[AMagg]

Hey, friends!

I'm looking to install a second battery in the spare tire storage area and also install a power inverter in the cargo area.

I want a power station for when I go camping or whathaveyou. Charging electronics, emergency power, etc. all without having to rely on the primary battery. If needed, I could even jumpstart myself. I'd rather not rely on a generator.

Couple things I would need according to some reading I've done:

1. 140 amp Battery isolator unit, apparently our alternators run at 140 amps----separates the batteries from one another. Will only charge the secondary when primary is fully charged to maintain voltage drop.
2. Thick gauged battery cables (6 to 8 gauge) from isolator unit to secondary. Bigger cables means less resistance. My question would be if I could just take jumper cables and modify them by installing ring terminals at each end, or would I have to buy cables specifically for batteries? Do they have different properties?
3. Fuses at each end of the positive cable from isolator to secondary.
4. Where to feed cables going to spare tire area?
5. Battery with high charge

This idea is in it's infant stages. See anything wrong with this? Any ideas?

 

[jack.allwardt]

You wouldn't need heavy duty cables running from the alternator to the battery. The huge cables in normal use are for the starter, which draws more energy. I'd be surprised if the battery would charge at more than 20-30 amps, so that would mean about 10 ga wire.

I think the "isolator" will be the expensive part--I'd suggest you get all the info/specs on that unit prior to proceeding.

Good luck!

 

[480KREEPIN]

I run a duel battery Isolater on my Chevy. that is what you need to properly keep both charged! I don't know that they have the option for a higher output alternator but I had to get one of them as well. that will keep both charged up nice. I didn't have to change the cable sizes though. now that I think about it our 140 ampers should do it!

 

[480KREEPIN]

I suggest you run a deep cycle for your alternate battery

 

[jack.allwardt]

I suggest you run a deep cycle for your alternate battery

X 2! There's a recent thread about the Optima batteries--check that out.

 

[480KREEPIN]

the blue top is great AMagg!

 

[AMagg]

the blue top is great AMagg!

I never even heard of Optima batteries. I see the Blue Top you mentioned has a high output and can last many recharges. I wanted a top of the line battery, so I'll read the discussion on here to start.

 

[Tyler-98-W68]

Take a look at Northstar Batteries.

They have more capacity for a given size compared to the optimas.

I run a group 24 Marine battery in my jeep.

http://buy.northstarbattery.com

 

[Earthworm51]

I never even heard of Optima batteries. I see the Blue Top you mentioned has a high output and can last many recharges. I wanted a top of the line battery, so I'll read the discussion on here to start.

Buy a Sears Diehard Platinum sealed Battery. Four year free replacement 8 year pro-rated. It's supposed to be a rebadged Odyssey Battery. My Northstar Battery died about a month ago, had it just over 4 years. I've had Optima Red Top, Blue Top, Yellow Top Batteries and some others too. I guess it's a matter of opinion. I now have a Sears Diehard Platinum, Bosch agm, Optima Blue Top and a Interstate Battery. I might as well try them all. Just my two cents.

 

[G33KSQUAD]

point #2: you could buy power wire by the foot from a custom audio shop. I've never heard a number given for the amperage our alternator charges at, so I'm not sure of a good gauge based on that number, but the factory wiring is usually 8 AWG. The longer the run, the bigger the wire. 4 AWG should be plenty, 6 AWG might be enough.

point #3: The fuse protects the wire so mount it as close to the power source as possible. in the even that there is a short somewhere along the wire, the fuse will blow before the wire melts. in this case, it sounds like both ends will be power sources

point #4: I ran my 4AWG power wire under the firewall and up through a drain-grommet that was under the drivers feet. Some people find a way through the firewall, I just ran under it and loomed it all off. From there, under the door sills and side panels, the under the rear seat and into the spare tire compartment.