I am in need of some wiring/circuit advice. I've done plenty of research and believe I am on the correct path but would like to get a bit of a back check on my learning/research so I don't start my van on fire during my remodel.
I have a 2003 Ford E250 with the 5.4L engine which has a 130A alternator. The previous owner did a build-out that utilized 4AWG wire directly off the starter battery to the back "camper" circuit with a 150A circuit breaker and small fuse panel. However, as I am remodeling my van I plan on adding one isolated auxiliary battery on the chassis rail so I don't drain my starter battery on longer trips. The loads of the auxiliary battery will be about 30 amps fully loaded. I plan on buying the Keyline 140A Isolator and getting a deep cycle battery that will fit in my chassis battery mount (Group 65, I believe).
So, my biggest concern is the size of the wire I should be using from my starter battery through the isolator to my auxiliary battery (about 13 feet of cable length from battery to battery). Attached is a circuit diagram of what I would like to do.
I plan on using the existing 4AWG to connect the starter to the auxiliary battery. I would like to leave the 150A breaker before the isolator but since the isolator is rated to 140A I believe I should install a smaller rated breaker/fuse. and adding another breaker or fuse before the auxiliary battery.
My questions to the generous soul that wants to help are:
Is 4AWG adequate to charge the auxiliary battery?
What size of fuse or circuit breaker should I use after the starter battery and before the auxiliary battery?
Thanks in advance
I have a 2003 Ford E250 with the 5.4L engine which has a 130A alternator. The previous owner did a build-out that utilized 4AWG wire directly off the starter battery to the back "camper" circuit with a 150A circuit breaker and small fuse panel. However, as I am remodeling my van I plan on adding one isolated auxiliary battery on the chassis rail so I don't drain my starter battery on longer trips. The loads of the auxiliary battery will be about 30 amps fully loaded. I plan on buying the Keyline 140A Isolator and getting a deep cycle battery that will fit in my chassis battery mount (Group 65, I believe).
So, my biggest concern is the size of the wire I should be using from my starter battery through the isolator to my auxiliary battery (about 13 feet of cable length from battery to battery). Attached is a circuit diagram of what I would like to do.
I plan on using the existing 4AWG to connect the starter to the auxiliary battery. I would like to leave the 150A breaker before the isolator but since the isolator is rated to 140A I believe I should install a smaller rated breaker/fuse. and adding another breaker or fuse before the auxiliary battery.
My questions to the generous soul that wants to help are:
Is 4AWG adequate to charge the auxiliary battery?
What size of fuse or circuit breaker should I use after the starter battery and before the auxiliary battery?
Thanks in advance