Can I charge 2 batteries w/ 1-bank charger using a battery switch?

[MacFromOK]

so two 6v golf cart batteries in series will run a 12v trolling motor? I guess in series must make it 12v.

If/when one fails in the field, you no longer have access to 12 volts.

 

[MacFromOK]

BTW, the answer to your original question is YES, if everything shares a common ground.

This diagram assumes you want the charger connected to the battery in use. The opposite is doable, but will require a DPDT switch or relay (double pole, double throw). The switch or relay should be rated at or above the max amperage draw you expect.

      _______
  .--|-     +|----------------.
  |  | bat 1 |                |
  |  |_______|                o position 1
  |               knife       \
  o-common        switch -->   o----> TM and charger
  | ground        or relay
  |                           o position 2
  |   _______                 |
  '--|-     +|----------------'
     | bat 2 |
     |_______|

 

[cowadle]

so two 6v golf cart batteries in series will run a 12v trolling motor? I guess in series must make it 12v.

yes. actually every battery of the type we are talking about is made up of individual 2 volt cells.

 

[cowadle]

If/when one fails in the field, you no longer have access to 12 volts.

yes this is correct. same thing as in your car battery. if one cell fails then the total overall voltage will be effected . the main advantage to the golf cart battery set up is they are true deep cycle batteries and will supply more amp hours. but the extra amp hours may not be needed in this case. just depends also there are some glass mat batteries that would really perform well in this situation and would probably take up less space.

 

[MacFromOK]

yes this is correct. same thing as in your car battery. if one cell fails then the total overall voltage will be effected . the main advantage to the golf cart battery set up is they are true deep cycle batteries and will supply more amp hours. but the extra amp hours may not be needed in this case. just depends also there are some glass mat batteries that would really perform well in this situation and would probably take up less space.

Yeah, but two 12V deep cycle batteries doubles your chances of recovery over two 6 volts, because a single cell failure in either scenario can put that battery completely out of commission.

 

[cowadle]

Yeah, but two 12V deep cycle batteries doubles your chances of recovery over two 6 volts, because a single cell failure in either scenario can put that battery completely out of commission.

that is why i agreed with your statement.

 

[MacFromOK]

that is why i agreed with your statement.

Lol, sorry. Was time to feed Sweetie and I was rushing a bit.

 

[cowadle]

Lol, sorry. Was time to feed Sweetie and I was rushing a bit.

no need to apologize. a very valid point and worth repeating.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

A warm 50 hp outboard should start really easy with a rope.

 

[sh00ter]

Yeah, you guys have convinced me I don't need it...I am instead going to add a second TM batt. Thx for all the opinions & info.