charging dual batteries

[anti*commander]

ok, ive asked this question before but i think if i restate it, people would understand and be of some help.

Well, as it says, im going to be charging 2 batteries, one is the stock battery, and the other will be a deep cycle marine battery. they are connected via solenoid. The marine battery is in the rear cargo area connected to the solinoid in the engine bay by 0 gauge wire and grounded by 0 gauge wire. What id like to know is, will my stock alternator on a 99 xlt be able to charge both of the batteries?

Another question i have is, where would i find an ignition source where theres is power when the key is in the "on" position(not accessory) and power when cranking (doesnt cut out like on the headunit).

Thanks for reading and replys are GREATLY welcomed.

 

[Xan]

ok, ive asked this question before but i think if i restate it, people would understand and be of some help.

Well, as it says, im going to be charging 2 batteries, one is the stock battery, and the other will be a deep cycle marine battery. they are connected via solenoid. The marine battery is in the rear cargo area connected to the solinoid in the engine bay by 0 gauge wire and grounded by 0 gauge wire. What id like to know is, will my stock alternator on a 99 xlt be able to charge both of the batteries?

Another question i have is, where would i find an ignition source where theres is power when the key is in the "on" position(not accessory) and power when cranking (doesnt cut out like on the headunit).

Thanks for reading and replys are GREATLY welcomed.

It would be all about what you're using the extra battery for... if you need a extra battery for something big i highly doubt the stock (i belave 140 amps) alt. will be able to keep up. I'd put on a 200amp alt. or if something really big i'd say maybe even 250-300.
Well the best wire to tap into for that would be your igition key wire, the one that sends power to the starter it would be under your dash, i'm not 100% on the color for our vehicles but if you grab a wiring schem, you should be able to find it.
But when using this for a power source use a fuse cause if something happens you'll melt alot of wires and you'll be boned then :thumbdwn:

 

[anti*commander]

thank you very much xan.

the setup will mainly be used where the stock battery has all thoe stock stuff on it and the head unit depending which position a switch is in. the second battery will have 1 100 watt power inverter which a laptop is plugged into, the inverter is also on a switch. also, my subwoofer/amp/cap and soon to come stereo speakers/amp are going to be on the second battery. i will also keep a wire handy about 1 foot long which has 2, 4gauge wires bundled together to make a bigger wire, in case i need to jump myself.

I am on somewhat of a budget, i have yet to find a battery for a reasonable price, so what would anyone reccomend as a good alternator for a good price.

Thanks again, and as before replys are GREATLY welcomed.

 

[anti*commander]

another question is, the solenoid is 200 amp, am i able to get a 200 amp alternator and be fine?

 

[manaen]

you should use a battery isolator to hook it up properly, otherwise how will you only drain power from the deep cycle battery when needed. Unless your saying that the 200 amp solenoid will be switched off (battery disconnected from main starting battery) while you are using the deep cycle battery.
Look at something like this unit from jcwhitney CLICK HERE

That is a much better way to hook things up, and you won't have to worry about switching things over. Personally I don't think you really need a bigger alternator, it only needs to charge your battery. I think before you go out and spend big bucks on the 200 amp alternator I would give it a try, and if you find your voltage is dropping too much then get one.
just my opinion....

 

[anti*commander]

well, i put a dpdt switch in, so when its up the solenoid is on when the key is in the start position and on position, when its in the center the batterys are separate, and when its down, its on via the second battery to jump myself

another question just poped into my head, and im sorry for asking alot of questions, but i had installed 2 relays in my car for the head unit, is it alright to leave a relay constantly on, does it drain the battery dramatically?