Charging different battery banks

[Ridebutter]

2 hours ago, MadMan said:

I never really liked that an ACR combines both batteries together.  I like the idea of my engine start battery always being isolated so I've always used isolators similar to this:

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/80066/Sure-Power-9523A-Mult-Battery/?gclid=CMDbjIehkc8CFdQ9gQodOKEP8g

What don't you like about combining them?  My understanding is they generaly isolate below ~12.75 (discharging) and combine over ~13V (charging)

Planning on using an ACR on my new boat, and just making sure I don't miss anything.

[shawndoggy]

17 minutes ago, MadMan said:

My alternator does have the remote battery sense connection.

I actually removed factory "on-off-combine switch (more connection just give more chance of problems).  My idea is, if I ever need to switch batteries to start the engine, it's just a 3 minute job switching the cables.

 

yeah it looks like the more modern stuff (say 2006 and up) does not have the sense wire.  

The instructions I linked to give a diagram to hook up with a perko.  It's an interesting setup because it does allow you to charge both batteries but only use one at a time (for everything).  That's always been one of my gripes about the perko setup is you have to be on "both" to charge both and then remember to switch to 1 or 2 when floating and then remember to switch back to both when restarting.  A lot of switch flipping and I have a short attention span so I can never remember to do it.

[MLA]

3 hours ago, MadMan said:

I never really liked that an ACR combines both batteries together.  I like the idea of my engine start battery always being isolated so I've always used isolators similar to this:

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/80066/Sure-Power-9523A-Mult-Battery/?gclid=CMDbjIehkc8CFdQ9gQodOKEP8g

I do like the simplicity and reliability of a diode type iso, but, some people dont like the .7V drop across them.Worth noting though, with a uni-directional ACR/VSR, the banks are only combined when there is voltage on the cranking battery side, that is above the house side. Charge voltage goes away, ACR opens and banks are isolated.

[OLDGUY]

I installed the add a battery kit and a new more powerful alternator. Works great. Did take two days to rewire and install. Thanks for all the input.