running dual batteries
- Thread starter Cmprice
- Start date
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Seabronc
New member
There is nothing wrong with running dual batteries but batteries are not what runs the equipment, or should not be that is, when the engine is running. When the engine is running the alternator should be supplying the current requirements. So what I'm saying is that you need to get a large enough alternator to supply the demand. Do you expect to run all that stuff at the same time?, I don't think so.
However, if you are planning on running a lot of stuff with the engine off, that is another case. A good battery hookup would be to have the battery/s that is/are running equipment with the engine off, isolated from the one that is used to start the vehicle. That can be easily accomplished with a heavy duty continuous rated solenoid once the battery location is determined. Also, your alternator needs to be able to both run the vehicle and recharge any batteries that were discharged while the engine was off.
What I'm saying is that you could do it with out isolation, but you run the risk of draining down the batteries and have nothing to start the engine with. Also, you need to know what the equipment requirements are and how you invision running it, that is if you want a setup that will keep you happy.
The simplest installation would be two batteries in parallel, but that would only give you a longer time until they are both dead.
Good luck,
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However, if you are planning on running a lot of stuff with the engine off, that is another case. A good battery hookup would be to have the battery/s that is/are running equipment with the engine off, isolated from the one that is used to start the vehicle. That can be easily accomplished with a heavy duty continuous rated solenoid once the battery location is determined. Also, your alternator needs to be able to both run the vehicle and recharge any batteries that were discharged while the engine was off.
What I'm saying is that you could do it with out isolation, but you run the risk of draining down the batteries and have nothing to start the engine with. Also, you need to know what the equipment requirements are and how you invision running it, that is if you want a setup that will keep you happy.
The simplest installation would be two batteries in parallel, but that would only give you a longer time until they are both dead.
Good luck,
>-
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The main thing here, is like Seabronc said, you need to make sure to have a high amp alternator, this will take care of the majority of your problems with having a high end stereo system. The other thing that you need to look into is getting a good size (high farad) capacitor for your sound system. With a capacitor in line to your amp you won't have to worry about your lights and other electrical equipment being strained when your subs hit hard. Check any of your local car audio stores and you should be able to find a good qualify cap.
Also if you still want to run dual batteries, Painless Performance sells a nice wiring kit that comes with the solenoid and switch.
Also if you still want to run dual batteries, Painless Performance sells a nice wiring kit that comes with the solenoid and switch.
okay ya i was looking into the capactitators and would a 1.5 farad do?
also i may jut go ahead and get one of those big batteries that look like 6cans
so is there any way just to have 2 batteries hooked up all the time....like without them going to different things and having to push a switch and stuff? just like 2 batteries in place of the stock one...i would be putting the other battery on the other side of the radiator on that big open spot
Just hook them up together, like jumper cables, but with battery cable wire. You will get plenty of stereo power by hooking the batteries up seperate like in the diagram, plus you get the added benefit of your own personal jumpstarting anywhere you go. If you hook them up as you suggested you will need a boost from another truck if your battery dies. You can run your truck off the one battery and your winch, stereo and offroad lights off the other. That will give you plenty of power for all three of those accessories
yes, its like a one way line, the power goes to the battery but cant come back. it strickly for accessories, that way you can **** your battery with your stereo and it will start no problem. also use deep cycle gel batterys that way they can be run dry and it wont harm your batteries
ok my battery just crapped on me...i guess its been rean dry too many times...i try to jump it and when i turn the key it just makes a clicky sound then like if i wait a LONG time it will turn like 1/2 way over....but ya i have a extra marine battery lying around somewhere...would it work?
I would recommend a yellow top oltima battery for your setup though. If you are running duals, I have a red one for the truck and a yellow for accessories, I like that setup, and recommens it to you
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i dont have 200 bucks to dish out right now tho lol..when i get money i'll replace the marine battery with a red optima (they dont have the yellows) and i dont know if ima run 2 batteries for sure just getting some info..
