Ford E350 dual battery setup
 

Hello,

I just picked up an 03 Ford E350 with the 7.3L turbo diesel and ambulance package.

As part of the ambulance prep package there is second (possibly aux) battery mounted on mid-right frame rail, as well as two alternators.

Question: is this secondary battery required for engine startup of the diesel or am I able to isolate it and utilize it for "house" power such as small DC fan and lights while not running. I would have a shop isolate and install a meter to monitor charge left but don't want to compromise the functionality of the vehicle.

Any advise is welcome and appreciated.

Pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/1060853...eat=directlink

Thanks,

Matt

Many ambulances have a rotary disconnect switch located on the right side of the driver's seat.
This set-up allows total disconnect from the batteries or operation from any one or both batteries. Does your van have anything like this ?

Hi Hanky,

I'll have to check when I get home but I haven't seen any thing like that. There is a black box with "TRW" mounted BEHIND the driver but it doesn't look as if there are any switches on it.

There is a link in my original post to the web album, having trouble load pics here.

Would an auto shop be able to install the rotary switch or is it a specialty sort of job?

Thanks,

Matt

Just about every 7.3 diesel uses two batteries. The reason is when the temp drops and glow plugs run longer one battery is not sufficient. Many times in warm weather one battery will usually star the vehicle with no problem.
Many ambulances have A/C power available to operate special emergency equipment. The rigs were always running when this equipment was in operation due to the heavy electrical load.
If you will be using light load appliances your plan to install a monitor for battery condition is a good idea.