How to Wire Multiple Batteries to an RV with Josh the RV Nerd

[@tufelhunden5795]

Nice video. You did have a small mistake you referred to two 12 volt batteries in parallel as 24 volts, you meant 12 volts since they are in parallel. @ 4:25. Not a big deal, just thought I'd point it out.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thank you for that correction! I want good info out there.

[@mikeglasgow6656]

@@JoshtheRVNerd just watching your video. I have a TRUCK CAMPER. NORTHSTAR 8.5 ARROW. ONE 12V BATTERY. I HAVE 4 WIRES COMING FROM THE CAMPER. 2 BLACKS AND 2 WHITES ALL WITH EYELETS ON THEM THAT ATTACH TO MY SINGLE BATTERY I WAS WONDERING WHY I HAVE 4 WIRES? I HAVE ALWAYS HOOKED UP 2 BLACKS TO POSITIVE AND 2 WHITES TO NEGATIVE WITH MY INTERSTATE BATTERY WINGNUTS. I WANT TO INSTALL A SECOND 12V BATTERY. I WAS THINKING 1 BLACK ONE WHITE TO ONE BATTERY. ONE BLACK ONE WHITE TO THE OTHER. BUT YOUR VIDEO DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT MY SITUATION HAVING 4 HOUSE WIRES IN MY BATTERY BAY. CAN YOU HELP EXPLAIN WHY I HAVE 4 BATTERY HOUSE LEADS IN MY BATTERY BAY?

[@waynecole1918]

@@mikeglasgow6656 My best advice would be to check with Northstar.

[@robertpsotka3525]

I'm a retired auto mechanic and just checking on your information. Nice job explaining.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY Robert. I try. I don't always get it right so if I flub something up then PLEASE let me know so I can make better future content.

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Saved this info from last year. Hubby was searching the Internet on how to correctly wire 2 12 volts in parallel. He said I’m not having much luck with this, didn’t like the amateur info he was seeing. I said wait, I saved this info on my phone. Pulled up the charts and located the video. Thank you for coming through again Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That is awesome!

[@keithallen3119]

2 years ago I attended the National RV Training Academy in Texas to get better education in RV systems. Money well spent and I came out with the Level 1 RV Inspector certification; and all the education for Level 2 as well. One add to the battery comments: if you put two batteries together in either series or parallel it is best if they are both new. Coupling an older battery to a newer batter won't give you the preformance desired. Also learned that if you mess this up it will be expensive!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Absolutely. Great point and thank you for bringing that up. You always want batteries to match "as much as possible"

[@PierreMichael2020]

thanks for this video, even after all these years, your video is still helping people :) thanks, much.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad to hear it

[@arthurleslie9669]

As a professional in the electrical/electronics industry, I've learned that no matter how simple you make things ... some people just can't grasp it. I totally agree with your recommendation to contact those that have the knowledge and expertise. Especially since the batteries you would be working with are "far more dangerous" than flashlight batteries when you do something wrong. Then when you throw in the different battery types and different Amp hours, Etc. ... It can become quite a bit overwhelming.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Absolutely sir. There are just certain things best left to specially trained folks.

[@wmschooley1234]

Josh: What also needs to said, and I know from personal expérience, is that it's very important to know and select your professioals and experts with care. Going to the wrong camper "professional" can very very bad. TT work done by some sam who doesn't get right, even if done in a "nationally known TT shop, can result in no power, blown fuses and destroyed batteries. I'm still glad that last summer that I had the Haylett shop guys covering my back and they were able walk me through, by phone with me in Mississippi, through a temporary electrical fix untill I got back to Michigan and could drop my micro minnie off at Haylett to have the work done correctly. Wm. Schooley

[@angusmaciver4242]

You know you’re going to have that one person do it wrong and blame you. Even though you said multiple time if you don’t know or don’t feel comfortable don’t do it. I just want to thank you josh. When I go to buy our 5th wheel (10ish years from now) I’ll be come out from Utah to You guys for sure.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Oh it'll happen for sure. You're right about that. But you may have noticed we're not the type of place that avoids helping the majority out of fear of what the one person will say.

[@angusmaciver4242]

Haylett RV also is it a bad thing that I’ve started binge watching your videos? 😂

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

4 out of 5 doctors I made up for the purposes of this reply agree an hour of Haylett RVideo a day is good for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

[@gigigoodwitch8198]

So glad I found this, my husband is working on this today. Thanks as always for the great info.

[@joenissan]

No never, NEVER…..cross cross apple sauce!! NEVER!! Thanks again Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

⚡️

[@fortunatedad7695]

This is a good explanation of how to wire the batteries together AND the reasoning to get 2 6v over 2 12v batteries. Thank you!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You are welcome!

[@my2cyl]

You guys are great! If you weren’t a 1000 miles away I would definitely buy our first rv from you!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

No reason you couldn't purchase here. Plenty of people drive even further on a regular basis.

[@jsadamsster]

Good instruction. I've never seen this presented on RV videos and I've watched a lot of them.

[@cullinan18]

Thanks for the very clear description. I always wondered why two 6-volts was claimed to be better than two 12-volts.

[@Mike-fj2ln]

Basically, a large 12V truck battery is simply two 6V batteries connected in series, in one large, and very heavy, package. No difference of the watt-hours are equal.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

[UPDATE]: Fixed a broken link to the reference image showing how to wire multiple batteries as shown in this video! Thanks to those who pointing it out!!

[@mt2nv1]

Love these videos! You deserve a prime time spot on network tv

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Right after re-runs of Two and a Half men lol

[@rictech1325]

Your just a cool kat ... we all appreciate your videos..

[@rafaeloliva1776]

I just bought a 2022 grey wolf 18rr and I going to do exactly this for my desert trips! Thanks for the tips and love your videos! 👌

[@matsdodge]

On 24v, all of your 12v accessories will lead very short, very exciting lives.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

And if your parachute fails to open, then you have the rest of your life to think about it lol

[@mudshot0114]

@@JoshtheRVNerd 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@richardschaan59]

Great job Josh. Just like the 0 vs 32 degree video, you answered another question that a lot of people are scared to ask .

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I never claimed we were perfect by any means, but I'd like to think it's not for lack of trying.

[@Chimp_6]

Very well done Josh ..... as usual! One additional thing I would mention for those considering 2 batteries to take into account. If you do the 12's and one dies the other will still power your rig. If you do 6's and one dies you are dead in the water with only 6 volts feeding the RV.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

*REALLY* interesting point.

[@davidrobards9587]

If you have two 12 volt batteries wired together the dead one will pull the good one down so you have zero batteres withing a few hours.

[@Mike-fj2ln]

For batteries in parallel, you don't have to do "first battery positive to camper, last battery negative to camper". Since all of the postives are connected together, you can connect the camper to any positive terminal. Likewise for the negative. Again, only for 12V batteries connected in parallel, at the beginning of the video.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

This is correct of course, but I didn't want to risk the chance of confusing a potential viewer who could potential mix-up the series vs. parallel wiring (though we tried to make it pretty straight forward)

[@scooterjmurd]

Glad to find this comment, I'm getting ready to add a second battery this weekend and I'm unsure my cables will be long enough to reach.

[@machfive916]

This is a critically important video. Than you for sharing.

[@haroldkostka8446]

Great information! Nice to have the diagrams. Enjoy your informational videos. Have a Happy New Year!

[@johnwyoder]

Very good, very clear info. Also, love your sense of humor. 😀

[@JKoolina]

Great video. I've been watching battery videos since boondocking in Washington state a few months back and this is the best video I've seen on this topic.

[@jamesholliday6151]

I have always wondered about doing this. Thanks for the info Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You bet!

[@thunderbird97]

general rule of thumb 100 watts of solar per battery, or 1 watt of solar per 1 amp hr of battery

[@susanjspaulding]

#EXCELLENT#educational #video on #batteries!!! #Wiring #multiple #batteries to an #RV can be #complex!!! #learn #HaylettRV

[@citizenfirst5826]

Great vid for beginners!!! Keep up the good work!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks, will do!

[@edpeck645]

Again, Josh, great job as usual.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I appreciate that

[@mustangragtop0926]

This may be a little off subject, but have you ever thought about doing a sever weather video. General safety, like how to prepare for bad weather and how to be safe in an RV during sever weather, like lightning, hail, winds, etc. Just an idea.

[@matthewrice2152]

Would recommend also getting a cheap multimeter. Tying in with what you said about the remote control, if you aren't comfortable using a multimeter to check the voltage you're about to connect to your RV, then this probably isn't a job for you. You can get a cheap multimeter for under $20 that may not do a ton of things great, but will definitely let you know whether you're about to connect 12V of power vs 24V ( accidental 2x12V in series ) , or 6V ( accidental 2x6V in parallel ). Compared to the cost of the batteries you're installing, or the repairs for connecting incorrect voltage. The < $20 is nothing.

[@gold-digger6579]

You’re a trusted voice for me. Thank you!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You are so welcome!

[@klausstimpy2292]

Yo Josh. Love your zany down to earth vids. If ever in your neck of the woods I'll be stopping by to say hi and check out your inventory. You never know.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

👋🏻

[@robertsitch1415]

I guess you could say that by the time this video was filmed lithium started to be the preference of most boondockers. I guess you could say that the fact that golf cart and agm batteries being more available is the main reason why some folks buy them or at least that they are designed to be exposed to the elements while any lithium battery would have to take up an interior compartment.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah this is now a bit aged

[@Dr.SalvatoreVinciguerra]

Very educational. I like the diagram and explanation on how to wire the batteries.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks! I Thought that download link might be handy for some folks.

[@texillini1]

Love seeing these older videos. Very informative. So before the sale to Bush’s, looks like you were a mechanic or tech guy at Haylett for your dad?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Oh no - nothing like that. Along with the videos I did the photos for our website.. well.. i did EVERYTHING on our website lol I also managed all of our inventory, spec’d out the orders, trained sales people, helped manage stuff… I wore a LOOOT of hats Now I’m happy to just be your friendly neighborhood RV nerd :)

[@texillini1]

Well I’m glad that you are doing what you love. Your passion for camping really shows through your videos. I really enjoy watching them. Looking forward to the day we can meet.

[@linkfloyd4908]

Just bought our first TT from Haylett, can't wait to get started. Josh, got a chance to meet you in person briefly and thank you for all these videos; keep up the great work! Question from a new RV'er: for now at least, I plan on doing most camping at full hookup rv parks or at a minimum, state parks with electric hookup. I feel like the single 12v battery I have now should be fine? Would adding a second 12v battery be overkill? Thanks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah if you're hooked up there's zero need for anything more than a single battery

[@timengle3042]

Great video, answered my questions. Thank you. Enjoy your videos.

[@danieldee5631]

Thank you, very informative. Perfect diagram!! I'm now subscribed to your videos.

[@dupre7416]

Great video Uncle Josh. Thanks.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

:)

[@dsawyer8]

What if you switched from 1 agm to a LiFe04 and now want to add another one. Is there balancing that has to be done or? And how?

[@JDT454]

sometimes we go to do an overnight truck stop sleep over to get to our destination will 2 of the 24 group deep cycle batteries carry us for the night I do have a 12 V fridge will probably run a few lights here and there nothing extravagant, and if I’m correct which I will pull my trailer plug from my truck because the battery will pull voltage from the truck charging system when it’s running is that correct thank you We are new to the bigger RV camping we might have to let the furnace run once in a while through the night because we are heading south to Myrtle Beach from the north and we were going to layover in Virginia and this will happen at the end of March so we might have to also run the furnace once in a while And in October we have a two nighter in Assateague Island in Maryland with no electric would you advise or let me know if the 2 12 I bought 24 group patties for Karius I was going to borrow a Honda generator from work just in case the light white 1000 W

[@estebanrodriguez5234]

Not sure if you have an updated video for Lithium batteries. If you want to replace the battery for a Lithium is it as simple as swapping them? Or do you need a different charging system/solar panel control system? thanks in advanced.

[@BADGER80INCHER]

Hi, Great video. I have a 26ft toy hauler, very nicely appointed and I'm looking to boondock all week and then go home on the weekend, I do this for work reasons... I want to utilize battery power as much as possible and charge those batteries with a solar panel charging kit that won't over charge them. I also have a duel fuel inverter to also charge them if needed. Is this doable? Thank you.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

the answer is 100% based on weather and sun exposure + solar level and battery reserve. It IS possible but it depends greatly on how you want to use the RV. If you want to be able to fully function the RV with things like the A/C, mIcrowave, or run the furnace and fridge all night, then you're going to need huge money invested into a solar package. Running an inverter to power outlets is also something that pulls more heavily off your battery reserve. Solar packages will include a charge controller system that will prevent the batteries from being flooded. Portable panels have their own integrated controller btw. So how much solar you may want, what type and quantity of batteries, and how much this will all cost could vary by multiple thousands of dollars. That dual fuel inverter is likely the key component here as it will let you kick on the air during the heaviest part of the day while the solar package passively works to keep the batteries topped off otherwise. This is why solar is tricky - there's no one package I can point to that says "This is what you need." It's _all_ a la carte

[@mikq8606]

What wire gauge is recommended for 12v in parallel?

[@iselili2]

What is a good spot to put these batteries? I understand it needs to have some ventilation? That’s my only dilemma, thanks for a great video!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Depends on the type of batteries. Some batteries NEED to be ventilated and mounting them outside is the most effective way. Some do not and can be squirreled away in the pass-thru compartments.

[@souljahroch2519]

Where, & how does the power inverter get hooked up?

[@jabojr5171]

Hew, I thought you were going to use plugging into the large hole at the outlet vs. the small one, that 's where I fail alll the time, mostly in the dark. Good info. Happy New Year.

[@stevemueller5844]

Thanks Josh

[@howtodostuff157]

Being an electronics engineer, I can tell you that this is an accident waiting to happen and not the way to connected up 2 batteries! Case in point...All batteries fail at a different rate and many times the plates in a battery will short out. Should one of the batteries short-out, the full charged battery is going to dump all of its current into the battery that shorted out and you're going to have either melted wires, exploded battery, or catch your RV on fire. You should ALWAYS have a "battery isolator" so that the 2 batteries are never electrically connected.

[@karenjohnson4778]

So where does the battery isolator go??

[@PierreMichael2020]

Hello "how to do stuff", please what do you mean by "battey isolator", where does it go as "Karen Johnson" asked? given your education as engineer, it would be nice / helpful to get an answer from you (professional), thanks much.

[@kevindurkee323]

I bought two 12 volt batteries for my 1999 fleetwood bounder. When I went to hook them up, I find 2 red cables and one black in the rv battery compartment. I can't find any explanation as to why I have an extra red cable. Am I missing a second ground cable? or am I supposed to disregard the 2nd red cable and just let it hang loose and unconnected? I can't figure out what it powers.

[@tgmcfly3568]

You are the man thank you👍🏾🙏🏾👏🏾🥰

[@marcocasillas5023]

Thanks for the video can you mix 12 volt batteries with two 6 volt

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Theoretically IF wired properly, yes. That wiring job is NOT something you should be attempting without a little previous wiring experience. Additionally... I absolutely wouldn't recommend it. When you have multiple batteries you should do everything you can to make them all as close to identical as possible. The way the system would work you'd be limiting yourself to the effectiveness of the weakest battery basically.

[@marcocasillas5023]

@@JoshtheRVNerd thank you I'll wait till I have to get new batteries then to add more

[@Danno-in-Maine]

So, one you have two 6 volts wired up is there a way to add another two 6 volts together for more storage or is it two and done.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yes it’s possible You need each set of 6v wired in series creating a 12v system Then you wire those two mini systems in parallel And if you don’t know what you’re doing there… then have a professional do it The biggest hiccup for that is the limits of your tongue battery storage space

[@bobdietrich4253]

On the 2 -12 volts in parallel scenario, where would I hook up my power tongue jack that is currently hooked up to my positive terminal on my single battery setup? (I understand if you would rather have me ask my RV dealer tech, but WTH, I'm already here and I like your videos!)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

If you match it up with the RV's hot-line coming off the chassis, then you're good.

[@ChannelOne-1]

Love your videos! My Eagle has solar…where do they hook up? Same as where the two from the camper go ( whether it’s a series or parallel config?) thanks Josh

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Sorry Brad but with no idea what RV you have exactly there's no way I can answer this for you. I would recommend contacting your initial salesperson who will have more details on your RV readily available!

[@BKKKevin]

It would be great to see a video on a good secondary battery booster (like you seem too hook up on rigs during your tours) that could be used in situations when the house battery is low and you want to use the jacks and levelers...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It's really nothing special -- just a 12v jump pack from an automotive store primarily designed to jump start cars. It's not usually something "critical" to a lot of RVers because a properly wired 7-Way plug will send power back from the vehicle to the RV as needed if the RV itself has low power. Never hurts of course. A blown fuse could prevent a vehicle from charging the RV & give you some fits if you don't know what you're looking for.

[@myeonsr4721]

I have two ground wires coming out on my neg side are both neg two black wires one red for hot on the hot side is this right put the two black wires together are not on my camper RV

[@christopher4795]

Great video! Can you show how to connect a disconnect switch to 2 12 v batteries

[@a787fxr]

Thanks for the information. Your video is very helpful. !:- )

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

“Enough Is Enough” 😆🤣😂😅

[@craigquann]

I know just enough to get myself in trouble... it's a coin toss if I know enough to get myself out of it.

[@davidaukofer]

My 12000 watt inverter is a 24 volt required to work. I bought 4 batteries, 2 pair of parallel with batteries 2 and 3 hooked in series. Battery 1 positive (+) and battery 4 negative (-) going to the inverter.... Now here's my question how much roof mounted solar will I need to keep the batteries charging if I'm running both a/c units?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Montana has basically answered that. They're coming out with a "Super Solar" system that is capable of truly running EVERYTHING in the RV at the same time (including both airs AND a resi-fridge) with no breaks in service. But it's an option over $10,000 with four giant Battle Born Lithium Ion Batteries and a ton of other stuff. Naturally.. Mr. Haylett wanted one as a demo. So you're going to get to see a SUPER SOLAR Montana video from us as well :)

[@raydilworth354]

Do the batteries have to be identical in specs? IE cranking amps, manufacturers etc?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They will only work as well as the worst one basically So more identical is better and easier

[@dude999642]

Great vid!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thx Dale

[@purpledragon316]

What about locations to place the 12v pair? I have a 2nd 100aH AGM Can the travel trailer tongue 26ft length support that weight or do I need to put them inside with a vented box?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Varies by model obviously. Most standard sized travel trailers have room on the tongue for a pair of batteries.

[@Pipefitter310]

Well done, thanks.

[@andys623]

Since you brought up the topic of adding more battery capacity, where would you put ANY additional batteries in such as a Jayco Greyhawk 29mv since the battery tray is only designed for one battery of limited size?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hi Antone! This is a bit too specific for me to be able to provide a unit-by-unit answer, though I cannot recall seeing a Jayco motorhome set up for anything less than 2 batteries on the slide out tray before...

[@kayleegl]

So I am set up with two batteries in parallel if I want to add a disconnect switch would it get set up on the negative side of the setup ? I'm thinking run the negative from the RV to the switch and then another lead from the switch to the negative of the second battery were the RV was originally hooked. Is there anything else that needs to be done? thanks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Generally speaking a switch is just a current interrupter that can be placed theoretically anywhere within a system. I usually place them before the positive terminal of the first battery. There are different types of disconnects, so it's difficult to provide specific advisory from generalized input. The switch you purchased (or are purchasing) should come with some simple directions I would advise you reference before beginning. As with anything with electrical: If you don't know 110% for sure, then get a professionally to handle it locally.

[@mattsbrute]

You want to add the switch to the Positive side. Breaking the negative is pointless if your truck happens to be hooked to the camper because your are getting ground thru your trailer hitch and ball transferred to the rig. Always switch the positive. No exceptions. If your AC power is plugged in your getting ground thru that because its neutral bonded, meaning the neutral and earth ground are tied together because your camper sits on rubber tires so you have no earth ground. Your getting that ground thru the cord from the power panel your hooked too. Your camper generator is neutral bonded as well. Ive been wiring Government Communication vehicles for 32 years and Ive never seen a negative switch on 12v except on 50s and earlier vehicles that were Positive ground back then. They did positive ground to help prevent metal corrosion. Another option for battery drain is a inline diode but the switch is better.

[@estebanrodriguez5234]

Josh, what about lithium batteries? Are they a good option? I know they are expensive but can last longer. If money was no issue would you recommend them? Can they power TV's, etc.. thanks in advanced

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Lithium is great if you have the extra cash for them. Powering a TV doesn't require different batteries, but rather requires things like inverters to turn battery power into household power for household appliances like TVs Note 12v TVs do exist like those seen in Geo Pros

[@tedfisk1211]

We are considering two six volt batteries, as we do boondock. My question is this. When I want to recharge the two six volt batteries in series, to which positive and negative terminals do I attach the alligator clip from the solar panel? Thank you, Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Easiest way I can say it is "follow the leads off the trailer." Use the same terminals to which the RV's hot/ground lines are attached.

[@jeffwoodman2225]

I think I read somewhere that the Positive cable going from the batteries to the trailer, in parallel, and the Negative cable from the batteries to the trailer should be the same length? Is that accurate, or is it irrelevant? Thanks, Jeff

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That sounds like something that matters more in theory than practice. You'd have to have a LOOOOOOOT of extra wiring for resistance to be an issue.

[@jeffwoodman2225]

@@JoshtheRVNerd, thanks. Jeff

[@licenseguru7025]

What gauge wire did you use?

[@stevenmitchell1240]

Really enjoy your videos especially for educational purposes... sorry I couldn't do business with you.

[@garymarrs2270]

the reason the wiring color would be different Is when doing 12v work Its always going to be red + and black -: However, when doing 120 work white Is hot black Is - and green Is neutral and 220v is the same with red being your second 120 hot leg and a common ground.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Sometimes on trailers it's white and black on the tongue with black being the hot line. It's weird like that.

[@Weak_juan]

Great video Josh. Is it recommended to run 2 12v of the same group (size?) or does it not matter much for 12v since its parallel?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You always want all of your batteries to be as close to identical as possible (which also includes physical age)

[@DDSportspa]

Josh, I have a 2022 Transcend with a solar panel, can I add a second battery to my unit?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Absolutely. You could add as many batteries as you want. Just keep in mind it will take the solar panel longer to charge them up as you add more batteries. Think of it like just adding a bigger gas tank

[@snake_king]

When adding a second battery, what gauge of wire should be used to parallel the second battery? Same gauge as what's existing from the first battery to the trailer or does it not matter? With our 2021 Shamrock, it came with additional wires (black and red) to connect the second battery, but I don't think they are the same gauge of wire what runs to the trailer from the first battery, if I recall correctly.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Apologies, I'm not an ace with that stuff. I know using at least the gauge used on the RV already is a logically good idea. I wouldn't use less

[@snake_king]

@@JoshtheRVNerd not a problem. I appreciate the response. I had the same initial thought as you.

[@robbrownstone]

Thanks for the video - if I have 4 12v batteries and one goes bad, does it effect all of them or does it just reduce the amount of power reserve? Thanks!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It sort of depends on HOW it goes bad. Often "one bad apple spoils the bunch" so it's good to test each battery each season (or perhaps after a storm)

[@TonyYarusso]

One big concern with additional batteries is the impact on tongue weight. If you use a heavier gauge wire to account for the loss over the longer run, are there any other caveats to relocating batteries somewhere further back than originally? Also, do the trailer’s battery charge level indicators still read accurately?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The battery level monitor will work the same as you're still providing the same quantity of power to the RV -- just for a longer period. You can move batteries as you please, though it's tricky to do so when an RV isn't designed with that in mind. Additionally, it's important to keep them properly ventilated.

[@lorenpinger3925]

My RV solar panels are keeping my two 12V deep cycle batteries charged just fine but I would like to have them keep my under the hood starting battery charged also. How would I wire this ?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hi Loren! Sounds like maybe you have a motorhome? You might need a dual charge controller to run the wires also to the chassis battery

[@lorenpinger3925]

@@JoshtheRVNerd thanks. I will look into that

[@kennethjinkins8967]

Thanx

[@shillbro]

I'm going to add a 2nd 12v battery. The first battery is 405 cca and manufactured in 11/20. Two questions. Do the cca amps need to match perfectly and how far apart in age is safe?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I always recommend making batteries match as closely as possible. Basically they'll only work up to the point of the "weakest link." IDEALLY you'd want to get two fresh batteries But non-matching won't hurt you -- just may not get the FULL benefit

[@michaelrowe7194]

So i currently have a 2 12v system with solar. I want to add a third battery. Can I wire a 3rd 12v battery in parallel. Usually I see even numbers of batteries but will it hurt anything to run a total of 3 12v batteries?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

No that the point of parallel. You could have 15 of them if parallel Keep in mind a system of batteries like that is essentially only as good as the weakest link.

[@michaelrowe7194]

@@JoshtheRVNerd awesome I appreciate the feed and appreciate the detailed video!

[@wsupharmguy]

For a solar trickle charge (two 12v in parallel), do you connect the + clamp to battery #1 and the - clamp to battery #2? Or both to #1/#2? Or do you need two trickle chargers charging each separately?

[@mattsbrute]

You can do it in your first scenario and trickle both together. Its still 12v you just essentially made a high Amp hour battery by combining 2.

[@projectmayhembronco5457]

Only use one charger, never two. When hooking up two 12 volt batteries in a parallel circuit it makes no difference if you hook up positive to battery 1 and negative to battery 2, or if you hook up both positive and negative to battery 1. Either way it will charge both batteries. When batteries are hooked up in a parallel circuit, you are essentially making one big battery; anything you do to one, also gets done to the other. It would make a difference if you were using two 6 volt batteries in series; then you have to hook positive to battery 1 and negative to battery 2 when charging.

[@stuntcardriver]

So do I need super heavy cables between the batteries? The camper connections are 8 gauge. Why would I need 4 gauge between the batteries?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You need wiring appropriate for the amount of juice running through in the area. Too much won't hurt. Not enough can be a problem. No joke -- saw someone trade in an RV who "custom wired" multiple batteries with lampshade cords...

[@phillipkramer4834]

Shouldn't they be charging whenever my generator is connected and running or the trailer lights are running and hooked up to the truck?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Generally yes. The truck does need a charge line run thru the 7-way plug. Not ALL of them do

[@phillipkramer4834]

@@JoshtheRVNerd which is the 7 way plug? Is that the 220 coming out of the back that goes to the generator or the one that hooks up to the truck while driving? Both of the 40 Amp fuses were blown I noticed a few minutes after I messaged you.

[@arlingtongroceryoutlet4140]

Can you add a 12v battery to the current setup of two 6v as a supplement?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Interesting question! THEORETICALLY yes, but you basically have to wire the two 6vs in series, then parallel that with the 12v And in the end you're basically defeating the purpose of what you're trying to accomplish. Best advice I can give regarding multiple batteries is always try to use copies of the exact same battery. The more things are identical the better off you'll be.

[@helenpeipi1493]

Which way do you put 2x6v batteries into my motorhome

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I don’t know how to answer beyond “as demonstrated in the video”

[@JannaMontanna]

We have two 12 volt batteries, wired in parallel, with the trailer positive to one of the battery’s positive, and the trailer’s neg to the other battery’s negative. But what I’m not real sure about is that there are other wires that have to be connected to the batteries too. Can’t remember what they’re all for but one is to the electric hitch, I think one to the battery cut-off switch, and I can’t remember the others, (maybe to the emergency brakes). But so long as positive goes to positive and negative goes to negative, does it matter which battery those wires go to, or do they all have to be divided equally between the two batteries like the trailer wires are?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I can't see what you see. I won't even begin to try to troubleshoot something like this. As stressed in the video "If you don't know, then visit your local professional."

[@greywerld2195]

Rule of thumb usually is that anything "extra" connects at the same point as the main connections. There may be exceptions, but if you're not sure, like Josh said, let a professional do it.

[@ImmaHogg]

Can someone place a link to a set of the cables I can use to link 2 batteries in parallel? Thanks

[@ehavlice]

Thank you for this video. Good class

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You are welcome!

[@commonsenseguy8189]

Why did you not show how to connect 6 6v batteries? :) Advanced class using both series and parallel wiring! :)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Simply use the series method for dual 6v Again -- this is intentionally recorded to provide basic info for people. Folks should let professionals handle advanced wiring.

[@coevers1962]

Josh- the link to the wiring diagram is dead. 😞

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY -- we did a complete website overhaul which broke a few things. Fixing it now. Here's a direct link for your convenience: www.haylettautoandrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiring-Multiple-Batteries-scaled.jpg

[@coevers1962]

@@JoshtheRVNerd thank you! I used it today to add a second battery.

[@scottoconnor811]

What gauge wires do you use to connect the two 12 volt batteries?

[@mattsbrute]

Depends on wire length. If the batteries are side by side i would use a 2 gauge cable. 2 gauge at 2ft is good for 200amps. Its a little overkill but bigger is better. You dont want voltage drop. At work we use huge 00 gauge cable for battery banks but those pull serious power in Communication trucks. Campers don't really pull any big power. Capacity is more important and the goal of 2 battery's. If it did pull high amperage it wouldnt be able to run on one cheesy little low amp hour battery they stick in them.

[@tessiersolange3026]

mercie josh tres bonne ide

[@kathleenneves2937]

Link to Wiring Helper Guide reference is no longer available.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Well crap. Our website was updated since then. I’ll have to re-upload and fix. Thank you!!

[@jessika2412]

The Motorhome we bought have 4 12v batteries for the rv and 2 for the truck part. The previous owner had batteries wires but not sure if he has it correct. How would you parallel wire 4 (12v). Can u send a diagram?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I show you how to do it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2LCgayeg8-foKs But with batteries if it wasn't done correctly, then chances are... *You'd Know*

[@cheesebob1212]

great video. i do have a question and hope you can help. i have a dodge caravan i have converted into a stealth boondocking vehicle and it is my home 3 to 4 days a week from may until mid october. i have small basic solar and im working on revamping my battery bank. i had used 2 huge deep cycle batterys in back and a bypassable high output start battery ment exclusively for starting. my goal is to add this pair of john deere strong box 6v batteries to my bank, or if required, to make a somewhat seperate secondary bank using these two 6v. my questions and concerns lie within the aspect of current flow, charging, utilizing my solar, and combining with my existing setup. these 6v batterys are quite large and were VERY pricey and i know they would hugely benifit my needs, im just seeking any advice or tips so i dont turn MyDaily/my house onto a giant arc welder. thank you for your time :).

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You have a custom setup that we cannot properly understand without seeing it. I think it's best something like this be handled by someone locally who can physically see everything. Visual references would be key here.