Simple $75 Dual Battery Setup

Thank you man, this is one of my next projects and this made it a lot more straight forward, also the analog aspect of it is very appealing since swapping a fuse or relay is cheaper then replacing a charge controller

This is awesome! In a time with companies inflating prices for everyone wanting to just get safely outdoors and back these videos are essential! Thanks Michael and Corrie!

very well done video, mic'd up so we can hear you, no annoying music, and straight to the point ! Thanks for the great info! Gonna work on mine soon, since it only takes me 10 minutes as well:)

Great video Michael, I’ve only had a basic split charge system on my Defender for the last 13 years and does the trick !

Thanks Michael. I saved this video to my overland folder. I'm a new Overland Bound member and this video is helpful and answered a few questions I've had about the dual battery setup.

This instantly went into my "Overland to do list" Thanks!!

Great video! I didn’t understand how the solenoid worked before watching this video, now I totally get it! Thank you! Great skills

Thanks for making an awesome video. Actually, I followed up on your relay panel instruction video and built up a nice and reliable relay panel and fusebox in my Landcruiser 78 troopcarrier. Thank you. BTW, greetings from Mongolia.

For those of you wanting to do this keep these things in mind. 1.) Make sure the battery chemistries are the same for both batteries. If you have an AGM battery make sure the AUX battery is also AGM 2.) There is no Battery Management (BMS) meaning your AUX battery will drain and likely be damaged if you are not manually keeping an eye on the voltage.

I love channels that share affordable not “cheap” options for us average folks out there. Thanks for all you guys do!

Thanks Michael. The information in the description box helps and that was a cool diagram.

Stumbled across this video today as I've been contemplating a dual battery setup for my project truck! Subbed and saved - thanks!

All my questions where answered when you showed the wiring diagram. Thank you 👍

Awesome explanation. With this set up be sure both batterys are the same lead acid type and size, which is a bonus as if your main battery dies in the bush you can swap in the second one. Hint new cars with smart alternators, you dont need a dc/dc charger for this setup, turn your head lights on so the alt runs at full charge, this makes sure your batterys are fully charged.

I did an even cheaper, easier setup in a Ford Econovan years ago. As the driver's seat was directly above the battery compartment I mounted an aux battery directly behind it in the rear of the van (to keep wiring short avoiding voltage drop). I connected them in parallel with thick gauge wire, grounding the negative of the aux battery to the chassis, and put a manual battery isolator switch on the positive wire connection with a fuse between the switch and the aux battery. The best part of the design was that I mounted the manual switch on top of the handbrake, so it just became habit to connect the batteries when taking off the handbrake after starting the van. I think it cost about 40 bucks for wiring, terminal lugs, a fuse and a switch.

What a champion I just needed something simple for a long drive and this is perfect excellent video !

Wonderful set up Sir, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

This looks great and in budget. Almost everything else you watch has a $1000 set up. Thank you for this.

Awesome production quality video. thanks for your generosity.

My Man that was awesome. Really appreciate Cha Dude!!! Installing an AuxBeam 8gang and a KeyLine isolator this weekend. Wish me luck.