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Re: Batteries: to flatten or not to flatten

Subject: Re: Batteries: to flatten or not to flatten
From: Walter Knapp <>
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 22:38:55 -0400
Barb Beck wrote:
>
> Better yet - have TWO batteries in your car.  Really great.  There is an
> isolator between them so the second one stays charged but is not run down
> when the promary battery goes.  Leave the lights on - no problem.
>
> Crank one down at -45 or run one down with the winch and you have a spare=
.
>
> Really a lot of fun for an old lady to run down the battery leaving the
> lights on, come out and exclaim - I left the stupid lights on.  Refuse
> offers to help - then take out ONE jumper cable with the guys leaning
> against their truck laughing and proceed to jumper the car.  Left the poo=
r
> guys scratching their heads. (both batteries grounded to car)  Finally
> talked my hubby into putting in a "granny" buton inside the car.  Now whe=
n
> run one down - punch the button and start the car 8=3D)
>
> Sure I have to pay for a second battery but what is a second battery wort=
h
> when you are stranded with a dead primary battery in the bush.

There are now batteries that are essentially this in one battery. These
will have a turn button on top of them. When the battery won't crank, go
turn this to the emergency side and another section of battery will be
connected in. I've never considered them as good as a full dual battery
system. Especially in dealing with the cold far north conditions.

The dual battery isolators are common in RV's. Most of those are trying
to isolate the starting battery from all of the lights, TV's and so on
inside the RV. Many also have a reverse solenoid, so pushing a button on
the dash will connect in that 2nd battery if your starting battery is
the one that's died. The regular isolation is often fully automatic.

Now my dad has the real kit in his boat. Main diesel drives a dual
battery system, much like a RV setup. If that all goes flat and he can't
start main diesel (electric start), then pick a step out in the cabin,
pick out the hand crank, and hand start the small diesel there that is
connected to a generator. From that you can charge batteries or provide
power to start the main diesel. And if that all fails, hoist the sails...

Walt



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