How to correctly add a second battery

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=85050
Printed Date: May 30, 2024 at 8:38 AM

Topic: How to correctly add a second battery

Posted By: gq customs
Subject: How to correctly add a second battery
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 1:37 AM

I searched the12volt but all I could come up with were posts of people asking if they need to add a second battery. So basically Im just asking for the Correct way on adding a second battery. Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: Mad Scientists
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 6:35 AM

Hmm.. first post isn't showing up.. so once more.

Wiring in a second battery is dependent on what you're trying to do. How you wire a second parallel battery for starting is different then a second battery for off-engine use.

What are you trying to do?

Jim

Posted By: aznboi3644
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 7:24 AM

Basically to add another battery just wire in parallel with the existing battery....with fuses of course...nothing smaller than good 4 gauge wiring

Posted By: gq customs
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 9:50 AM

Sorry about not being a little more specific...Well I have 1 Red top Optima battery and 1 Yellow top, Red for the main functions and Yellow for the extras - Amps, TV's, etc... I know my options as far as Isolating and stuff, I guess my question is do I need a specific amp isolator? Im looking at buying a Stinger SR80 or a Stinger SR200 or a 200 amp three terminal Diode Isolator. Hope this was a little more helpful. Thanks

Posted By: jstruckman
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 10:21 AM

I have used the stinger SR200 a couple of times and it has always worked fine for me with no problems. It is really just a high amp relay.

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Posted By: jvillefinest
Date Posted: November 03, 2006 at 11:52 AM

personally i wont use less then 2ga power and ground wire and then just use a fuse before the isolator and then one after close to the battery. then ground the isolator and run a ignition wire to it. and make sure you get a good ground on the battery. I personally use the PAC200 isolator but im sure the stinger isnt much different. had to do this to my friends ranger the other day and it was a night and day difference!

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2007 Acura TSX
SQ setup in the works

Posted By: Mad Scientists
Date Posted: November 06, 2006 at 8:43 AM

If you're using an isolator, then I'd assume you're going to run off the second battery when the engine is off. If that's the case, I'd figure out what your current draw is going to be off the second battery and size your wires accordingly. The factory wiring in my motorhome is around 8ga to the second battery, fused with a 30a circuit breaker on each end. That's all it needs.

My conversion van sounds like yours.. it's got the TV and VCP already; I'm adding a DVD, inverter, and Xbox. I'll run a second battery in the back, vented if necessary, with probably the same 8ga size to it for charging. 30a breakers etc.

Questions?

Jim