20060203
I'd opine the following:
1- Given the usage you posit, I would consider the switch, yes, but you might want to use it on the "parallel" setting when drawing heavily since non-marine batteries are not happy about being discharged deeply. Shortens their life. You might want to invest in some sort of quality meter as well so you can monitor the remaining battery(ies) charge.
I don't think running one down and then switching is a good option. Nor will it give you the ummph you might need for the inverter, etc.
Depending on the details of your usage, you might want to consider a marine deep cycle battery for one of the pair. It deals much better with being run down to deadsville before recharging.
2- Just as FYI--The only real problems I have had with my 1996 6x4 gas Gator are electrical. First I had a bad chassis ground (gee, sounds like an old TV or radio, doesn't it). Then I have had bad battery connections toss me a curve a couple of times. The cables apparently work themselves loose every so often, on the negative terminal (odd), and the result is that the battery does not charge, runs down, a mess. Just a heads up since you are adding complexity to that area with your 2 batteries, inverter, etc.
One question--does your Gator have an alternator or a magneto? If it has the latter, you might consider an update for more charging capacity. The only ouch is that JD is gonna grab your pocketbook big time for the alternator, I am betting. I know the 6x4 has a factory option for it, not sure which one you have on your HPX.
Just a few thoughts, hope they help. I want to do this myself but may wait until we decide on an HPX replacement.
Jim
Just noted your attachment--it appears your 2nd battery is full size. That seems like a good idea.
