Affordable Dual Battery Setup Using DC-DC Charger-Easy DIY

why can't you use lipo4 12v 100 amp battery instead of optima battery some of them cheaper than optima battery

lol on those outtakes

Hi if you have an old 1993 car do you still need to run the red wire to your ignition

Very informative, a well made video, thank you.

I see you have installed this CTEK and also a Red Arc.. Which one do u prefer?

That whole thing is overkill, mostly the price. But i do commend you both for a great video you guys did. Not many people know how difficult it is to make these videos, the time and effort you put into them. Keep them up. You both were great and informative

Can I replace my UPS battery with a lithium battery 100ah for more capacity? I have a 600 watts UPS in which I have my computer, 2 monitors and the router plug in. Can I use that type of battery ( lithium battery 100ah and can it be charge by the UPS) Thank you for your time and assistance!

Hi guys I watched this video few times, and I have a question:
You have to use the Ctek smart pass and the DC to DC together? Or I can use the smart pass alone?

Can I install a power inverter with this system and would it be just as simple as installing a power and ground to the inverter off of the CTEK with the correct AWG and breaker? Great video very informative!

THANK YOU FOR VIDEO

Ive enjoyed your videos. Good info, presented very well. Putting mine in this weekend. Pretty much replicating yours.
For the mounting plate, Im using a plastic cutting board from the dollar store.

High quality video instruction. Nice.

There's nothing affordable about your method. Just use a solenoid to isolate your accessory battery when the key is off. BTW you can't mount a Lithium Ion under the hood due to the heat or cold.

thank you guys

Thanks guys for info 👍

That's an Optima Yellow top. Isn't meant to be used as a starting and/or a deep cycle battery (dual purpose battery)? I heard a saying that goes, "When in doubt, use yellow top." I gotta say though. This is probably the best wiring job I've seen. I like how you mounted the charger and breakers on the auxiliary battery. Nice work!!!

This was very informative, but im trying to find one on adding an inverter with battery setup for my work van to power my chargers and occasionally a chipping hammer (large load) im thinking of using a battery from batteries r us from golf carts (deep cycle)
Thinking of putting a breaker and then a fuse to a battery charger (charge controller)to limit the cable size, with an automatic disconnect or VSR (voltage sensing relay) to turn it off and on

Any ideals? Or is this overkill

If the main battery dies, will the house battery fill in for a jump start?

Great job!!! Love the bloopers.😅

Hi, just a suggestion. the sensor could be insulated with some foam and then taped - this would give the actual batt temp instead of the engine bay temp.

What brand is the "expensive" battery tray you used?

I only deal with jeeps so I don't know how to adapt this system to my jeep. Thanks for the info though.

Love your channel, you guys make a great team. I learn so much from you guys.

Don't for get to double your cable length when sizing. A 15 foot destination is really a 30' run.

Whats your opinion on voltage controlled relays? I bought one that has a photo of a car battery on the front and the description says it’s for adding a secondary battery. Would the batteries be overloaded at the moment it kicks in? One battery at 14.4v and the other at say 11.5? Wouldn’t that be bad for the batteries long term?

Hey there! Is you’re guys starter battery leaf acid? And did you use a battery isolator?

Love your videos with the FJ and even watch some of your 4runner videos as well. You said you installed a Group 48 Battery in the FJ. but it seems like a battery tray is hard to find, would a group 24 be sufficient? I have about the same power requirements as you.
Keep up the good work, and more FJ content!

This is good info. How do you control all your accessories? I want to add a switchpros 9100. Any thoughts?

Explanation, demonstration, presentation - all top notch. Thanks I'll be checking out more of your videos!

$321 for just the charger ain't cheap. You can have a dual battery charging system, just as easy to setup and for a lot less.

Thank you for describing your implementation in detail. Are you able to post a wiring diagram?

After a year now, do you still like this charger? Do you prefer Redarc over Ctek? Any major difference between the two? Thanks so much! Your contents helped me a lot.

-- Not how I did it, and I wouldn't. But, I'm not looking down at my nose at you. For starters, I use a smart isolator grounded to the negative primary battery post. Solves your smart alternator problem in most models. Second, testing with a voltmeter for a smart alternator, and also model and observation makes it easy to tell. Third, unwritten rule, but one I learned well in 4 years of being a car audio installer (remote starts, amps, caps, head units, etc) with something like this, use 4 gauge wire. Fourth, double ground both the primary and aux batts. Fifth: You probably did it later, but electric grease on those connections. And your breakers are a little lite. I'd go 50 primary, 60 secondary batt. Lastly, you need an easy plan if your primary battery crashes. Not sure the charger you're using can do that, but it means dual grounds and a quick disconnect so the secondary battery can operate the vehicle by itself.
But I'm glad you mentioned you want those breakers as close to the batteries as possible; that's critical. A very nice, clean install you have there.
Suppose if I had anything to add to people interested in doing this for the first time, it'd be spend time looking under your hood, and have a plan. Work backwards from the secondary batt, then backwards from the primary batt. Last thing that goes in, is the linkage.
Thumbs up.

Thanks god bless

Getting ready to outfit my 4WD Suburban for camping, etc. I notice on one vehicle you're using a Redarc DC-DC charger and a CTEK on the other. Which do you prefer, and why?

Great video as always!! I have a dual battery set up currently and installed a battery isolator so it won’t drain my main battery. I have everything connected to my coach battery like my fridge and all. I am not wanting to add a solar panel and have been looking at a dc-dc charger. Will I need to remove my isolator?

Maybe a dumb question, but, is the alternator charging the charger that charges the deep cycle battery? 🙂

Good info. I have a Canadian brand I like, but their stuff isn't waterproof and this needs to be near the batteries.

It's an evolution as I'm finding. Taking stuff out as much as adding in!

Question if you could please help do I still need a battery isolator it’s going to install a Renagee 30 amp dc to dc charger

Great video people :-) where can I buy all the stuff I am trying to purchase stuff on Amazon and it’s telling me no dice in my area do you have any other suggestions Home Depot?

CAn I use the ctek for my ram truck ?

What size is the inline blade fuse?
How did you determine what size you needed?
Thank you for the easy to listen too vid.
Cheers

So l am guessing Ctek instructions recommended breaker size?

Have you had any issues with the charger so far? I installed the exact same setup in my Hilux in February. A couple of days ago it stopped working. I'm afraid it just gets too hot under the hood and stops charging...?

Where do you get the pre made battery pan.

So so so over-complicated

What do you suggest cheapest way to do this on 2022 F150 xlt? Thanks

Pops did a good job. but I think mama did great with the presentation... thanks 🙏 mom ...you rock.

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