[A/S] Extra Batteries

[Jerry Flanders <jeflanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My '97 Dodge 2500HD reg cab, long bed truck has enough room inside the 
fender ahead of the rear wheel for 2 golf cart batteries. I made a HD 
wooden support enclosure hung on 1/2 inch bolts from the bed above, 
installed a fused disconnect box for emergency situations, then connected 
it all through a charge solenoid so that these batteries charge from the 
truck's alternator anytime the engine is running. So they charge when we 
are out sightseeing, etc.

I have an inverter installed along with this to generate 700 watts of 110 
AC. My most frequent use is to move this "captured" charge to the trailer's 
batteries by running a charger from the truck's AC, but it can just as 
easily run a satellite receiver, etc. It won't quite operate the microwave.

I installed a 110VAC connector on the trailer tongue to couple them up. An 
ordinary extension cord allows me to park the truck nearby and still power 
the trailer when it is uncoupled from the truck.

The economics of capturing this "free" charge when we are out running 
around are pretty good. Cost me only a few bucks above the price of the 
batteries to make it go. It is heavy, though - no way getting around the 
weight of those golf cart batteries, but I guess I prefer to have their 
weight in the truck than the trailer.

It has survived about 20,000 miles this way now. The bottom of the battery 
enclosure box just barely shows below the fender, but you really have to 
look hard to notice it. I painted it black. I have not checked the 
electrolyte level in the batteries - VERY difficult - when they show a 
problem I will just replace them.

Jerry 4404