R21-EC added 2 house batteries

M

mrrlc

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 13, 2015
Messages
56
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
I wanted to not have to worry about completely draining a single house battery when staying out overnight on the R21-EC so I added 2 additional house batteries to the port stern locker. Andrew, from the Ranger Factory, picked the components and did a diagram on the wiring layout.
From the Ranger Factory I ordered 2 deep cycle batteries matching the one I already had, long cables from the air-conditioning kit, a two battery enclosure matching the one that came with the boat, and finally a switch.
The install took a few hours and everything works. The battery charger is connected to the #3 house battery positive terminal. Pictures are in my photo album. One thing Andrew suggested was to add the switch which allows the house batteries to be connected to the engine battery in case the engine battery is too low to start the engine.
Thanks Andrew and the Ranger factory for help on this modification.

Bob
 
Nice job! That will give you both peace of mind for the overnighters and in case your starting battery acts up.

One question, though. I was always under the impression that the lengths of battery cables within a bank of batteries - the three house batteries (all of equal length) was an important factor. Why not in this case?
 
Hi Bob,

Is the schematic/plans for the battery installation available for others?

Thanks!
Keith
 
Hi Keith,

Sure I can send you the schematic, just PM me a message and I'll return it to you.

Note that this configuration probably isn't optimal for battery efficiency and life since it is an addition to the existing single house battery in a different location. As sheral mentioned, the cable lengths are not of equal length between the banks which could be a factor. Once you see the schematic you may have some ideas to make it better.

I haven't stressed the system yet, just one overnighter. It works great so far.

Bob
 
I know this is an old post, but can you or somebody tell me if the weight of the batteries on one side of the boat is a problem?

fiman1
 
Hi firman1,
I didn't notice any list of the boat after making this modification.
Good luck,
Bob
 
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