Re: Quick Battery jumping question
So long as both batteries are rated at 12v, then you can run them in parallel. You do this by connecting the Positive from battery #1 to the Positive on battery #2. Do the same for the negative terminals as well. This will configure them to run as one larger battery. Theoretically, they will both charge together at the same rate. However, there are a few things to consider.... Issue #1 - Initially, the batteries will equalize. In other words, if you have one battery that is charged to 12 volts and the other is only partially charged to 11 volts, after connecting the two in parallel you most likely will only have a 11.5 volt charge available until they both get fully charged. Issue #2 - Since they are connected together in parallel, they will also be drained at the same rate, leaving you with no "spare" or "reserve" battery to use once they have been discharged. This can be solved by installing the battery switch. Issue #3 - If you are using them in parallel and the batteries are of two different kinds (i.e. #1 is a standard 12v automotive battery and #2 is a deep cycle marine battery) you may not get the long lasting amp-hours from the deep cycle marine battery that it is designed for, because the standard automotive battery is discharging at a faster rate. Therefore, the standard battery is constantly trying to equalize with the longer lasting deep cycle battery.
In my opinion, bring the two cables necessary to "jump" the two batteries together in parallel only if the need arises to start your motor. Buy and install the battery switch as soon as possible.
I hope this helps. Maybe someone else can chime in and correct any of the technical issues I may have overlooked.
