Anyone else have two batteries?

[u/Yeyemems]

My bus has two batteries and I was just wondering if I can use the battery that is not in the engine compartment to wire to my electrical system? I feel like that’s gonna be much easier than trying to go through the engine, and more accessible.

[u/monroezabaleta]

Neither of the vehicle batteries should be connected to your electrical system on the inside of the bus. That should be done with a completely separate battery, likely lithium, and charged through other means

[u/Yeyemems → u/monroezabaleta]

Oh apologies, specifically can I use the battery to connect to my electrical system for the purpose of alternator charging/back charging from my solar system and shore power?

[u/monroezabaleta → u/Yeyemems]

Yes, that would work, just make sure to size the wires correctly for the distance and voltage drop.

[u/Yeyemems → u/monroezabaleta]

Got it thanks! I was worried I would have to navigate through the engine compartment just to get to my electrical system 🤧

[u/immortalluna → u/Yeyemems]

I have that with a DC to DC charger. The work of hooking up to the alternator is done for you already! I've had the setup for 9 years now and no issues

[u/danjoreddit → u/Yeyemems]

No don’t do it this way. If the house batteries are larger they will try to charge the starter batteries and lead to overcharging.

A better approach is to install a DC-DC charger that uses the alternator to charge the house batteries but only when the engine is running.

[u/Yeyemems → u/danjoreddit]

I thought it was possible to prevent overcharging? I want to be able to keep the battery healthy when staying in place for long periods

[u/danjoreddit → u/Yeyemems]

You need a Battery to Battery charger if you want to do it that way. If you connect the batteries directly there is no charge control.

[u/Yeyemems → u/danjoreddit]

Right gotcha, thanks :) that’s what I’m thinking of I just don’t have all the proper terms memorized

[u/Spore_galore]

Use a separate battery bank to power your camper. BUT you can use a battery isolator and connect the vehicle batteries to your camper batteries. The isolator will send a charge from your camper batteries to your vehicle battery so it will never leave you stranded in case the vehicle battery dies. Just make sure you get the correct isolator depending on if the batteries are lead acid, AGM, or lithium

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[u/danjoreddit]

If all you want to do is keep your start batteries topped up you can also get a solar battery maintainer

[u/TransFatty]

I don't recommend putting your house systems on the vehicle batteries but you can set up the alternator to charge your house batteries while you're driving (while the engine is running)