Add a 2nd Battery to your RV Travel Trailer

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[@johnclancy7607]

In order to balance the draw on the batteries the positive should come off one battery and the negative off the other battery. Nice install

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes, that is true and good practice. In this case, the wire would not reach to the second battery. Since I used a 1 ought connecting wire, the resistance between the batteries will be nearly zero and so it won't make any significant difference.

[@Nic7320]

@@HomesteadEngineeringIt's not a true parallel circuit, even though it looks like one. Yes, the cross connect wire resistance is very low, but you have to factor in the internal resistance of each battery, which is also a very low resistance to analyze the circuit. In order to balance the currents you need opposite corner connections on both batteries or the second battery won't provide half the current. This connection method doesn't balance three or more batteries, the center batteries will always have reduced currents going in or out, but it works very well with two batteries. Granted, if you leave it the way you did it, it's still better to have the capacity of 1.8 or 1.9 batteries than only one, so even though they aren't exactly current balanced, it's still an improvement in capacity.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@Nic7320 Yes, I would agree. If your wires reach, I would connect them to opposite batteries. I also plan to rotate my batteries after about 2 years. i.e. make the 2nd battery the primary and the 1st battery the secondary. I have done the same thing with my solar battery bank (two banks of 8) after 5 years. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZO9dqmca5ecbtE

[@StartVisit]

Why didn’t you put lids to show finished look? 😮

[@strikemaster1]

@@StartVisit Common mate... give him a break lol.

[@artofcampingnow]

That is a sizable set of wire cutters that you keep on you at all times! Good informative video!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

You got to be prepared! :)

[@tombstone2826]

So that's how you install another battery ! Simple ! Thank you !

[@HomesteadEngineering]

You bet!

[@Hail2MasterChief]

I especially appreciated the comment about no need to connect negative to opposite battery since the parallel wires are beefy. Most videos are adamant to do that but my cable don't reach anyways. Thank you!!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes, It is a bit better to connect them to opposite sides but not enough to keep me up at night. I may rotate the batteries after a couple of years just to even it out. Thanks!

[@IsabelRodriguez-nv2ue]

Thank you very much for this top quality video: so well explained, the video filming, the tools used, each step well presented. It is a delight watching and learning how to do this. Thanks a million! I learned a lot!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I appreciate you taking a minute to write such a nice comment. Thanks!

[@tomfromtacomas7249]

Short, sweet and to the point. great video!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@roycampsall9614]

You will find that one battery will charge and the other won't with the way you have the wires from the RV. The negative wire should be on one battery and the positive wire on the other battery, that way you will get an even and consistent charge across both batteries. I know from experience.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Roy, they both charge just fine due to the large gage wire connecting them but it would be better the way you describe it as I did mention in the video. Thanks!

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

The battery box that came with our RV was never bolted down... but side note you should drill an extra hole or two in the bottom to allow any water to run out

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes! I found that out the hard way... Thanks!

[@MickeyintheMiddle]

This is exactly the information that I was looking for… Well done. Thank you very very much.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks for stopping by. :)

[@jrlundman]

Thank you so much for your video. Last year I took the two batteries off my trailer for the winter. I forgot how they were connected. So your video helped me out.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Glad it helped

[@Okebejoey]

I can never remember in the Spring. I took a picture with my phone and made it a favorite.

[@wrxs1781]

Good video and well done, I am embarking on the same project in warmer weather. The trailer has two 70ah AGM batteries but we purchased two LifeP04 batteries in 100ah each, we boondock so hopefully the extra will work well.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

You'll love having that extra capacity. I've done dual 6v batteries wired in series in the past. Folks used to claim that two 6's lasted longer but I don't know if that's the case any longer. I only have one battery on my current RV and will upgrade to two before I plan any long stays. Yeah, that wire may have been overkill but better than making it too thin!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Ed, I caught a bit of your live stream tonight. I like the relax idea and I need to work on that... I built my solar battery bank from 6V batteries: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5vCgJ2ubc16aKc Thanks!

[@Okebejoey]

Two 6volts are still better. The math has not changed and you can purchase large 6 volts very inexpensively.

[@jamesglenn520]

​@@Okebejoey6volt golf cart batteries are the same footprint. The only difference is about 11/2 inches in height and you can get boxes that fit them. You most certainly can get a huge difference in Amp Hours if you purchase the proper ones. Plus if taken care of properly they will outlast normal 12volt rv batteries by Years. Disconnect from rv during long periods of not use and keep them tethered together as a 12volt on any battery Maintainer. Never charge separately or replace separately. My last set was still maintaining 76% capacity after 7 years 👍

[@whatfreedom7]

I was going to go from an original 24 series battery and go to duals but then I decided to just go with a series 31. I got a hefty upgrade in capacity while simplifying the install and saving money at the same time. I’ll add a portable solar panel of 200 watts or more later but for now it worked fine for my needs.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Sounds good.

[@cheechortez9174]

Real nice work!!!!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thank You!

[@nvrlate2220]

Positive on one battery from trailer and ground to other battery.... you will wear out battery that they are both hooked to first... plus they will charge more evenly....

[@HomesteadEngineering]

That would be better but with these large cables it won't make much difference. My cables would not reach to do it that way. I will rotate the batteries after a couple of years. Thanks!

[@samanthalee8216]

😮niceeee..well done I’m so confident I can do it to..

[@HomesteadEngineering]

You can do it!

[@davewhiteman9532]

Sir, living in mountainous, overcast northwest PA, I was considering inverter batteries I could recharger with my Wgen 9500DF in order to save on my LP which I plan to be connected to the generator very soon. I did something similar during my year in Haiti but recharged off the hotels electricity when they (hotel) turn the electric power on from 6pm to 11pm. Yes, only 3-4 hours each day unless there were bad storms or hurricanes. Besides staying cool, I also needed power to run/charge necessary electronics for work and run WiFi. My woodland cottage is small with sell, septic, oven (hardly ever use), fridge, forced air heat (LP), freezer, WiFi and flat screen. The Wgen9500DF was hooked up professionally and already put to good use in last freezing 3 hour outage. Reviewed your Wgen review and the inverter batteries as backup really caught my interest. As a pensioner, no way can I afford solar panels. Thanks! Great videos BTW!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out Dave. Keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@davewhiteman9532]

@@HomesteadEngineering no way, sir! What is needed for inverter and charger as well as batteries?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@davewhiteman9532 There are a lot of possibilities and depends on your situation and funding. I think you might like this video were I have tried to layout some options. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafVmpicZsp8d6s

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Good concept but how many people really have the large cutters and the crimping tool. I'm thinking very few. There has to be premade kits out there.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes, you can definitely purchase the cables pre-made and save some trouble.

[@eric1135]

@@HomesteadEngineering Do you have any you can link to? This is the one time I am asking to use an affiliate link as I am clueless on what to buy.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@eric1135 Maybe this: amzn.to/45i768o

[@maxwellschell8979]

is there any place to just buy the cords alread assembled like that? i dont ahve a haet gun, or crimper.. appreciate the video, its way easier than i was thinking!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Maybe this: amzn.to/45i768o

[@maxwellschell8979]

thanks for the reply! i went to camping world and they had them for about 15 bucks each! @@HomesteadEngineering

[@maxwellschell8979]

I have them attached now, will just these cords alone charge both batteries from my solar if the solar wiring is just attached to a single battery??

[@Unstoppable.church]

Thank you very much…!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks for watching!

[@StartVisit]

Quick question, did you install any solar to your RV roof? would be interesting to see thanks

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Not yet...

[@reneedavila9177]

Thank you for video. I have an inverter and 2 lead acid batteries. Bought a portable unit. We are currently pin against the steering wheel. I need to remove the current system. Move our seat back. What do you recommend doing please if you could help me, I would really appreciate it?

[@machine-code]

These cables are pure overkill in comparison to your output wires :D

[@matthewmaier2854]

Two stupid questions. First could you run the entire camper of those batteries? A/C, fridge, and TV? And for how long?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

You can run all the 12V stuff but none of the big AC stuff. I would not rely on this to run the camper as a matter of practice. I only use it for very short term stuff. If your looking to actually RUN your camper, I would look into a small off grid solar power system with panels. Thanks!

[@Propnut48]

Nice install but the + and the - should not come off the same battery as it will discharge the second battery but not charge it back up. The second should have the -coming off it so that it is a balance charge on both.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes, That is correct. I did mention that it would be better to split the leads in the video. With the large cables, it does work very well as is but still it would be better to split them. Thanks

[@strikemaster1]

Good job mate... but will those bolt heads damage the bottom of the battery while sitting on them? Maybe a 3 ply inbetween would suffice better? And although it may still work ok, I think you need to run the +ve and -ve from camper to alternate batteries so you draw all power as one bank. Could be wrong though.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Two good points. When I pull them out to check I will rotate the batteries. Thanks!

[@HobbitHomes263]

these batteries will be subject to the elements, if you are crimping connections ALWAYS use de-ox in the wire and terminal to prevent corrosion. alSO. INSTALL THE BATTERY BOXES WITH THE CABLE ENTRYWAYS FACING TO THE REAR TO LESSEN THE AMOUNT OF WATER AND ROAD SPOOGE THAT GETS IN.

[@JustYourAvarageJoe]

i did this prior tyo seeing this video the only thing i wish i would have done is ran two 6 volt battery's in series you actually get more amp hours that way but im gonna try the 2 12v for the year and see how it does i also have one 200w solar panel on the roof of my camper 2022 jayco jayflight slx8

[@Happycamper1998]

Currently using a single battery w/ a 100 watt solar plan. If I need a second battery will both batteries charge off the solar plan?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes, If done correctly they will both charge from solar or any other properly sized charger.

[@DanBlackRacing]

Don't forget to disconnect the original battery charge it up to 100%. Do the same for the second battery and then install.

[@1238pop]

I had a chat with a person who said that overtime one battery will age differently to the other and that they would need to be some kind of battery management system wouldn’t this be true? Admittedly I have wired up my car batteries the same way you have and it’s been okay over the years, but I just wondered whether the, life of the batteries can be extended with some simple emphasis on simple battery management system. Thanks in advance.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I think battery management systems definitely have their place. I have a 30kWh battery bank for my house that has maybe 72 cells in it. That would not function without a battery management system. That said, I don't think you would gain enough here to justify the added cost and complexity. I would start with two brand new batteries of the exact same kind. Thanks!

[@TheAcceptedVirus]

So there is no need to upsize wires from batter to RV even if you had a 300ah battery?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I can't say for sure for every case but I would guess that in most cases you would not have to upsize the wires no matter what battery you put on it. That is because I would think that the camper would be designed to only pull a max Wattage that is supported by the existing wires. That said, If you start adding additional loads then YES. Thanks!

[@plantbasedprepper]

Are you using regular car batteries? I'm going to install a 2nd battery in my truck with a solar panel but can't decide if I want a golf cart battery with no cranking amps or a car battery with cranking amps "as backup" if my truck battery dies. I'm primarily going to use the 2nd one for camping accessories. I might need to hook them both up to the solar panel now that I think about it. My car battery was dead one morning because I ran some night vision cameras on it while camping.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

1st, the direct answer to your question is: these batteries are deep cycle marine/RV: www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200913137_200913137 That said: 1. I would keep your truck battery separate from your solar power system 2. I would look for a LiFePO rather than lead acid 3. I would consider going to a ready made solar generator like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXmwfIqrademh80 4. The Delta Pro would be even better depending on your needs 5. It all depends on what your trying to accomplish You might like this video (solar generators toward the end): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafVmpicZsp8d6s Thanks!

[@themightymoose5047]

Thanks for the video! Im purchasing a used RV, and would like to and a second battery. The current battery on it is a couple years old. If i buy the exact same battery, and match the voltage on both is there any jssue with using one older and one new battery?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

It would probably work but I recommend getting two new batteries that are identical for best results. Thanks!

[@clintstevenson1214]

2 - 6 volt batteries in series will give you more amp hour capacity than 2 12volt in parallel, but very nice job! no need to move the negative either.

[@StartVisit]

hmmm interesting, are you saying better connect two Interstate 6V 225A Deep Cycle Battery in series?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Clint, That's going to depend on the capacity of the batteries that your combining but you definitely can combine two 6V batteries in series to get a 12V combined battery. I actually have eight 6V batteries combined in series to make a 48V battery for my solar power system. (two banks: 740Ah at 48VDC) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKbIgaSqp6-Ib5Isi=M95mkqkson39mLe1 Thanks!

[@StartVisit]

more interesting to compare price and charging time, for example 2 12V 100Ah vs 2 6V 200Ah

[@clintstevenson1214]

There is greater plate surface area in the 6 volts together than 1 12 volt.

[@clintstevenson1214]

Ok my bad. 2 6 volt vs 1 12 volt. Sorry for any confusion.

[@parales03]

Can I do different lithium’s battery’s but same amps?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I suppose you might be able to do that but I would not. I really don't like mixing and matching batteries. If they are all the same it just eliminates a lot of variables when things are not working. I would get another opinion for sure. Thanks!

[@bradschauer2971]

Hooking up my batteries for the first time on a new RV. Connected positive from camper to positive on battery 1, then negative from camper to battery 2. Next I connected positive on battery 1 to positive on battery 2. Then when connecting the negative on battery 1 to negative on battery 2 there were a bunch of sparks. Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong? Should I have connected positive on battery 1 to positive on battery 2 prior to connecting negative from the camper to battery 2? Appreciate your thoughts.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Brad, I would turn everything off in the camper and turn off the battery disconnect. Then hook up the batteries (pos to pos and neg to neg). Then check for 12V at your camper connection points. Then connect to the camper. Without seeing your exact situation I can't say for sure. Thanks!

[@n5syr01]

Sounds like something was drawing current. Make sure everything is off, then hook the batteries together (+ to +, - to -), then make the commenting to the camper. DC should only spark if something is drawing current.

[@seanwillman6373]

Go wing nuts for quick detachment.

[@19eventhorizon66]

Awesome

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@s03365]

Hey! you mentioned the batteries are charging near the end, what is charging them?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I plugged the camper in so its charging from the campers charging system.

[@s03365]

@@HomesteadEngineering you mean u plugged the camper into the grid right?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@s03365 I could have plugged it into the grid but in my case it is actually running on my solar power system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXbce32Yos17l8U

[@vicnadurak724]

Crimp is an inadequate connection.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I suppose it could be better if you crimp and solder but have zero concerns about these crimp connections.

[@1238pop]

If something got left on overnight do both batteries go flat ?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yes

[@vnyeu]

What happen if one battery V is lower than other when connecting them together

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Current will flow. The bigger the difference the greater the current. Not good for either battery. Best to get them close to the same Voltage before connecting them. Thanks!

[@TechnoLDud]

Can you have two 12V batteries that are not the same brand/Ah?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I would stick with the same exact batteries and the same age.

[@monoracional]

Why it’s I try to install and they sparks like crazy?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Make sure all the breakers are turned off before attempting any work on the system.

[@DougPogue-fe3hx]

If you have a 12volt fridge it might be wired to run when the 12 volt disconnect is turned off. Turn off the fridge manually before connecting or disconnecting the batteries.

[@anthonyhall2854]

God lord man. Oriellys or Mexican zone would have the wires...

[@scooterjmurd]

I'm getting ready to add a second battery to my camping trailer and my first thought while watching this video was "screw that, they sell those pre-made" before I fast-forwarded to the actual installation. :)

[@brucegordon3566]

At the start you said you would connect them.in parallel did I miss something

[@HomesteadEngineering]

They are connected in parallel. Two 12 volt batteries in parallel make one 12 volt battery with twice the capacity.

[@nhamilton9545]

I'm concerned that the bolt heads would rub a hole in the bottom of the battery.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

They are recessed but I will have to check them. Thanks!

[@phillipstewart9518]

Ok so u can add extra batteries what if ur on electric grid i know it charges batteries will it over charge an start blowing stuff

[@HomesteadEngineering]

If done correctly it should not cause any problems. It will simply give you a longer run time. Thanks!

[@oldcarnocar]

nice

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@StartVisit]

Looks like no space to hold 4 batteries 😢

[@HomesteadEngineering]

It could be done but would require a bit of welding...

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

If your 1/0 is overkill, my 3/0 must be waaaay overkill lol

[@HomesteadEngineering]

That should get-r-done! :)

[@cesareoalonso1274]

A pair of scissors and a crimp mill it just might work faster

[@vicnadurak724]

Exposed cables

[@HomesteadEngineering]

At the very end you see the covers but yes, the cables are a little exposed. They are also shielded by the propane tank cover.

[@BlurnGanston]

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[@HomesteadEngineering]

What does that mean?