Question: Batteries in Parallel, all loads from main + & -

[smac999]

also I generally avoid having unfused jumper cables touching each other. if they were the proper shorter length they not only work better but will be safer. having a short there would be catastrophic and so easy to avoid.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by smac999

also I generally avoid having unfused jumper cables touching each other. if they were the proper shorter length they not only work better but will be safer. having a short there would be catastrophic and so easy to avoid.

Absolutely. Less chance of shorting/chafing if the jumpers are only as long as the need to be...

[dave948]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Yes
I should have included that - thanks for the reminder



And what are your thoughts regarding this "The problem is that in very low resistance circuits (as we have here) huge differences in current can be produced by tiny variations in battery voltage."

Which has been shamelessly cut and pasted from the Smart Gauge link others have provided.

Properly sized and terminated connections are not going to suffer voltage variations, at least not when compared to the nominal variations you'll get from mass produced batteries.
In my opinion the recommendation of what I would call a cross connected parallel bank (1st battery + last battery -) is your best option if practical. Keep in mind like everything it has benefits and compromise. It's benefit is it will not rely on one battery if you have a "jumper or termination failure", it's compromise is one jumper or connection fault will leave you powerless and subject your charging system to an open circuit.

The OP asked if he could tie on to any of the positive terminals of his battery bank. The correct answer to his question is yes, electrically they are all the same.

[Mr Big]

WOW! Thank to everyone for your well thought out replies!

I've learned a lot with this post and now have some good procedures to follow!

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help me out!

Chris