How to Connect Your Hot Dog Cart Batteries.
Do you need to use more than one battery on your hot dog cart? Did you know there is a wrong way, a right way, and an even better way to connect multiple batteries?
In last week’s article I talked about hot dog cart batteries. To sum it up, you want to be using deep cycle batteries on your hot dog cart.
What if you are putting a heavy load on that battery, such as running a fridge or crock pots? You may run out of juice before your gig is over.
In that case you can hook up two or three deep cycle batteries together. You’ll get much longer run times. BUT… You had better connect them properly or you will be sorry.
Batteries can be connected in series or in parallel.
If you connect two batteries in series, it doubles the voltage.
You do NOT want to connect your batteries in series. 12 volt appliances and 12V power inverters are designed to run on 12 volts, not 24. If you send 24 volts into them you will fry them instantly. Expensive and dangerous. Also, burning cables smell bad.
Most people hook up the batteries in parallel like this, which is O.K to do…
But there is an even better way. If you connect the positive and negative cables to separate batteries, you will balance the load more evenly during use and during charging. Your batteries will last longer and perform better. Connect them like this…
Happy slinging slinger!
-Steve
It’s like having one big battery matey !!
Using one post from each will give you much better current flow .
And longer life.
So lift yer mugs mateys, here’s to longer life !!
Arrrrr har har !!
1St Mate Jim.
Yep! In fact, that is what is going on inside each battery. There are a bunch of little batteries called “cells” that are hooked together in parallel then connected to the posts. Probably more than ye wanted to know mate…
Thanks for the info!
My pleasure. I find this stuff electrifying 😉
thanks steve
I find this information simply … SHOCKING!
My man! LOL.
Thanks Steve, I really am thankful for the info. I also want to install a solar panel above my umbrealia. To keep my batteries charged. Harbor Freight sells solar kits.
You’re welcome Shannon!
Great stuff to know Steve. Thanks!
Yep!
Thanks Steve. Fantastic and crucial info. Which now brings up another question . What is the best charger to use for us Slingers? And should the batteries be charged after each day or when they run down?
Thanks,
Barb
Any decent charger will work. The more expensive ones have a “trickle charge” sometimes called a “float” setting that lets you leave the batteries hooked up to the charger indefinitely so they stay topped off when not in use. Battery life is maximized by deeply discharging before recharging, but with modern batteries this isn’t as big of an issue as it once was.
Hi Steve , I must be a lame dame or something but those two parallels look alike ( + to +, – to -)… Except for the red line which both comes out of the + charge…only diff is front the other is back. Pls advise…tnx
Yes, they are alike. The only difference is the way we hook the combined batteries up to whatever we are powering.
Hey guys here’s a tip for you. If you’re not sure if your batteries are charged up, just stick your tongue to the post. WORKS FOR ME-E-E-E-EE-E…
I actually do that with 9 volt batteries. Don’t try this at home, kids.