i want to add a third battery!

[28checkmate]

I have two batteries right now with a two battery switch and i want to add a third battery to the number 2 battery for more radio power when floating/rafting up. Does anyone know the right way to connect the third battery?

Thanks!

 

[fbpd227]

Man...wish I could remember- maybe someone else will chime in to confirm- but I BELIEVE if you hook the two batteries positive to negative you double your capacity- and if you hook pos to pos and neg to neg you double the voltage- I COULD be backwards- so don't hold me to it- if you search the Inet you will prob find the answer. MAN! That sucks!...getting older and forgetting more of what you have done over the years than you can remember! I'm gonna go drink another beer........

 

[Gimme Fuel]

You are backwards.......hooking them in parallel (pos to pos, neg to neg still 12v output) will double the amperage output.....and if you hook them in series (pos lead to pos batt #1, pos lead batt #2 to neg terminal batt#1, then neg lead to neg terminal batt#2.....creates 24v) You want to hook them in PARALLEL for the increased amperage output while sill maintaining 12v. If you hook them up in series, then you create a 24v system and this will more than likely fry everything electronic in your boat.

 

[fbpd227]

You are backwards.......hooking them in parallel (pos to pos, neg to neg still 12v output) will double the amperage output.....and if you hook them in series (pos lead to pos batt #1, pos lead batt #2 to neg terminal batt#1, then neg lead to neg terminal batt#2.....creates 24v) You want to hook them in PARALLEL for the increased amperage output while sill maintaining 12v. If you hook them up in series, then you create a 24v system and this will more than likely fry everything electronic in your boat.

SEE! I knew someone would chime in to verify- I kinda felt I was backwards after I wrote that- but knew someone smarter than me would set it right. Thanx for clearing the cob webs from my foggy brain! LOL Anyhow- OP - you got your answer- Good luck!

 

[28checkmate]

You are backwards.......hooking them in parallel (pos to pos, neg to neg still 12v output) will double the amperage output.....and if you hook them in series (pos lead to pos batt #1, pos lead batt #2 to neg terminal batt#1, then neg lead to neg terminal batt#2.....creates 24v) You want to hook them in PARALLEL for the increased amperage output while sill maintaining 12v. If you hook them up in series, then you create a 24v system and this will more than likely fry everything electronic in your boat.

I thought that was how you do it but it never hurts to ask for help and i sure didn't want to make 24v and fry everything.

Thanks for the help!

 

[fireguy]

Got my second battery and switch in and the motor is almost ready to go back in.

I have the stereo almost ready to install. Gotta make the boxes for the subs and the amp rack.

I am going to be pushing about 2000 watts with 210 amp max draw. So, looks like next year I will be adding a third battery.

For now I just want my boat back together and useable.