Running accessories from either main or aux battery.

[foggs]

Now that I've installed a my AUX battery and wired up a fuse box inside the car, I'm about to start re-routing all my accessories (stereo, USB chargers, internal lights, 12v chargers, fridge, power windows and so on..) I started thinking.. What if my AUX battery dies and I need to go back to using the main for a little while??

I've thought about getting a few of the switches attached below and wiring up each accessory to both AUX and main, but that'll mean switches everywhere... on the upside each accessory can be independently controlled.
Second option would be to have a single one of these that lets me switch all accessories at once to either AUX or main battery.

Curious what others have done?

62380

[TimE]

If it is after market it goes to the auxiliary battery. Only "mission critical" goes to the starter, that includes the winch.

[ashmccormick]

Maybe you could wire up an isolating switch like the old marine style switch between 2 batteries. One of these:

http://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/electrical-switches-battery-switches-battery-isolator-switch-rwb2163/dp/36307?gclid=CjwKEAjwh8exBRDyyqqH9pvf1ncSJAAu4OE3Zf 9PT2YYZa3ixMCu4n6VVYZ5BbA7hVX86ojh7Cq-KxoC39_w_wcB

So keep current system as is but run auxillary battery wire via one of these switches, have a wire from main battery to switch too but only use that as your back up if the battery dies... Just an idea as it could be easily hidden somewhere and not have to have a million switches and wires everywhere.

[DX grunt]

If it is after market it goes to the auxiliary battery. Only "mission critical" goes to the starter, that includes the winch.

That's exactly how mine works. Cranker and winch on one battery, toys on the other.

Rossco

[Clunk]

That's exactly how mine works. Cranker and winch on one battery, toys on the other.

Rossco
Yep me too, apart from the 2way and stereo, they're on the cranker

[DX grunt]

Yep me too, apart from the 2way and stereo, they're on the cranker

I forgot to mention that I have a HF SSB CB radio that will go on the cranker. That way, the HF Codan will be on the 2nd battery and the HF SSB CB radio will be on the cranker.

[the evil twin]

Now that I've installed a my AUX battery and wired up a fuse box inside the car, I'm about to start re-routing all my accessories (stereo, USB chargers, internal lights, 12v chargers, fridge, power windows and so on..) I started thinking.. What if my AUX battery dies and I need to go back to using the main for a little while??

I've thought about getting a few of the switches attached below and wiring up each accessory to both AUX and main, but that'll mean switches everywhere... on the upside each accessory can be independently controlled.
Second option would be to have a single one of these that lets me switch all accessories at once to either AUX or main battery.

Curious what others have done?

62380

What battery manager do you have between the Cranker and Aux?

If it is a VSR (that is a Redarc or whatever) just hook the "Aux or Main" switch to the VSR override terminal.
Switch Off = Aux
Switch On = Cranker

[foggs]

What battery manager do you have between the Cranker and Aux?

If it is a VSR (that is a Redarc or whatever) just hook the "Aux or Main" switch to the VSR override terminal.
Switch Off = Aux
Switch On = Cranker

I've got the Redarc and I was just about to wire up a momentary switch. So if I'm reading this right, all I need is a on/off switch instead?

[the evil twin]

I've got the Redarc and I was just about to wire up a momentary switch. So if I'm reading this right, all I need is a on/off switch instead?

Yep, thats what I have in mine

[threedogs]

That's exactly how mine works. Cranker and winch on one battery, toys on the other.

Rossco

Same same except would like the radio on the Aux.
But I have a head unit and battery in my camper
if tunes are required.
I like to leave the start battery for just starting and winch
as a winch loves CCA's

[threedogs]

I forgot to mention that I have a HF SSB CB radio that will go on the cranker. That way, the HF Codan will be on the 2nd battery and the HF SSB CB radio will be on the cranker.

Any reason why your SSB radio cant go on the AUX.
My UHF is on the AUX incase I forget to turn it off.
Would love to hook up my SSB as well. lol

[foggs]

Yep, thats what I have in mine

That's too bloody good, makes perfect sense, you've saved me a lot of unnecessary work and pain, thanks heaps.

I wonder why Redarc specified a momentary switch rather than an on/off one? Also is there any issues with the switch being "On" while both batteries are alive and kicking as this effectively connects them together? I know the momentary (override) switch is really only to be used for cranking from Aux if main is dead. I can just imagine one of my kids going in the car and playing with switches.

[the evil twin]

That's too bloody good, makes perfect sense, you've saved me a lot of unnecessary work and pain, thanks heaps.

I wonder why Redarc specified a momentary switch rather than an on/off one? Also is there any issues with the switch being "On" while both batteries are alive and kicking as this effectively connects them together? I know the momentary (override) switch is really only to be used for cranking from Aux if main is dead. I can just imagine one of my kids going in the car and playing with switches.

Redarc suggest a momentary switch so that you can't 'forget' and leave the batteries paralleled and inadvertently discharge both.
That would defeat the intention behind fitting the Isolator.

There are a few options such as a guarded switch or put the switch under the bonnet beside the Redarc or a prominent LED warning light etc

[DX grunt]

Any reason why your SSB radio cant go on the AUX.
My UHF is on the AUX incase I forget to turn it off.
Would love to hook up my SSB as well. lol

It can go on the AUX, but I've decided to put both HF radios on separate batteries, in case one battery gets taken out by a roo, etc. I should still be able to talk to somebody to get help.

I'll still have my mobile phone with the external aerial, too.

Out here, you're lucky to see another vehicle for hours.

I'm not living in fear, but I like to be properly prepared - 'Justin Case'.

Rossco

[the evil twin]

snip...

Out here, you're lucky to see another vehicle for hours.



Or even days if you leave the bitumen...

(PM sent by the way)

[threedogs]

Another idea would be to take an extra battery in a dedicated box,
like I have, then you can move your lighting around if you like .
Recharge at camp via solar, but my golf buggy style 20ah should
give 3 nights light using leds