You have to hook the grounds of the two batteries together or you’re not in parallel. Just google and you can see an image of how to hook batteries up in parallel and in series.
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Here you go Sean you can see how hooking them up differently gives you different results. You want the same 12v while increasing AH depending on how many batteries you want, you can add as many as you want.
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The first one is parallel while the second is hooked up in a series.
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Thank you for this! I meant on the hose reels but this info is also great as I do plan on connecting my two optimas together as well. My final plan for electrical is to move my second soft wash battery into the engine bay (the truck has two spots and only one is used for the gas motor, the other empty space is for the diesel option). I want to connect both the pw battery and 12v pump battery in parallel and also upgrade to a 200 amp alternator in the truck. I will get a battery isolator so that the alternator will charge both of them properly when driving. I am also going to see if it’s possible to connect the alternator from the pressure washer to the isolator so that it will also charge both of them. Finally my plan is to install a battery charger on the truck permanently and hook up the 120v input side to a covered male plug outlet (kind of like on electric vehicles) so that when needed I can just lift the flap and plug my extension cord in to top off both batteries. I am looking for a nice terminal block with built in circuit breakers to connect all my stuff too. 3 electric hose reels, 12v pump, shertz box, electric float valve, led lights etc. anyone recommend a waterproof terminal block like that? As for the hose reels, I know you can daisy chain the hots together but does each one need its own home run ground wire or can those be daisy chained as well?
They can be daisy chained.
Cool that will make it much easier. I was concerned about the ground and if there was an issue it going to the other reel first. But it makes sense since that is also a ground would just pass by it…
When you decided on placement for your machine, why did you choose to place it towards the cab vs the tailgate for accessibility? Did you do it for balancing? Just because you like it?
When I build out my utility truck with a hot unit, I’m concerned about accessibility for maintenance. I want to be able to get the machine out easily if need be without taking apart the build completely. Thoughts?
That’s a tough one. We played around a lot with mine, Grizz and I moved that sucker all over the place, but because of the weight of the hw skid unit, which with fuel is around 1100 lbs. I thought about turning it sideways for better access to fuel tanks but that would have added another 500-600 lbs behind rear axle. The way I have it now it sits pretty much just in front and on rear axle. Plus remember there’s lots of other stuff you need access to. Fortunately having the plastic bedliner 2 people can slid it forward some. All I have to do is unbolt 2 bolts and remove an aluminum cross member that keeps it in place. I can slid it forward about 18" and I already have about 5" of space between it and water tanks for heat reasons, so it’s tight, but I can get back in there. If I needed to get off completely, can get it back far enough that a forklift could get off. Would need to unhook some water lines and some electrical connections but those could be done relatively easy. But nothing is ever really easy when you’re working with tight confines.
I seriously considered a utility bed and if so, I 'd planned on doing it about the same, except I’d use a tote turned sideways against back of cab
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Thanks for the input ! Helps me figure out my game plan
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I wanted my tank sideways against the cab but the 200 gallon Norwesco is just a little too big. The water dragon slim lines would work and I may upgrade to those. Shipping was what turned me off for them. $400 shipping for 2 I think it was.
Gesh! Too much
@wlbkaer3 Bill read through this thread and watch the walk around video later in the thread.
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Funny thing is I started reading this thread the other night and never finished it! thanks for redirecting me here.
PS, @TexasPressureWashing - your 101 guide is fantastic. So much good info there.
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Welcome and thanks! I always like hearing it helps people.
