Battery Configuration Questions

[Marvin]

After reading about 10 different battery threads, I figured I'd post my own...

I bought my bus and it only had one battery in it. I plan on installing a second one, but noticed that there's room for a third one. I also plan on getting a disconnect switch since right now when I turn the key absolutely nothing happens. I'm currently using my neighbors trickle charger so it'll be ready when I take it into the shop for the initial service of everything. (Say a prayer for my wallet!)







Anyway, that being the case, the usual setup would be:

(___) Battery 1
(___) Battery 2
Parallel and not series


What would be the benefit (if any) to set up three?

(___) Battery 1
(___) Battery 2
(___) Battery 3
Parallel and not series


Ultimately, would this be an ideal setup?
(___) Battery 1
(___) Battery 2
Parallel and not series
[_X_] Battery disconnect switch https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-9001...dp/B000MMH1SK/
(___) Battery 3 as a "House" battery to run accessories.

Then at the end of the day, hook up a Battery Tender to (___)Battery 3 so it can charge it up after running accessories from it or hook up the generator to it.
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...dp/B00068XCQU/

Keeping in mind that my food truck bus will have lots of interior and exterior lighting.



Thanks

[EastCoastCB]

Don't take it to a shop for something as simple as batteries. Grab two new g31's and put em in yourself.

[Marvin]

Yeah for battery stuff, I can do it myself. I was just curious about the 3 battery setup or if I should just stay with 2. Also the disconnect configuration.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Marvin

Yeah for battery stuff, I can do it myself. I was just curious about the 3 battery setup or if I should just stay with 2. Also the disconnect configuration.

Two 31's will be PLENTY of battery.
I've even ran just one for a bit.
You really wouldn't need that 3rd battery unless you live in canada or something, and have an engine that takes forever to start.
You really can do most of the "service" yourself. Oil changes and such.

[miltruckman]

My bus has a similar rack and it was made for two 8D30 batteries. That is what I Run.

Bill

[EastCoastCB]

IDK what kind of tray you have, but there aint no way two 8d's will fit in the one pictured above, in the op's bus.

[BlackJohn]

Just looking at those terminals should be your first clue as to why it won't start or do anything as you say. They may as well not be hooked up at all like that. Clean them up so you have bare metal on the cable ends.Charging is a waste of time like that too.

[turf]

i have 3 group 31's in my battery box.

an isolator separates the last one from the first 2.

the first 2 are the start/truck battery.

the third is another start battery for a generator. instead of a gen, it could also be a house battery charged by solar. or something like that.

2- grp 31's for your bus.

i have a 3rd for a gen start battery.

then i have 4 more grp 31 deepcycle as a house battery bank.

7 total

you cant have too much battery!



good luck!

[cadillackid]

when you are food-trucking, im assuming you'll be running a generator.. you arent gonna run all the lights / fans, hood, etc of a food truck on a single group 31 battery for very long.. esp if you have an inverter in the mix for 110 volt stuff...

for any battery you use as a House battery you'll want a deep cycle style as you'll likely run it down lower than your starting batteries ever do.
-Christopher

[BlackJohn]

[_X_] Battery disconnect switch https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-9001...dp/B000MMH1SK/[_X_]


I had a look at that switch you suggested. First off marine parts will always be more money generally, than those obtained from other automotive parts places.

The theory behind the switch is what you need, great diagrams to explain the circuiting required.

However, the terminals are way to small for the battery cables that you are already have. Your wire is bigger which is good but not as flexible for the vibration they will absorb.The terminals selves on the switch are only good for 350amps. Your starter alone takes probably twice that amount or more. That is a lot of power surge even briefly, but repeatedly as you might with a non-maintained diesel engine with starting issues say. Being in business you don't need that happening. Other switches are more appropriate if you search. I put one in just in case but seldom use it unless the vehicle will be sitting extendedly. You need the biggest terminals you can find for your present cables which may need new ends or replacement sooner than later.Might as well get that part right.
Good luck to you.

[Marvin]

Thanks for the feedback!

1. Yes, I will grab some G31's as suggested.

2. I'll also clean the terminals and everything and make it look like new.

3. I definitely can't fit those giant 8D30's. Wow!!!

4. Turf, I love that setup idea. I dug through some of your threads but can't find the equipment you have. Care to link those?

5. Yes, I'll have a generator but do like the idea of solar and other batteries that I can charge at home versus using propane/gas to run when I'm operating.

Once I hooked up the battery after charging overnight, it cranked up fine but there is definitely something stealing power when it's off. Now it's off to figure out what it could be. I appreciate your help everyone.