JSparky
New member
Hey everyone, I'm working through the details of my dual battery setup and wanted to ask for some advice.
I've currently got a shrockworks dual battery setup installed, factory starting battery with a die hard deep cycle marine battery for the house electronics. I'll be powering a fridge, aux lights, uhf/vhf radio, and winch. For power management I purchased an IBS system however, after considering it more, I'm not sure if it's the best setup for my needs.
As of now my 4Runner is not my daily driver. I'll be taking it out on trips every few weeks, but it'll only see a few miles per week otherwise. My concern with the IBS system is that, as far as I know, it's "alway on" in that whenever the truck is started it will charge both battery's simultaneously (correct me if I'm wrong). Since most of the time it will be traveling only short distances I'm worried about the ability of the alternator to sufficiently charge both batteries. I could hook up a battery tender for the house battery but it seems like an added inconvenience, and I still won't be able to ensure the starting battery is fully charged.
My first thought was to install a battery switch in-line between the starting and house battery, such that I can manually isolate recharging when driving. The only potential problem with that is I'm not sure how well the IBS monitor/alarm will play with it. I could test it relatively easily to see but it got me thinking about the whole utility of the IBS system for my needs.
What I'm thinking now is to use a Blue Sea automatic charging relay
https://www.bluesea.com/products/76...rging_Relay_with_Manual_Control_-_12V_DC_500A
It includes a 3x position switch that in-effect can function like the IBS system by linking both batteries for recharging when the truck is running, but isolated when off. It also enables complete isolation, which could be beneficial for my purposes when the truck isn't driven much. Lastly, it can link both batteries during high amp demands such as winching, same as the IBS.
From how I understand it the Blue Sea ACR may be better for my use. I could install an in-cab voltmeter for both batteries and link them as-needed to maintain charge.
Long story short, my concern with the IBS system is that I won't be able to de-link the batteries when driving, which could be useful since my truck isn't driven that much, ensuring that my starting battery gets fully recharged and stays healthy.
For those with experience here what do you think? Is my reasoning sound or am I misunderstanding something? I wanted to double check before I pull the trigger on the blue sea product. Thanks.
I've currently got a shrockworks dual battery setup installed, factory starting battery with a die hard deep cycle marine battery for the house electronics. I'll be powering a fridge, aux lights, uhf/vhf radio, and winch. For power management I purchased an IBS system however, after considering it more, I'm not sure if it's the best setup for my needs.
As of now my 4Runner is not my daily driver. I'll be taking it out on trips every few weeks, but it'll only see a few miles per week otherwise. My concern with the IBS system is that, as far as I know, it's "alway on" in that whenever the truck is started it will charge both battery's simultaneously (correct me if I'm wrong). Since most of the time it will be traveling only short distances I'm worried about the ability of the alternator to sufficiently charge both batteries. I could hook up a battery tender for the house battery but it seems like an added inconvenience, and I still won't be able to ensure the starting battery is fully charged.
My first thought was to install a battery switch in-line between the starting and house battery, such that I can manually isolate recharging when driving. The only potential problem with that is I'm not sure how well the IBS monitor/alarm will play with it. I could test it relatively easily to see but it got me thinking about the whole utility of the IBS system for my needs.
What I'm thinking now is to use a Blue Sea automatic charging relay
https://www.bluesea.com/products/76...rging_Relay_with_Manual_Control_-_12V_DC_500A
It includes a 3x position switch that in-effect can function like the IBS system by linking both batteries for recharging when the truck is running, but isolated when off. It also enables complete isolation, which could be beneficial for my purposes when the truck isn't driven much. Lastly, it can link both batteries during high amp demands such as winching, same as the IBS.
From how I understand it the Blue Sea ACR may be better for my use. I could install an in-cab voltmeter for both batteries and link them as-needed to maintain charge.
Long story short, my concern with the IBS system is that I won't be able to de-link the batteries when driving, which could be useful since my truck isn't driven that much, ensuring that my starting battery gets fully recharged and stays healthy.
For those with experience here what do you think? Is my reasoning sound or am I misunderstanding something? I wanted to double check before I pull the trigger on the blue sea product. Thanks.
