Installing A "Leisure Battery"

Please read the entire article as I'm giving three ways to set-up charging.

Accessory Battery, House Battery, Leisure Battery, whatever you call it the aim is the same.

The idea is that you add a second battery (or bank of batteries) which is separate from the starting
system so you can run your interior lights, stereo, etcetera all night and still start your vehicle the next day.

What you need to do is isolate the batteries from each other when the engine is not running (charging),
feed your chosen accessories from the LB, and connect both batteries to the charging system to be
replenished once the engine is running.

1. A Note About Battery Types:

There are three basic types of batteries you will encounter in LB setups:

A. Starting Batteries
B. Deep Cycle Batteries
C. Traction Batteries

Yes, there are others but it's relatively unlikely that you'll encounter a
traction battery never mind other specialized types.

Despite the frequent debate on the various message boards, Starting Batteries are designed to
deal with quick, high amperage bursts resulting in low discharges of not more than about 15%.
In short, they're designed to start your engine.

Deep Cycle batteries are built "the other way 'round".
They are built to endure deep, discharges of up to 80% or more and do it many times.
You see them used for trolling motors on boats and "house power" in campers and watercraft.

Drain a starting battery that deep about three times and it's over Johnny.
I was told this by a battery manufacturer on a number of occasions and have experienced it first hand
more than enough times. Leave a vehicle sitting for long enough and you'll experience it too.
That's why I bought a "Battery Tender" for one of our vehicles. It stays plugged into AC
for months and the little Tender keeps the battery in good shape.

Traction batteries are the kind used to power golf carts and fork lifts.
Generally, they are 6 volt batteries (you need two wired in series) of even greater capacity
than the standard Deep Cycle battery.