How to connect 2 12 volt batteries

[mazboy]

here is the correct way to wire 2 12 volt batteries. this way it doubles your current (amps)

http://www.batteriesnorthwest.com/ba...cfm?TID=6#ANC6

even my dealer did not know how to do this installation.

[8.1al]

A lot of interesting reading there, thanks for the link

[bncinwv]

I elected to keep the batteries separate (as on a boat with starting and house batteries), because of the manner in which we use the rig. Our rig is kept at a mini-storage facility and when we take trips, I have to go to the lot and pre-cool the fridge. We were finding that the combined load of the fridge and the "other" loads would drain the battery. This resulted in some hand cranking, since there was not juice left to either start the generator or extend the front legs. By having a separately wired battery and a marine type isolation switch, even if the battery is drawn down, I can simply switch to the other battery now to fire up the genny or extend legs, etc. If we did parallel the batteries, obviously the charge life would be extended, but I prefer having the "spare" current available at the flip of a switch. Just a rambling confirmation that some things are not a "fits all" approach since the circumstances are different depending on the needs. As always, not a recommendation or condemnation of any method, just relaying what we have done for information purposes.
Bingo

[DQDick]

Interesting article. Thanks.