging, and you would choose either the "1" or "2" setting for running your 12V appliances. But you would have to remember to go bach to the "Both" setting each time you charge up otherwise only the currently selected battery (bank) would be recharged.

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoutmstr I have two sets of 6volt AGM Lifeline batteries. (Four batteries total) I know how to wire each set in series. However I do not want to wire the sets in parallel. I will install a Perko switch so that I can draw down each set in turn. (Stops parasitic draw) My problem is understanding how to wire the incoming charge line so both batteries will charge without having to switch between sets of batteries to charge the battery sets. My coach has the Intellitec system of mechanical solenoids/isolators. I think an electronic isolator downstream of the Intellitec would work unless it causes some feedback into the Intellitec system. Has anyone ever wired up units the way I want or have a better understanding what wiring will work?

this resource may be of some help.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

[scoutmstr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonacoMama scoutmstr...It looks like you may have to get a bit more tech support that we can answer here... Good Luck

I agree. If I can design it I'll post the answer and diagram.

[wa8yxm]

If you want to charge both batteries you set the Perko switch to BOTH. there are basically 3 ways to do it

One is diodes and this is a problem cause there is voltage drop in the diodes

The next is to use two chargers. One for each set of batteries

And the best is the "BOTH" setting on the switch

[wa8yxm]

The problem, with what you want is the only way to charge both batteries at one time without the switch in the "BOTH" position is to use some kind of isolator, and the only kind that completly keeps the batteries isolated is a diode isolator.

And these have voltage drop so unless you can increase the voltage out from teh converter.. You won't ever get full charge on the batteries

A common Diode Isolator will work, Get one with a current rating equal or greater than your converter (IE: 60 amp converter 90 amp isolator)

Converter out to common terminal,

Each "Side" terminal to a battery bank

[scoutmstr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm The problem, with what you want is the only way to charge both batteries at one time without the switch in the "BOTH" position is to use some kind of isolator, and the only kind that completly keeps the batteries isolated is a diode isolator. And these have voltage drop so unless you can increase the voltage out from teh converter.. You won't ever get full charge on the batteries A common Diode Isolator will work, Get one with a current rating equal or greater than your converter (IE: 60 amp converter 90 amp isolator) Converter out to common terminal, Each "Side" terminal to a battery bank

I don't mind a diode isolator, last coach had one without any problems for me. I don't charge batteries with converter since I'm rarely on 110V. Alternator charge is what charges my batteries on the road. The Intellitec uses the same cable for charging and for load (bidirectional current flow but not at the same time). So my current thinking is to use the 2ga battery cable coming from the Intellitec single battery disconnect and Load "box" as the load side.By using the Perko switch, I can select which set of batteries to draw down first. Then by installing a diode insolator between the alternator and the batteries, I have both being charged but not cross drained. This would entail running a new wire from the alternator and the diode isolator and then branching from the isolator to the two batteries...

After rereading this I know what I said but am unsure if it's written clearly enough for anyone else to follow it.

With some help on how to post a diagram, I'll do that and maybe better explain it. But before I do that, is anyone interested in doing a system like I'm doing. If not , there's really no reason to publish it.