Dual Battery using Winch Solenoid?

[icekayak]

Are Winch Solenoids rated for Continuous Duty?

Could I hook up a winch solenoid between dual batteries, with the control wire linked to the Ignition On?

When the ignition is on, both batteries are connected for starting and also for charging.

When the ignition is off or on ACC, the batteries are disconnected and only one could run flat.

I would probably have a double switch as if the ignition is dead there won't be 12v there to throw the solenoid, but could take a feed from the good battery as an override.

Some 400a solenoids for $25 on trademe at the moment...

What are the major flaws in this plan?

Have considered a VSR, but the car is not setup in a main/aux battery configuration and I am unsure about jump starting off the second battery using a VSR. I am more worried about leaving the lights or stereo on whilst camping etc.

[kbushnz]

I got one of these off Warren.... Works a treat.... Can manually activate it for jump start / winching.
http://www.4wdbits.co.nz/ProductDetails ... uctID=4310

[Mattman]

They are only rated for 200A continuous. Can't really winch thru that.

[Crash bandicoot]

yeah, your best bet is to use a second actual winch solenoid as the bridge between batteries, that engages when the (winch IN) button is pressed.
but unless its for bridging batteries to winch or start it would defeat the purpose as it would drain the battery faster holding a high current solenoid in the on position.

if you dont want to run twin alternators next best option is to take the fuse block and relay power feed off the starter battery and run it to the second battery
and just run a trickle charge via 40 amp relay that is turned on once the key is in the on position.

it will only bridge the batteries to charge when the engine is running.

just ensure accessories etc all run off the acc position.

i found it easier just to run twin alternators and only bridge the starter battery for winching.

[Mattman]

I just have both batteries permanently connected in parallel. Have a gauge to keep an eye on things.

In my view simple is good.

[icekayak]

Maybe I am better to go for a vsr and keep a jumper lead in the car to jumpstart myself off the full battery should the need arise.

[Mattman]

Hard to find a vsr that will sustain the current that winching needs when I looked.

[Campbell.s]

I run a dvsr and manual 3 position isolator switch position 1 is off, 2 is both batteries joined and 3 is both batteries joined along with winch controller, works a treat

[mudlva]

I just have both batteries permanently connected in parallel. Have a gauge to keep an eye on things.

In my view simple is good.

Kiss theory bud
You are concerned about running the start battery flat when parked up for the night.
Simple lift bonnet disconnect earth only off start battery only. This battery is now isolated. Do what you need over night. Connect earth back on in the morning....
4wheelin.....
All good and no switches to burn out.
Disconnect earth as then there is no chance of short circuit if the lead touches anything

[derk]

as above posts your overthinking and complicating it mate, keep it simple and conventional, a simple vsr and rewire your camping accessories to the aux battery and you wont ever look back, if your alternator has a reasonable output try and get a reasonable quality vsr (BEP etc ) I've seen the smoke escape out of the cheep ones

[icekayak]

How does something like this http://www.mrpositive.co.nz/dual-battery-12v-85a-solenoid-kit/ vary to a winch solenoid?

I take on keeping it simple and I had thought simply wiring a solenoid between two batteries was relatively simple rather than rewiring all accessories to the 2nd battery, installing a vsr and manually pulling the terminal off the starting battery every time I stop...

[derk]

How does something like this http://www.mrpositive.co.nz/dual-battery-12v-85a-solenoid-kit/ vary to a winch solenoid?

I take on keeping it simple and I had thought simply wiring a solenoid between two batteries was relatively simple rather than rewiring all accessories to the 2nd battery, installing a vsr and manually pulling the terminal off the starting battery every time I stop...

that solenoid setup would work sweet for what you want to do mate, when the ignition is off your accessories will drain the main battery leaving the aux fully charged, when you want to start your truck the main batt will be discharged so you can put a set of jumperleads across both batteries to start the truck (solenoid will only pass 150A peak) or pull the 2 batteries and swap them over to start it, sounds like a much better idea than correctly rewiring the accessories onto the aux batt and using a VSR

[diogenese]

I just have two batteries that are connected all the time and if I might get a flat battery through winching without the engine running or through overnight use I have an isolator on one of the batteries that I switch off.