Wired together doesn't offer the same protection as those wired separately. For example if something is left on or fails to shut offer (for any reason) then the user could lose all their energy. The original concept was that if the engine battery failed, the user could switch to the rear battery to operate the lift and engine. This concept still applies for those with battery operated arm lifts installed in the trunks of cars and trucks. They don't draw from the engine's energy, but rather from a utility battery in the back. Same applies to some automotive audio equipment requiring more energy from a second energy source. Connecting two batteries doesn't offer more energy.. they offer longer energy. Best Wishes In a message dated 7/24/2014 12:16:29 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
mine are wired together with no switch, there are several ways to wire a dual battery setup, my vans kind of a rig with the dual batts but it works. that's whats so bad about the old lift vans........each one is its own animal. the newer assembly line ramp vans are basically all the same, easier to maintain and fix I would think On Thursday, July 24, 2014 11:21 AM, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote: Ron. Much depends on the dash switch on which battery gets charged and which one is idled. The manual units require that you manually switch between the two batteries. The second battery will not charge unless and cables are manually placed on the spare battery or the dash switch is changed to the spare battery. Voltmeters are good to have, but they don't indicate the battery amperage. I use a digital-coil load tester for 20 seconds on any battery to test its integrity. I've seen what appeared to be fully charged battery, drop like a brick when load tested. Best Wishes In a message dated 7/24/2014 11:12:14 A.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: I installed a voltmeter that lets me know the exact voltage the back battery has at any time. I know if there is a problem because the voltmeter will be off from the normal. how old is the rear battery? try trickle charging it overnight then see what happens, you could have a bad battery. there are many setups for dual batterys in vehicles. I will get more info for you later on. This is off topic a bit but I purchased a schumaker trickle charger that mounts under the hood of my van and has a plug that comes out the grille. I can charge the whole system overnight and it cuts off when both batterys are full. Got it off ebay for 24.95. I bought a yellow top optima gel for the rear , its a special battery that can be drained all the time without hurting it. regular lead acid batterys aren't meant to be drained, they are meant to stay at full charge from current from the alternator On Thursday, July 24, 2014 9:04 AM, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote: I know of several different types of vehicles using more than one battery. I never realized that the charging was automatic. The ones I saw required manual transfer with a switch mounted near the driver. I would think that any automotive station could address that issue, as it would require... tracing wires. Best Wishes In a message dated 7/24/2014 8:01:39 A.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Thanks guys. I have taken my van to Louisville at least six times and I can honestly say they have never actually fixed a single thing. Their answer is always a new lift /can't be fixed. Here is another question for you guys. My backup battery system is not receiving charge. I know there is a separator solenoid that regulates this. Any thoughts? Thank you guys for letting me pick your brain. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) > Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 Subject: Van lift To: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) , [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Newark Electronics is a major supplier of electric parts and components to the electric repair industry. They may be based in New Jersey. Relays are truly penny items. What is most important are the various values and standards. Best Wishes In a message dated 7/23/2014 9:20:54 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected]_ () writes: Good point. I think I'll find someone adept at soldering boards and take it from there. It just irks me that they quit supporting the lift with so many of them still out there. Who or what is Newark Electronics? I can live without sarcasm. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: [email protected]_ () Date: July 23, 2014 at 8:59:09 PM EDT To: [email protected]_ () , [email protected]_ () Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Van lift A relay switch? Only a relay switch. There is a good chance that an electric shop can obtain a new relay and solder it to the board for you. Where do you think Braun got their relays from? Newark Electronics? Best Wishes In a message dated 7/23/2014 3:59:20 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected]_ () writes: Took my van to the shop in Louisville today. They diagnosed my problem as a bad relay switch on the circuit board. The switch is embedded so the obvious solution is a new circuit board. Guess what? The part was discontinued earlier this year by Braun. Their solution -- a new lift for $7000. I just bought this one from them two years ago for $3500. Any suggestions? Makes me want to scream.
