The main problem with most cheaper battery isolators is that they
require the simple alternator mod but then only sense the voltage of ONE
of the batteries. This means that the alternator will be told to keep
that one correctly charged but the other one can be under charged or
dangerously over charged. The relay (solenoid) method is preferred for
this reason IMHO and doesn't require any alternator modifications. The
more expensive Marine type isolators sense both batteries separately and
charge them appropriately. This is a critical distinction and isolators
without this dual sensing should not be used IMHO.

Mark Drillock

Mark McCulley wrote:
>
> >I have heard that some folks have located the remote sensing connection in
> >the alternator regulator and added a wire to remote sense.
> >
>
> The SurePower isolator is designed to be connected to remote sense for the
> voltage regulator. This requires a modification to the regulator, but it's
> not very hard to do.
>
> >The good news is that the relay is not as bad as it first sounds.  Lead
> >acid batteries have charging characteristics that allow them to charge in
> >parallel and share the charging current fairly well.  And, connecting a
> >discharged battery across a charged one isn't all that dramatic either.
> >  Again, they quickly adjust to one another and as long as you drive long
> >enough to charge the low battery there should be no problem.
>
> I've used both approaches and the isolator definately does a better job of
> keeping both batteries fully charged.
>
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