Tips on charging 2nd battery. (trunk)

[dmanhogg]

So, deciding that my lights were dimmed way to much while my subs are playing, i've decided to pick up another battery that will sit in my trunk. The dilemna is, how do i go about charging this battery? some suggestions were to wire it to the alternator?
whats your guys' best option..

 

[Infinity08]

Wire it in parallel (+to +) directly from the original battery. Use 1/0 or larger cable (fused of course, 300A) and the same size ground to the frame in the rear. You should really use identical batteries in size/type/age) front and rear, but it isn't absolutely necessary.

 

[ShadowRaven]

So, deciding that my lights were dimmed way to much while my subs are playing, i've decided to pick up another battery that will sit in my trunk. The dilemna is, how do i go about charging this battery? some suggestions were to wire it to the alternator?
whats your guys' best option..

I'm not too knowledgeable on this whole area, but I do know that if you get another battery, one will be older than the other, obviously, therefore when it's heading toward its end, it's gonna piss the hell out of the new batt. You could try searching for battery relocation kits, I know they make them, also I know they make relays (or something similar) to allow the batt's to operate in parallel, but run separately through a switching mechanism. I know everyone says this, but there are a lot of threads in the search option that have a lot of info on this topic, I'll see what else I can find for you.

 

[BrianDye]

I bought one of those High Power Audio batteries, Kinetik brand, it packs so much power, run the thickest you can afford power cables from your front battery (+) to the 2nd batt's (+), and then for the (-) just use about a foot of cable and screw it to the chassis, thats all you need to do, then wire your amp from the 2nd battery.

It will charge just like the stock battery.

 

[symon_say]

And get an isolator so your back battery dont discharge your front battery. And i'll prevent that your old battery damage you new one.

 

[kert0307]

You can wire them up directly, but like stated the batteries can "fight" each other if they are different ages and types. The best ways to prevent this are to use a high current solenoid or battery isolator. Explorers have either a 90 or 130 amp alternator, so it will need to be rated for at least that load. For pros and cons of solenoids and isolators look here.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174594&highlight=dual+battery

Here is a link to my setup using an isolator.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194271&highlight=dual+battery


The search feature is your friend... good luck

 

[BrianDye]

My setup is just two batteries wired together, no insulaters or anything...
theyve been good for about 6 months now, brand new duralast under the hood, year oldish kinetik in the back

 

[dmanhogg]

Perfect. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Infinity08]

My setup is just two batteries wired together, no insulaters or anything...
theyve been good for about 6 months now, brand new duralast under the hood, year oldish kinetik in the back

ssuming you meant isolators. :

 

[Caejxr]

I was thinking the washer tank and jack compartment in the rear would be a good location for a second batt. since my sprayer is busted off and just making a mount in there for it. Is that where you all have been putting the second batt. ?

 

[BigBoom]

it's not a good idea to mix wet and dry batteries either, just for an fyi.

 

[corkey]

wet and dry batteries shouldn't be mixed as they have different charge rates.

same with mixing AGM (like optima, ) and wet ,or regular lead acid,

 

[Nutzon20s]

I put my extra batt in the stock sub/cargo netted area. I pulled out the cargo holder thing. I did see someone fit a group 31 in the same spot, there is enough room.