Connecting house to start batteries?

[Texasjack]

Since copper price has dropped I was thinking about running some copper wires from my start batteries to my house batteries. Do I run 2 or just 1 and use the fram as ground? What gauge should I use.? Model 10........ thanks guys

[Len Silva]

If you have good grounds you should only need the one cable.  You do need some kind of switching device (Manual switch, solenoid, diodes etc.)  Otherwise you end up with a single large battery bank.  If you run the batteries down while camping you wont have anything left for starting.

Lots of info in the archives on this subject. 

[JohnEd]

Len,

I agree that there must be a ton of data.  What would you suggest for a search term(s).

Thanks,
John

[Kwajdiver]

I have a big question......

Does your starter run off 12volts  or 24 volts?


Bill

[Texasjack]

12 volts... What size gauge?

[David Anderson]

I used 0000 cable on mine.  You might want to read this thread:

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=6186.0

Since I did what was suggested I haven't had any more problems and my system is working very well.
Mine is 12 volt, also.

David

[Gary '79 5C]

You might also consider to use the continous duty relay from your OTR A/C, if removed, for isolation purposes. My set up is some different, 24V start, 12V house, with a vanner equalizer between. My relay only pulls in while engine is operating. Thus during dry camping my start batts are disconnected.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Gary

[Sean]

I do not recommend using the frame to carry the return current. Run two wires.

What gauge you need depends on several factors:
-How long is the run?
-How big is your alternator (peak output amps)?
-Will you be using this mechanism for emergency starting purposes, or only to charge house batteries?

Until you answer those questions, it's impossible to tell you what gauge to run.

-Sean