Is it bad to mix match batteries?

[dan5505 10+ year member]

so what is the preferred method, series with an isolator or just parallel

 

[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

so what is the preferred method, series with an isolator or just parallel

not series. you'll have 24 volts and burn things up. parallel. i would personally not run an isolator unless necessary.

 

[Rawr-DQ 10+ year member]

an isolator is to separate the batterie's circuit to keep them from draining each other.

 

[dan5505 10+ year member]

ok, thanks

 

[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

an isolator is to separate the batterie's circuit to keep them from draining each other.

how much do they actual drain each other? i've never had a problem, but if it is somewhat significant, then i will put in an isolator.

 

[Rawr-DQ 10+ year member]

Not sure, but if you dont use an isolator, dont run the stereo with the car off, otherwise you may find out the hard way.

 

[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

Not sure, but if you dont use an isolator, dont run the stereo with the car off, otherwise you may find out the hard way.

my personal truck only has 1 battery. my work truck however has 2 to run a snow plow. they are too cheap to buy a HO alternator.

 

[dan5505 10+ year member]

I was just talkin to a buddy of mine, he said a relay would work also. They are a lot cheaper too. Check this one out. http://www.oznium.com/relay200

 

[Rawr-DQ 10+ year member]

I was just talkin to a buddy of mine, he said a relay would work also. They are a lot cheaper too. Check this one out. http://www.oznium.com/relay200

I supposed that's all a battery isolator is anyway...hmmm