Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Dual Batteries Charging Question

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Dual Batteries Charging Question

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4867
Printed Date: 11 Jun 2025 at 6:30pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dual Batteries Charging Question

Posted By: Hayduke
Subject: Dual Batteries Charging Question
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2014 at 7:13pm

So, here's my situation. I have a folding solar panel that has SAE-style plugs. I have purchased a couple of panel-mount plugs like pictured below to play around with, and would like to add one to the battery box. My problem is the pod has dual batteries in separate boxes on the tongue, and the leads on the plug aren't long enough to reach both. Can I get away with mounting the plug and wiring it to one of the two batteries? Or is the only acceptable way to charge dual batteries to wire to opposite ends of the 'bank'?

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2012 177 HRE
2017 Tacoma Double Cab

Replies:

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2014 at 7:36pm

Two options: Extend one wire of the connector using crimp devices and snake it over to the other battery box OR connect to one battery and don't worry about it. The relatively low currents available from the solar array won't make much difference. The normal charge and discharge from the converter will maintain peace in the family. Smile

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2014 at 7:54pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

OR connect to one battery and don't worry about it. The relatively low currents available from the solar array won't make much difference.

This is exactly what I was wondering about. I could easily extend the connector to the other battery, but I'm not sure that I need to.

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2012 177 HRE
2017 Tacoma Double Cab

Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2014 at 11:33am

I'll advise the other way - always charge and discharge a dual-battery setup using terminals on both batteries. Even a small amperage flow will end up charging the single battery you connect to more than the other.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual