I would like to have a seconde battery in my vehicle to run lights and stereo...but always have a main battery to start the car..What do i need besides a second battery,, and where might i find the parts online.. ty for ur time...
2006-08-19 14:05:29 · 3 answers · asked by lakeyorkies 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Adding a second battery is really easy.
Why is the hard question.
1. what is the reason for the second battery?
If it's to help start the vehicle then you have another problem(probably starter)
2. if it's to run something then you need to install an isolator to insure you do not run down the engine battery and the vehicle wwon't start.
If you're just hooking up a second battery then you need to:
1. find a place to install the battery so it will not move.
2. If it is not in the engine compartment then you need to use much heavier battery cables(example: if it's to be installed in the trunk or the bed of a pick-up it would need to be 2/0 cables)
THE HOOKUP: you will hook up the NEGATIVE terminal of the batteries together.
you will need to hook up the POSITIVE terminals of the batteries togather.
This will allow the alternator to charge both batteries.
IT WILL ALSO ALLOW ANYTHING YOU ARE DOING TO DISCHARGE BOTH BATTERIES..ALSO! ANYTHING YOU DO TO SCREW UP USING THE SECOND BATTERY COULD DESTROY THE COMPUTERS ON YOUR VEHICLE!
Now, if the above's OK. Then you're good to go.
I mentioned an Isolator. Theis is a device(available at any auto parts house, JC Whitney, etc.) that allows the alternator to charge both batteries, but prevents ANYTHING that happens with the second battery to affect the vehicles electrical system. can't run down the car battery, destroy the computers, etc.
In my service trucks I have a second battery just plugged into a cigerette lighter to keep the second battery charged, but I have a jack I unplug so I can remove the battery for testing stuff(at the test phase it is not in the vehicle system anymore)
2006-08-19 14:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check online on RV and 4 Wheel Drive sites for ideas. I know you need a battery isolator, battery box and alot of wiring. RV and 4WD shops sell the stuff you need and you can buy some of it online at http://www.jcwhitney.com
2006-08-19 21:22:43 · answer #2 · answered by Albert F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did this years ago.
It's not worth the effort.
It's better to buy one top-line
battery.
2006-08-19 21:28:24 · answer #3 · answered by kyle.keyes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋