R21EC battery banks

[Redtug]

I have an R21EC with A/C so I have the extra 2 batteries for that. Is there a reason the factory wired these in as a 3rd bank and not just added to the "house bank" for capacity?
I rarely use the A/C therefore I am always lugging around 2 extra batteries that aren't used very often. I was thinking about re-wiring to have more capacity on the fridge/house side of things. Either a 3 bank house or move the fridge over to the A/C bank? Just want to verify I am not missing something here before I make plans to re-wire.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

You need three house batteries, join then together!

 

[lproulx]

I have had exactly the same question with the same boat. The bow thruster can sometimes load down the one house battery to the point where my chart plotter shuts off. Connecting all three together is on my Spring to do list. The only reservation I have is whether the Pro Mariner charger will properly charge what amounts to a huge battery and a small battery. I am going to call them to ask. Will post what they say.

Larry

 

[Pilotnavigator]

My 21ec charger handles the starter battery and three house batteries no problem. It’s only a 20 amp charger so it’s not fast but gets a full charge over night while at the dock. Then while cruising for a week the solar gives me 5 to 8 amps and keep the batteries high enough to run the fridge, which takes around 2.2 amps while running. No AC on my boat.only use the thruster when coming into a marina which we do every 7 to 10days for one over night visit.

 

[watson1987]

Make sure you connect batteries in parallel "properly" in order to balance charging and discharging loads.

The factory way done on the R31 (at least mine) is incorrect and can lead in premature battery death.

Here is an article on the correct way (drawing +ve and -ve from different sides of the group)
https://caravanchronicles.com/guides/ho ... el-part-2/