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Batteries disconnect

AKnate

Icehole
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Member Number
4908
Messages
1,263
I have an 08 Dodge 5500 that keeps killing batteries.
It'll be fine for months, then out if the blue, batteries are dead. Seems to happen moreso when it's cold, so then the batteries freeze.

I've tried testing for battery draws, and it's fine. Whatever it is, it's cold related and very intermittent.

Was thinking of installing a master switch, like is used on a lot of equipment.

Usually that's easy, switch goes between battery and ground. Of course Dodge has to be stupid and each battery has separate grounds and power feeds to various things.

Could unhook the batteries, though that's a bit of a PITA. I'd need to redo the terminals too, they wouldn't handle the constant fiddling with.
 
Do you park where you can plug in? Had a similar issue and did this: Amazon.com

I installed it under the hood, permanently mounted, and used a boat bulkhead port on the bumper. Batteries stay topped up.

That or install a solar panel/charge controller if you get enough sun through the clouds in your area.
 
clodhopper said:
Do you park where you can plug in? Had a similar issue and did this: Amazon.com

I installed it under the hood, permanently mounted, and used a boat bulkhead port on the bumper. Batteries stay topped up.

That or install a solar panel/charge controller if you get enough sun through the clouds in your area.
Click to expand...
Beat me to it.:laughing:
 
+1 on battery tender
Best investment for seldom used equipment.

Besides the pita of needing 2 and the hassles involved, maybe something like an electronic bank isolation gizmo?

Or the terminal disconnect deals for the battery posts?
 
Stingray said:
If you can't plug in, a portable solar panel would help. keeping the batteries charged and warm is probably better than isolating them.
Click to expand...
No nearby outlet where it's parked and it's dark ~20hrs a day in winter.
 
battery Dis connect is your friend then. would a 100 foot cord get to your rig. because the cheap 4 am battery tender harbor freight sells is the cats meow, i had the same issue till i got this bad boy. 30 bucks on black friday got 3 of them.
 
clodhopper said:
Do you park where you can plug in? Had a similar issue and did this: Amazon.com

I installed it under the hood, permanently mounted, and used a boat bulkhead port on the bumper. Batteries stay topped up.
Click to expand...

That's what I did too. The other thing I did was replace all the OEM battery cables with 2/0 welding cable and crimped and heat shrinked ends. I had replaced the cables with OEM before, but the welding cable shows a significant difference over even the new OEM stuff. With the two batteries and any imbalance "fighting" each other, things can drain over time. The combination of new cables and being able to "top them off" easily has made it a non-issue.
 
Nothing else I own with multiple batteries goes dead from sitting. It's something with the awesome wiring on the shitbox Dodge shipping crate.


PAToyota said:
That's what I did too. The other thing I did was replace all the OEM battery cables with 2/0 welding cable and crimped and heat shrinked ends. I had replaced the cables with OEM before, but the welding cable shows a significant difference over even the new OEM stuff. With the two batteries and any imbalance "fighting" each other, things can drain over time. The combination of new cables and being able to "top them off" easily has made it a non-issue.
Click to expand...
 
AKnate said:
Was thinking of installing a master switch, like is used on a lot of equipment.
Click to expand...

Blue Sea makes some nice disconnects that will carry a lot of current:
384.jpg



I use this one to kill my winch power

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

But they also make dual battery versions if you want the option to isolate individual batteries

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com
 
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