Dual Battery Switch

[ifish]

Has anyone used a Perco battery switch to switch between 2 12 volt batteries for the trolling motor. I am changing the terminals and was wanting a safer way to chage batteries. I don't like to put them together because of the charging issues. Any help??

[Wannabe...]

What kind of charging issues? One lead to one, one to the other and bingo you're in bidness.

Wannabe...

[Barnacle Bill]

I too don't understand what you are concerned about. Batteries are put in parallel all the time. But if you really want to use the switch, its pretty easy to hook up and would work just fine.

[ifish]

IBNFSHN & Wanabe,
I have 2 different size batteries that I normally run the livewell with one and the TM with the other.In parrallel I think I understand they would pull and charge at different rates. I don't have room for 2 class 29 batteries so I use the small 27 to run the live well and 29 normally with the TM. Sometimes if I am fishing in the wind I will run down the TM battery and then switch over to the smaller battery . Changing the terminals over is a lot of trouble on my old Bass Tracker. I am just looking for a safer way to switch over with out risking sparks and battery explosions. I was needing to know if the Perko Switch will do this without rewiring issues. Thanks!! ><>

[TnT]

I too don't understand what you are concerned about. Batteries are put in parallel all the time. But if you really want to use the switch, its pretty easy to hook up and would work just fine.

Question....What are your feelings about running your electronics on the same battery as your trolling motor?..I used to do that but have heard the TM would cause interference with the electronics,although I couldn't tell if it did. So now I use separate batteries for the 2.

[Barnacle Bill]

Question....What are your feelings about running your electronics on the same battery as your trolling motor?..I used to do that but have heard the TM would cause interference with the electronics,although I couldn't tell if it did. So now I use separate batteries for the 2.

Yes it can cause interference.

[Barnacle Bill]

IBNFSHN & Wanabe,
I have 2 different size batteries that I normally run the livewell with one and the TM with the other.In parrallel I think I understand they would pull and charge at different rates. I don't have room for 2 class 29 batteries so I use the small 27 to run the live well and 29 normally with the TM. Sometimes if I am fishing in the wind I will run down the TM battery and then switch over to the smaller battery . Changing the terminals over is a lot of trouble on my old Bass Tracker. I am just looking for a safer way to switch over with out risking sparks and battery explosions. I was needing to know if the Perko Switch will do this without rewiring issues. Thanks!! ><>

Since you are using 2 different size batteries, the switch is a good idea. And yes, a standard Perko battery switch will do the job.

[TnT]

Yes it can cause interference.

Thanks!!:D

[Wannabe...]

Oh, I get it now, too. Yeah, 2 different size batteries would be a problem and yes, the Perko would work just fine.

Best solution would be to somehow squeeze another 29 in there. Or it might even be better to use 2 smaller batteries wired 12V. You'd have to do the math, but most likely, you'd get more go out of 2 smalls rather than switching from 1 to the other. That way you could also wire up your charger and be done with the switching. If you go the 2 small route, make sure they're good batteries.

Wannabe...