Wiring 12v Batteries in Series or Parallel + Charging Tips!

Welcome to today's video on wiring 12v batteries in series or parallel, PLUS some charging tips and wiring suggestions! Over the last couple of years, we've discussed how to install a multiple bank battery charging system, how to wire up a trolling motor and other videos on marine batteries, but I still get questions on what the difference is between wiring a battery in series versus wiring a battery in parallel. So if you're still not clear on wiring 12v batteries in series or parallel, this is the video for you!
We'll also cover my thoughts on the best way to be charging your batteries as well as some quick tips on the correct types of wiring you should be using on your boat.
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(¯`·._.· LINKS FROM THE VIDEO! ·._.·´¯)
➡️ How to install an onboard boat battery charger: • How to Install an Onbo...
➡️ What kind of batteries do I need for my boat: • What kind of Batteries...
➡️ How to install wiring for a 24v Minn Kota trolling motor with a circuit breaker: • How to properly instal...
➡️ The truth about Lithium batteries - myths vs truth: • The Truth About Lithiu...
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Tight lines my friends :)
(¯`·._.· CHAPTERS ·._.·´¯)
0:00 Introduction!
1:00 Series vs Parallel Explained
2:23 Wiring Tips
3:27 How to Wire in Series
6:06 How to Wire in Parallel
8:20 Charging Explained
10:14 Final Thoughts
11:00 NEW WINNER!
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[@DanRichardFishing]

I'm back! Hope you enjoy today's video and congratulations to @King78Cobra on being the next name draw in the 30 Days of Baits contest! Will winner #3 finally claim their prize?! DM me on Instagram or Facebook and it's all yours! Thanks everyone, love you guys!

[@vulvo4763]

Thank you

[@shamsu-deenmusah6838]

How many battery's will you need for 3000watts inverter to power 1kv transmitter pls

[@melharth667]

I have a 23 foot tahoe deck boat. The batteries were originally in series for the trolling motor. Trolling motor has now been abandoned. Do I still need three batteries? Two? One? I am assuming I will now wire them in parallel, which would give me all day live well and stereo. One cranking battery and two deep cycle, which I just bought new. Is two enough? Thanks so much!

[@stogie0608]

Who knew Steve-O was into this kinda stuff.

[@DanRichardFishing]

🤣🤣🤣 this is what I do when I'm not working on my jackass films 🤫

[@kennethgrimes5494]

Looks like him ,he does.

[@nonliberal9642]

Lmao...I cant unsee it😂....good video though, answered all my questions....

[@TheF150flareside]

I thought same thing

[@crakilldurmom]

And has been hitting thr glorious house of gains

[@affemannen13]

Hands down one of the best in-depth educational videos about serial and parallel wiring of 12v batteries out there. Excellent job, great content and thank you!

[@tylertowler7801]

I watched like 30 videos to find out how many banks per batteries if two were in parallel. Glad I stumbled across your channel. Thanks for the help!!!

[@philtarbox8256]

Good info Dan... you kept the explanation straight forward and simple... I always try to do the same when I'm teaching someone basic electronics

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thank you sir! :) Hope you're doing well Phil!

[@parkernelton1372]

i love the electrical tutorials helps a lot for people new to boats

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thank you so much! It's always nice to hear that my videos are helping people, it's why I made the channel in the first place! 🤓

[@rickyho7700]

Great video Dan, this video really help me understand the series vs parallel connection. Thanks so much for your tips.

[@DanRichardFishing]

You're very welcome sir, thank you so much for the comment!

[@outdoorsman9384]

Thanks so much for this video, I hooked mine up in parallel to make it a super 12 volt and I put my battery charger on the one battery and that will charge both you said , I'm hoping this works like a champ I went off every thing u said , so far everything seems to be looking up

[@geofferyhatten9116]

You are the first video to answer my question i appreciate you!!

[@mrtroll7755]

Very Helpful and thanks for the step by step Dan!

[@Vexeronix]

Thank you for this INFORMATIONAL GUIDE, I tried to put packs of AAAs in series when I tried to do parallel.

[@darinlieurance2817]

Good information on batteries. Thanks.

[@kitjohnson7972]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@DanRichardFishing]

You're very welcome :)

[@davismize]

Learned about the charging reasoning today thank you

[@jeffreypearson6140]

Dan, I run multiple batteries in RV and in Jeep. Always forget proper charging technique etc. Very clear, well done, video.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thank you so much!

[@brencostigan]

Precautionary note: When connecting batteries up in parallel make sure they are both in the same charge state and are identical specification. If one is fully charged and the other is say 50% charged then you run the risk of a very big bang when you make the final connection as the batteries attempt to equalise their charge state by a massive rapid exchange of energy between them. This problem doesn’t arise for serial connections since the battery voltages just get summed together and there is no pathway for them to exchange charge state with each other. So think of serial as adding voltages whilst keeping the current the same & parallel as adding currents while keeping the voltages the same.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Excellent point to bring up, you're absolutely right. Honestly in both scenarios I would prefer to have the same battery models and charge states and if you have an older setup with 4 - 5 year old batteries and one is no longer holding a charge, you should replace the whole set. Thanks so much for your comments!

[@gwagb27]

So what if you have 1 battery that’s a year old and one that is new? Charge them both before connecting them together?

[@richmarracino5977]

Well taught Dan! I'm coming here if I have questions down the road!😀

[@williamwilliam6714]

Thanx, information understood, finally ! Good communication skills.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Amazing, I'm glad it was helpful and thank you so much for the kinds words and for subscribing :)

[@animalworld0075]

Thanks for your time informative content

[@davidchaveriat4130]

Great video! Thanks

[@ballistics1]

Thanks you video answered the questions I had about hooking up the charging system on my 12v series set up for my 24v trolling motor very good 👍

[@DanRichardFishing]

Glad I could help!!

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

So do you charge it with a 24v charger

[@PoconoJoe]

thanks for the tips! I came for the battery tips but subbing for the fishing;) bell clicked:)

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thanks so much for the sub!! Tight lines!

[@sknightjr]

Awesome job

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thank you so much!

[@user-yn6px4oj8z]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.Sweet boat. Is that a Crestliner 1750 Fishhawk?

[@Relient77]

Hey Dan, do you use your onboard battery charger for your starting battery as well or just the trolling batteries? I have the Noco Genius genpro 10X3 but it's in the front of the boat with the trolling batteries and the starter battery is at the back of the boat, way out of reach of the cables. Should I be adding extensions and running it to the starter battery as well? Thanks! Great video as per usual.

[@artgarcia3531]

Thanks great info I'm new to this I will be using this for off the grid purposes I live in Mexico and having black outs just want to be ready question I should be able to run my fridge for an hour just to keep things cold correct please respond again great job Sir

[@crfishing1980]

By far the best on KZbin,

[@DanRichardFishing]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@michaelhoots1888]

While hooked up in series , can I still charge them individually? Or do I have to remove the wire connection making them run series ? Basically do I have to remove the wire everytime I want to charge them or can I leave it hooked up In series and charge them fine ?

[@mattpingel7742]

Great video!! What gauge wire or you using.

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

You have what it takes IMo to be successful on Youtbe . simple , clear, good voice, great information magnetic character......... yeh you have what it takes

[@alainrichard1369]

Great advise on 1 bank per battery for charging. I didn’t do this at first as the charger I had at the time put out enough amps to charge everything. I had 1 battery of 3 die on me but voltage didn’t drop so at first wasn’t detected until I threw some amps at it. Finally tested everything at the end of season and found the dead battery. Never again!

[@DanRichardFishing]

Yep, exactly why ideally you want 1 bank per. :)

[@Salsadepr40]

This episode happen to me a day ago. I had three 12V Battle Burn 100AMP Batteries in paralleled and the third one was dead! I don’t think is damage because these batteries are built to drop to 0 and then recharged back up to 100%. I just don’t know how to get this battery to charge up while using my car alternator. The other two batteries are charger perfectly and read 13.14V each. Don’t know why my third battery went dead. Any suggestions?

[@wiks101]

Thank You!

[@user-fu8xq3gw4e]

Hello and thank you have a great new year

[@michaelringhand8159]

Hey Dan you seem to understand agm charging in parallel and have very good videos. This my question I have a found a Ranger 1760 angler barely used but with the pro series dual bank charger for my trolling motor. When in parallel charging both batteries one for each bank I am getting a max combined 25.1 or basically 12.55 each when I charge them using the same dual bank not linked in parellel I get 13.5 roughly on each battery. I am thinking of putting a switch in between the parallel cable to basically turn off the connection while charging. What s your thoughts?

[@Isaac89189]

great job dan

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thank you!! :)

[@exmortis4404]

Love your videos Dan, have just caught up on a lot of your how too vids, and found them to be some of the best I have viewed. I have a 15yr old Stratos 476SF here on Golden Lake ON, I am about to embark on a multi-year electronics upgrade. Starting with an upgrade to GPS/Side scan unit, then on to a future upgrade of my trolling motor. I am seriously considering doing the install myself, some thanks to your videos, however I wanted to ask - I intend to use a Stern Saver Epoxy on mounting play for my Transducer, have you used or know anyone who has installed one?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thanks so much for watching my videos and I really hope it helps you install the units, it's really not that complicated, just need to take your time! I have not personally used a stern saver but I have heard amazing things about it and if the UHD transducers don't line up with my current GT transducer mount, I will absolutely get one and use it (the original one from sternsaver.com/ ) Good luck with your upgrades, I know it's a huge investment. I am also starting to upgrade and prepare for a new Panoptics system on the boat for the spring. I fish a ton of rivers and rely heavily on spotlock so I am shopping around for the best independent livescope mounting system that can be used while my trolling motor is in spotlock. We'll see what I cook up over the winter ;) Thanks again and good luck!

[@fredernani6710]

Thank you for this informative video! I have a very different application. I need to support my cpap when PG&E goes down which is much more frequent than in the past! I have a couple 12V 35AH AGM batteries and one only lasts me about 4 hours and wakes me up when it runs out! I was going to spend $1500 or so on a Li solar backup solution which is overkill. I may do that in the future for the fridge but my immediate need should be taken care of when connecting my two batteries and one new one ($65 on Amazon) to give me about 105AH. It should work and I can charge the batteries during the day off the very loud propane generator I turn off at night to prevent neighbors from killing me 😂. Thanks again!

[@DeviaNT628]

great video and great explanation ! my only question is .. if you changer your battery with your 110v at home and the batteries are in serie and you are using 2 12V battery for a 24v motor. wont the 110v bust your batteries 12v in series?

[@____Hugo____]

Just upgraded to a 24v TM, I’ll have my 2 batteries in series for it. I can use a 2 bank charger to charge each battery separately right, I believe that’s what I understood I’m just clarifying!? Great video as always!

[@DanRichardFishing]

You got it Hugo, that's exactly right!

[@glenntavalozzi5176]

hi dan....alittle confused... i have a 24 volt t/m can i hook these optimas in parrelle and run this motor or do i have to run it series to maintain my 24 volts?

[@guywilson780]

I just installed a fish finder for the first time. It is 12v Lawrence 7" screen and rated for .75a. What aH and type of battery(s) do you recommend?

[@richardharrold4357]

delivered so a knuckle head like me can understand. Thanks partner.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Haha my pleasure bud, take care!

[@jennystreeter8019]

Thanks!

[@DanRichardFishing]

WOW! Jenny thank you so much for the Super Like, that is so generous of you!! I'm so happy you found this video helpful to you, thanks again! ❤

[@saviourazzopardi9941]

Hi if you have In serious setup 36v you can charge it with your Alternator ?

[@jeffthrower4981]

Thank you for showing me how to parallel my trolling batteries For my 12 V trolling motor And when I set up my 2 charger maintainers I hook up one maintainer to battery 1 Then I hook up the 2nd Is charger maintainer to battery 2 as if I was charging them separate Correct Thank you

[@DanRichardFishing]

You got it! Thanks for the comment :)

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

How about when they are in series to make 12 V a 24 V battery. Should I use a 24v charger

[@HighToneRanger]

Thanks Stevo.

[@accordru]

Hi Dan. I have two 12v batteries connected together which makes 24v. How do i charge them with 2 bank charger? Do i need to disconnect the wire that connects them together before i charge them? Thank you.

[@KarthikPraveen-lk9hf]

Hi Dan, how do i make a series connection with an anderson plug?

[@pscheppele]

So if I have 2 6volt wired in series. I would connect each battery on its own + and - . Also would I charge them on 6v setting or 12v

[@thomnea89]

hey mate thanks for this video but what do you call Battery bank for charging both batteries ? is it VSR Isolator ? Cheers

[@DanRichardFishing]

If you're charging source is only a single bank and you have multiple batteries then yes you can use a VSR (voltage sensitive relay) but I always recommend going with one Bank per battery so that you have proper battery monitoring and testing for each individual battery.

[@csud9540]

Thanks for the tutorial, I have two 12 volt 160 amp battery’s linked in series. Could I use two separate 12 volt chargers, one on each battery?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Yes, absolutely that would be fine.

[@anthony32003]

@@DanRichardFishing would I need to disconnect the batteries from each other to charge them?

[@eduardogarcia5398]

What size gauge are you using on those cables ? For the Series Connection

[@Tonycoscione]

When you have 2 - 12v's set up in series for a 24v system, such as in a diesel truck, you said you must charge them individually, but what if you have a charger cable of 24v charging?

[@sutv6754]

Dan you videos are the very best and I learn and get you. You channel is gold for me. Thank You. I have a deep cycle Die Hard M27-1 It is 105 ah. It's not enough for my excursions so I'm getting another Battery to wire in parallel. I see Walmart has a nice Ever Start Group Size 24DC (12 Volt/690 MCA) which is 101 ah. The diehard is 105ah. Is it ok to mix them up. The Walmart one is 50 bucks cheaper. What would you do? I think perhaps it would be best to match the batteries but I'm not sure. Please advise.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Wow thank you so much for the kinds words, I love that my videos have helped you! Sorry it took so long to reply but I would not recommend mixing different brands/models of batteries in a parallel or series setup, not to mention you'll have an older battery mixed with a new one. I would honestly recommend you match them so it's the same batteries. I mean, it will definitely work, but the batteries will not drain evenly and you'll likely discharge one much more than the other and that one will likely get scrapped quicker than it should. Hope that helps and thanks again for subscribing to my videos :)

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks.

[@scottblack4016]

I use a flat steel plate to join the negative and positive, it holds both batteries together. No extra wires and very stable

[@jdiez6830]

do you have to disconnect the batteries in series in order to charge them individually? Thanks.

[@Isaac89189]

GREAT VIDEOOOOOOOO:)))

[@DanRichardFishing]

Thanks!! :)

[@garylittle7960]

We’re getting 2 Dakato 12v 18ah batteries. Do you recommend charging separately with a 12v 3 amp charger or using Dakota 24v 5 amp in series. Not sure if we going to run in series or parallel for the livescope. What’s your suggestion.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi Gary, sorry for taking so long to get back to you! So normally I always recommend you run 1 bank per battery... if you don't you can't take advantage of the diagnostics of the charger. So if you're charging a parallel setup and a battery goes, the charger onboard diagnostics won't tell you which one. But here's the thing... not all battery chargers CAN charge with a separate bank per battery when in parallel. I'm doing a video about this soon, but I recently found out that the new generation of NOCO GENPRO 10X series cannot be wired this way... you can only use 1 bank for the entire parallel setup. So all this to say, you need to validate if the charger you want can be wired 1 bank per battery be it in series or in parallel and you really need to decide on how you want your batteries to be configured (series or parallel) and check with the charger manufacturer if you can do 1 bank per battery either way. Don't rely on the documentation... the restriction I mentioned above with the NOCO is NOWEHERE in their instruction manual.

[@waterskijunkie]

I don’t understand why o wouldn’t just keep the 12 battery for my 12 volt trolling motor separate. Is it because the alternator charges trolling g motor battery? Also what is the bank that you refer to that charges the battery?

[@ronyasmar4720]

I have 4 200ah 12 v tubular batteries connected in series , please what is the maximum charging current for them ? I'm using 60A . I'm affraid that I'm using high curent and I damage them.Thanks

[@garyrhew5901]

Dan, I’m looking to put a trolling motor on my 22’ Pathfinder. I want to go with the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 36v. I see there are 36v single batteries and would love to have only one battery versus 3 however, does the same principle apply, when connecting a battery charger? One battery, one bank? And would you have a recommendation for a particular battery charger? Thank you in advance for your help and keep up the great videos! It’s much appreciated. Mike

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi there! Glad you asked this question and sorry I didn't see this until now! You would absolutely just need 1 charger with 1 bank, but you would need to find a 36v battery charger specifically for that battery. You can't use a regular 12v charger. If you do look in to getting a 36v, I would recommend you reach out to the manufacturer and ask what charger they recommend. I know Dakota Lithium sells an 8 amp and 18 amp charger for lithium batteries (I am assuming you are looking at a 36v lithium) and you can check those out at dakotalithium.com/12v-24v-36v-48v-lithium-battery-chargers/ and they are currently on sale for $100 off. Hope that helps!

[@garyrhew5901]

Thank you for replying and the advice. I was hoping it was that easy! Much appreciated!!

[@ccd5068]

How do you wire 2 batteries (24 v trolling motor) in series with a 2 bank (12v each) charger? I don’t want to have to unwire the trolling motor to charge the batteries individually. I want to leave onboard charger and trolling motor connected. Then just unplug charger AC cable and take off. Thanks!

[@colebennett1433]

How do you charge the batteries that are in series ? I plan on bowfishing with 2 12v batteries for a 24 volt trolling motor . I want to charge the batteries at some point of the nights …

[@RonMTube]

According to NOCO tech support, two batteries in parallel have to be on a single bank of the charger. However, with two 100 Ah batts you are over the max capacity of that bank. In my case with the NOCO genius GEN5X3 the capacity has to be under 124 Ah. I had to wire disconnect switches between my two parallel batteries so they could be charged with individual banks.

[@TonyGruber2009]

Thank you for the video! I have a question. Can two batteries be hooked up in series for a 24 volt trolling motor and also run 12 volt fish finder graphs at 12 volts if the graphs are hooked up to just one of the batteries? Thanks, Tony

[@DanRichardFishing]

Yes, you can absolutely no this but I would highly recommend you avoid doing this because hooking up your graphs to the same batteries as your trolling motor almost guarantees interference on the graphs when the trolling motor is running.

[@TonyGruber2009]

@@DanRichardFishing Okay, thank you very much for letting me know about that likely issue!

[@georgetollefsen994]

Can you suggest a blue tooth monitor for three 12v lithium batteries in series for 36v power. Thanks George Tollefsen

[@rustyc521]

When charging the batteries that are in series with separate chargers,does the jumpers to make the series have to be taken out when charging them individually?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Nope, not at all. I used to do it that way before I got the onboard bank charger and never disconnected the crossover cable.

[@tnbass2833]

I run my trolling motor on 2 batteries in parallel and my trolling motor is hardwired. I keep a butterfly nut on the negative my trolling motor connects to. It's easier to take off quickly and if you forget your tools you can still connect it easily enough at the lake. My batteries came with regular nuts but since the negative connection gets removed often the butterfly nut is much easier.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Yeah mine all came with butterfly nuts when I got the boat but I ended up removing them as I was concerned about having a really solid connection that would stay secure. I personally don't have an issue with anyone using them, although some die-hards would scream at me if I suggested using them in one of my videos lol!

[@idied2]

I'm naking my first lil power station and came across this on looking up series and parallel as well as charging. Because the toolbox im using can hold 8 12v 5A batteries. Got 4 so far, then realized how I'm gonna charge em. All so using them withba 300 watt inverter.

[@Bo88y22]

Your post makes no sense.

[@idied2]

@@Bo88y22 learning curve

[@attackscorpion5323]

I have 24v and two 12v batteries. Can I wire the two 12v in series basically making it 24v and then wire the two 12v and 24v in parallel? I guess I could just buy another 24v and make things easier.

[@SilentBobber91]

If running parallel do the two batteries have to match? Say I have a 50ah battery and a 100 ah battery. Will that give me 150ah? And will it effect anything having them mismatched?

[@jonathanwombles5004]

So if i got a 24v trolling motor i got two tracker lithium batteries says i can’t run in series does that mean i can’t make them 24v for my trolling motor

[@KevinJohnson-wh6nz]

So I have 2 12v batteries in series for a 24V system. CAN I CHARGE THEM WHEN THEY ARE CONNECTED USING A BANK TRICKLE CHARGER? DO I NEED ONE CHARGER FOR EACH BATTERY? AND IS IT OK IF THE BATTERIES REMAIN CONNECTED WHEN THEY ARE BEING CHARGE? Help please. Thanks

[@93Golfcoursemaintenance]

Would you have any clue why my negative fuse in NOCO gen5 battery charger keep blowing when my 2 12v batteries are hooked up in series for my trolling motor?

[@DanRichardFishing]

That's super strange Jake, definitely not normal. Are you 100% sure your wiring setup is done correctly? has it being doing this since you installed the charger or it was fine and suddenly started doing this?

[@miketurpin6687]

Hey Dan, great explanation and video of wiring series and parallel batteries! One question I have is: my boat has 2 batteries wired in series for my trolling motor and 1 battery for starting the motor. When charging the batteries for the trolling motor, do I need to disconnect the 2 12v batteries from each other and charge them individually or can I leave the system wiring in tact while individually charging each battery? Sorry for the long question! Haha! thanks!

[@DanRichardFishing]

This is a great question I get a lot and no, you definitely do not need to undo your wiring to charge. You would need a 3 bank charger and connect each bank to each battery and charge as needed :) No need to disconnect anything!

[@stevenichols4060]

@@DanRichardFishing i read your "no need to disconnect series connections for charging". I had extra batteries (4 total) so i actually did parallel and series for 24 volts. Can i charge all batteries individually without disconnecting parallel connections as well?

[@stevenichols4060]

I fish a 28 foot boat on ocean in 15 mph winds and the terrova runs at high speed continously. I want to use outboard's 12v alternator to charge 24v battery or batteries in series while still running troller off the battery or batteries. Have you done this yet and have a video to instruct me?

[@DanRichardFishing]

You can definitely do this (charge multiple batteries in series) but it's a bit more complicated and I do not have experience in doing this. There's a couple of ways to do it, but the most common method is with something called a battery isolator or you can do it with a manual battery selector. I have not made a video on this but here's a quick 3 minute video that explains it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3mXnYR_ob6pgrs

[@Mangesmith]

Oi! Id like to charge 2 batteries that are parallel connected with 2 chargers for the shortest possible charging time. 2 identical batteries with 2 identical chargers. Do i have to disconnect them from being in parallel in order to charge them with a charger each?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi Magnus, this depends on the charger, you need to double-check the instructions to see if the charger can charge batteries individually in a parallel setup or if you can only use 1 bank wire for your entire battery bank. So for example my old battery charger you could just directly connect each battery to each bank no problem, but my current charger does not support that. Hope that helps!

[@pederman15]

have two12 volt in series. can each battery be charged individually with a 12 volt charger without unhooking them

[@stevenolmstead]

I use (2) of these batteries in series to power a three-wheel golf push cart. A round of golf normally lasts about 4 hours. Should I charge the batteries after each use?

[@DanRichardFishing]

That's a great question, what's the voltage of the batteries after 1 use? Honestly I would make it a habit of charging them each time but check the voltage and maybe it's not necessary. Anything at 12.3v or under for a lead acid battery, I would charge it.

[@ivanlark]

do you have to disconnect the cables on the batteries when you plug them into the banks like will it throw it off if they're not isolated? or do you just clamp them regardless

[@DanRichardFishing]

Great question, and no you don't have to disconnect any of your wiring when you hook up the charging cables. I do however recommend that you unplug your trolling motor when you are charging your batteries. If your trolling motor is hardwired you may want to install a switch.

[@mardak]

@@DanRichardFishing But all the batteries would still be connected in parallel, so how would the chargers be isolated? I don't see how the diagnostic capabilities of the chargers could see the individual batteries they are connected to when everything is connected to everything else (including the other chargers), but I'm not an electrical engineer. Anyone care to clear this up?

[@magnump.i.7998]

@@DanRichardFishing Dan, I have two 12v deep cycles wired in series for a 24v trolling motor. And I have a 3 bank genie onboard charger. So when I charge trolling batteries do I connect positive to positive and negative to negative on one battery and the same on the second battery like there separate? And do I have to disconnect anything at the batteries before charging?

[@osvaldotrevino1991]

on the parallel setup can you wire the device on the same battery, or it has to be one positive to one battery and negative to the other battery?

[@DanRichardFishing]

You need to use both batteries, so positive to battery 1, negative to battery 2. Thanks for the question!

[@MrBofficial0913]

Can I connect 4 12v deep cycle battery in series/parallel and 1 24v deep cycle battery together?

[@Bo88y22]

Modern chargers can and do charge a whole battery bank. A Ctek MXS10 can charge up to 300 amp hrs at once from discharge. It will recondition, desulphate and fully restore full capacity as well as diagnose faults.

[@StarClay666]

Hi, me and my friends wired 3 12V car batteries in parallel and for some reason the car has 16V when engine is on and over 13V when it's off. Do you know why? The batteries are new and identical.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi there, reading 13 volts after a 12v battery has been charging via a charger or the charging system/alternator of an engine is completely normal. 12v VRLA (lead acid based batteries) consist of 6 cells, each of 2.2 volts. So PEAK voltage on all these combined is technically 13.3v and after 24 - 48 hours, the voltage will settle (resting voltage) to around 2.1v per cell, or 12.6 - 12.7 volts. The 16v is because your engine's charging system is engaged and your alternator is charging your batteries. Typically you should see your battery voltage increase to 14.6 - 14.8 so I am not sure why yours would be going to 16v. You may have a 16v alternator or it may be related to something else in your vehicle's charging system. Hope that helps!

[@f6pilot7]

A question TOTALLY not related to fishing, BUT, you seem to know a lot about batteries. I have an automatic gate opener powered by a 12 marine battery and charged by a small solar panel. It's in a box out in the pasture so I'm not sure of its capacity, but it's fairly beefy. I am replacing the opener with a different brand that requires 24v. I am all good on how to connect in series so no problem there. I also have a 350cca garden tractor battery spare battery in my garage. My first thought is that it would probably be crazy, but I don't know. Could I connect those in series to run the gate opener? I know I don't need 2 marine batteries, don't want to have to buy another, and just buying another 350cca and using those two would probably be sufficient. Not sure however because the manufacture says I need two 12v auto batteries. BUT, since I already have these two I thought I would ask. Don't want to start a prairie fire, you know. Thanks.

[@johnlong9534]

I have three batteries. Two for the 24v trolling motor and one for the 12v engine starter. Can I take one of the batteries used for the trolling motor and wire it in parallel to the starter motor battery. My voltage to the starter motor should still be 12 v but with more cranking power and the voltage to the trolling motor should still be 24 volts. I use a three bank charger. Will this work? If not, why?

[@qfastqfast]

So I’m running 24v in series. Should I unhook them and charge them or is there a way to run them and charge them up correctly

[@johnbutler5208]

Buy a 24 volt battery charger.

[@josesandoval4234]

Hello, on my Rv I have 2 14 volt batteries connected together as the following: the + and - wires coming from the rv are connected to the first batteries terminals, then from the first battery to the second battery those terminals i have + to the other + of the second battery and the - from the first battery to the second - terminal. I thought this was called parallel. But the way you connected your parallel example is different from mine. I also do have an inverter

[@williamallen8767]

Can you wire 2 different battery types in parallel? For instance a starting battery and a dual purpose battery.

[@DanRichardFishing]

Theoretically yes you can it will work, but in terms of battery durability and long-term life, it's not a good idea, it's always recommended that you have the same battery with the same specs connected in series or in parallel.

[@blayomusic]

If I have 4 batteries in series to equal 48 v can I add 1 12 volt battery in parallel to increase the amps? Basically, I have an electric scooter and I want to add a removable car battery in parallel that I will charge separately. The goal is giving the thing a bit more run time. I understand a car battery is not optimal but it's what I have lying around lol.. and it's brand new. I also have an extra SLA but it is a bit older and dying out a bit.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

I understand everything you said. That's information that I already knew. I'm sure I know the answer to this question, but I can't get a definitive answer online. When charging the batteries for my 24 volt trolling motor that are wired in series. I just took the two bank battery charger up to each battery the way you would normally and charge it normally without any issues correct

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

This is what I've been looking for. I can't seem to find a straight Answer about it. seems to me when they are wired in series for 24 V they should be charged with a 24 v charger. from what I understand a 12 V charger will charge them but will take longer because they are wired in series to 24 V

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

@@JamesWhite-tg4kw that's what I did. Because you can still charge them individually as 12-volt batteries treated just like they're not wired up in series. No work just fine charges normally

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

So you just charge them in series with one 24 v charger

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

No charge them individually with 12 volt chargers. I have a 12 volt three bank charger and each bank is hooked up to one of the 12 volt batteries acting like nothing's wired in series and it's three individuals. The third one being my starting battery. You might be able to use a 24-volt charger and hook it up the same way you would your trolling motor. But I'm not sure if that would ruin the batteries

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

See that is the answer I'm looking for so when you charge these batteries individually with a 12v charger do you unhook the cable going from the positive of one battery to the negative of the other battery so it is not in series like a 24 v

[@Jstars200]

Do the batteries need to have the same ratings for comnecting in parallel?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Yes. Ideally they are the same brand, same specs and bought at the same time. At the very least they need to be the same capacity rating or you risk severely lowering the life expectancy of whichever battery has the lower specs

[@michaelmorse2216]

How do you hook 4 batteries up together where 2 are in parallel and 2 are in series ?

[@adventurebsn-rt2202]

Do you need to disconnect the batteries when charging each one individually

[@t00dy11]

Somehow it shouldn't be an issue but I can understand why where there is an issue and that's related to them being separate to begin with. Not all batteries are the same even if you bought the with the same specs and brand... I found that the batteries charge at full capacity when charging individually.. maybe 85 to 90 percent capacity when in series... But voltage will be there either way... weird but these lifep04 batteries charge fast anyways compared to lead..

[@cjrichfishing]

New subscriber here. I have questions. Maybe you can help. I have two 12v starter batteries ran parallel with a dual bank charger in the stern of the boat. I also have two 12v deep cycles ran in series in the bow for my 24v trolling motor. My trolling motor batteries do not have a charger. Should I install a 3 bank charger to charge all four batteries and just have one bank charge the two batteries ran parallel? Or should I install a complete separate dual bank charger in the bow of the boat? I just don't want to deal with running two extension cords from the house. Also, the boat is 19ft long. Is it even possible to charge batteries that far apart from each other with the same 3 bank system? Thanks!

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi Chris, thanks so much for the sub! To answer your question, you should actually be installing a 4 bank charger, which are readily available just like a 3 bank :) And yes you can extend the wires, most charger manufacturers sell extensions you can add to any bank wire not long enough, or you can make your own with the gauge they recommended. Hope that helps!

[@cjrichfishing]

@@DanRichardFishing thanks so much for the reply!

[@bestillandknowthatuaregod]

when you hook them this way are the Amps stay the same or they double?

[@DanRichardFishing]

Well amperage isn't pushed by the batteries, it's pulled by the electric device that needs the power, so the unit will pull whatever amps it needs and the battery system will provide it.

[@bestillandknowthatuaregod]

​@@DanRichardFishingfor 10 batts hooked in parallel 12v 70 amp each would a 80a circuit breaker installed between the batts and the charge controller be ok or is has to be greater amp breaker?

[@adamlogan8161]

Joining 2 batteries in series or parallel increases capacity equally, the difference between 12v and 24v is a motor of equal wattage say 300w will pull half the amps when run at 24v compared to 12v. measuring the batteries in watt hours oppose to amp hours will give you the same value. Here is a detailed video on how to calculate and understand watt hours kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5DOqICrhsaMjqM

[@DanRichardFishing]

Hi Adam, thanks for the comment! Sure, that makes sense, there's nothing you can do that technically increases the set capacity of a battery, the difference in parallel vs series is simply how the power is consumed. As you said, the different is that 30 amps at 24v pulls twice the wattage as 30 amps at 12v (720 watts vs 360 watts) hence why the AH on a 24v series setup doesn't double up when thinking of how long something will last vs a 12v parallel setup. I think it's generally just easier to think of everything in amps but you can certainly think of it in terms of watts as well. We tend to go with AH because it involves less math... most marine devices list power consumption in terms of amps @ nominal voltage so no one bothers to run the wattage conversion. Thanks again for your comment!

[@stevenolmstead]

I just bought 2 new lithium 12v 10ah batteries. Do I need to charge them - or do they come precharged? Thanks!

[@DanRichardFishing]

You'll need to charge them fully yourself, they are legally not allowed to ship them fully charged I believe it's only 60% of charge or something along those lines.

[@stevenolmstead]

@@DanRichardFishing Thanks Dan!

[@gusgauthier4006]

With two 12v batteries, should you read 24 volts from positive to negative from one battery to another on both ends of the batteries? I read 24v from negative to positive between both batteries on one end of the batteries, but not on the other end.

[@gusgauthier4006]

I forgot to add that the batteries are wired in series.