Dual Batteries

Churnd · 10-01-2003, 10:26 PM

Ok, I know dual batteries have been discussed here a thousand times. I've been searching all night but not really finding what I need. I'm planning on running another battery along with my Everstart Maxx from WalMart. The extra battery is probably going to be an Optima Marine.

I have a pretty good idea of how I'm going to wire it up also. I'll probably order an isolator kit or make up my own. Basically, the kit will allow me to run the batteries at the same time, seperately, or to let the secondary boost the primary in the event that the primary ever dies. This is all provided I can find a place to mount the extra battery and keep it out of the way.

Now what's really stumping me is what I'm going to do about the alternator. The way I'm going to run the isolator is off of the main battery, instead of off the alternator, then to the secondary. I'm worried that my alternator isn't going to be up to the task of charging both batteries. I do have the 140 amp alt from Mr. Alternator, but I haven't successfully found a way to upgrade the charging wires from the alt. I ran a 8 guage wire parallel from the charging post to the battery with no luck. WATRD, however, successfully did this on his rig... a Tacoma.

So, what I need to know is, will my alternator be up to the task of charging 2 batteries or do I need to figure out how to upgrade the wires first? If not, I probably still will later... but I'd like to start running the dual batteries now.

Edit: Here's a site that I've been looking at for the isolator kit: Wrangler NW

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

ByThaBay · 10-02-2003, 01:08 AM

my biggest concern with using the stock alternator wires would be that they would be too thin. you need a lower guage (thicker wire) if you plan on having the alternator change more.

just my $.02

**waskillywabbit** · 10-02-2003, 04:13 AM

This is the best thread that I have read so don't grab both poles on the battery or you might wind up dead!

It's way too early in the morning to have to be awake!

If Baja Taco doesn't chime in, I'd PM him and check out his recent thread on a SWEET dual battery setup.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...dual+batteries

Brian

Churnd · 10-02-2003, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by waskillywabbit
This is the best thread that I have read so don't grab both poles on the battery or you might wind up dead! It's way too early in the morning to have to be awake!

If Baja Taco doesn't chime in, I'd PM him and check out his recent thread on a SWEET dual battery setup.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...dual+batteries

Brian

Yeah, it is pretty early, huh?

I read BajaTaco's post several times and it does provide a LOT of information, but it's also for a 3rd gen truck. I have a second gen truck. I guess the only difference would be that I need to figure out how my alternator is wired differently than his.

10-02-2003, 04:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,471	Best Thread I Read This is the best thread that I have read so don't grab both poles on the battery or you might wind up dead! It's way too early in the morning to have to be awake! If Baja Taco doesn't chime in, I'd PM him and check out his recent thread on a SWEET dual battery setup. http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...dual+batteries Brian __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
dual batteries w/out isolator	dfoxengr	Offroad Tech	5	02-26-2007 09:47 AM
Dual batteries under the hood	BajaTaco	General Vehicle Related Topics (Non Year Related)	85	03-01-2006 05:23 AM
Dual Batteries Installation	Gangus2006	Vehicle Audio & Home Entertainment	29	06-03-2005 06:31 PM
dual batteries	rugerm44	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	8	11-10-2003 04:58 AM
dual batteries?	doink	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	5	02-09-2003 09:58 AM

10-02-2003, 01:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
ByThaBay Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: San Francisco Posts: 294	my biggest concern with using the stock alternator wires would be that they would be too thin. you need a lower guage (thicker wire) if you plan on having the alternator change more. just my $.02