Anyone running 2+ batteries on their Tahoe?

[BamaAlum97]

Has anyone added a second battery to their Tahoe? I have an '08 Q7i. I am looking at options for a little insurance that I have enough juice to start the engine after a long day on the water (at anchor) and running accessories.

The way I see it...my options are:

1. Carry a portable self-contained jump starting unit: Not a bad option...cost around $100. Just have to make sure it's actually in the boat when I need it.

2. Solar panel/charger/maintainer: This would be my favorite option...but I don't think it is very feasible. The models I have seen are only for maintaining a charged battery and not starting a dead battery. Has anyone done this?

3. Second battery with a battery switch: Add a second battery with a switch in the engine compartment. Switch to the accessory battery while at anchor and back to the cranking battery when it's time to go.


Anyone have experience with any of these options? If you have
pictures of your installation that would be awesome.

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Anyone running 2+ batteries on their Tahoe?

Q6 SF comes standard with a second battery for the trolling motor, and it sits on the left side behind the left transom hatch. I have also changed some of the accessories to run off the second battery.

I use a two bank marine charger that maintains the charge for both batteries. The hatch will not allow some of the larger trolling batteries to fit through, so be sure to measure to insure the battery you plan to use will fit through.

Once you have the battery in place, though, there are other options, such as a perko switch. With a perko switch, you can run off of either battery, or both batteries.

I would not recommend using your batteries in parallel, because if you have problem with one of the batteries, it could deplete the other.

I won't see my boat for a week or so, but if you want pictures, I'll be happy to take some then.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: Anyone running 2+ batteries on their Tahoe?

Mine is not a ski n fish...but I suppose the concept is the same. Where is your switch located? In the hatch near the battery?

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Anyone running 2+ batteries on their Tahoe?

I don't use a perko switch, but rather the two bank charger, since I rarely leave my boat in overnight.

To correct my post, let me give you some details of the q6 sf and see how they compare to q7:

My starter battery sits to the left side of my engine (when facing the engine, it is actually the right side of the boat). I have a shelf to the far right, again when facing the engine. On this shelf I have the second battery, and my 2 bank charger. I routed the charger wiring just inside the engine compartment to the starter battery. I have access to the charger from a hatch, and just pull out the plug through the hatch and plug it in to re-charge/maintain the batteries.

I would think you could use extension cables, and mount the perko switch just inside the engine compartment.

The perko is nice in that you can charge your batteries on the water, but the marine chargers do a great job of maintaining your batteries during storage and during the winter. I have an '06 and still using the batteries that came with the boat.

I'll get pictures on Monday.

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Anyone running 2+ batteries on their Tahoe?

Bama,
Once I figure out how to reduce the size of the photos, I'll post the pictures on my batteries.