Installing a second battery....

Chevy Forum Chevy Classifieds Photo Gallery Chevrolet News Search Contact CF Sponsors
Member List Forum FAQ Chevy Timeslips Chevy Recalls TSBs Calendars Register Login

Installing a second battery....

Printable Version

Chevrolet >> Chevy Trucks, Vans & SUV's >> Tahoe >> Installing a second battery....

Page: [1] 2 3 4 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 12:22:52 PM

Hardin Thicke

Posts: 53
Joined: 1/19/2007
Status: offline

I have a 2nd Optima Red Top to install in the vacant battery tray. I'm looking for anyone else who has done this, and was wondering if they could provide a source for the battery cable, hardware, and details.

Post #: 1

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 2:39:56 PM

xclusive

Posts: 191
Joined: 9/15/2006
Status: offline

u need to purchase a isolator, seleniod or a big 200amp relay to have it switch back and forth. then all u need it some power wires, ring terminals, and remote wire. if u have any questions on wiring just let me know.

(in reply to Hardin Thicke)

Post #: 2

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 3:15:49 PM

Hardin Thicke

Posts: 53
Joined: 1/19/2007
Status: offline

I want to hook the two batteries in parallel by tying + to + and ground the negative side. The problem is that I'm having a problem finding battery cable long enough to reach from tray to tray.

< Message edited by Hardin Thicke -- 3/14/2007 3:16:48 PM >

(in reply to xclusive)

Post #: 3

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 4:56:59 PM

xclusive

Posts: 191
Joined: 9/15/2006
Status: offline

so go to ur local car audio shop and by 4 guage power wire by the foot.

(in reply to Hardin Thicke)

Post #: 4

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 8:35:46 PM

71cuda

Posts: 20
Joined: 1/30/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: xclusive

u need to purchase a isolator, seleniod or a big 200amp relay to have it switch back and forth. then all u need it some power wires, ring terminals, and remote wire. if u have any questions on wiring just let me know.

Hey xclusive could you run us electronicly challenged people through how to properly wire in the second battery and if you can list all of the stuff we might need to buy. Thanks

_____________________________

White 07 Tahoe 3LT Z71,magnaflow catback
White/silver 02 F-350 crew cab
71 Plymouth Cuda hard top currently under construction for the past 6 years

(in reply to xclusive)

Post #: 5

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 8:53:26 PM

xclusive

Posts: 191
Joined: 9/15/2006
Status: offline

first ground out the second battery then u need to run a power wire to a circuit breaker then a power wire from the output of the circuit breaker and connect it to the isolator, selenoid, or relay then connect a power wire from the output of the isolator, selenoid, or relay and run it to the second battery last but not least everything u connect to the 2nd battery should have a fuse or circuit breaker in between.

the power wire used to connect the second battery should be 4 guage.

the relay will also need to be grounded as well. it will also need and accessory wire ran to it. both these wires can be 16 guage.

items need for the install:

ring terminals
4 guage power wire
4 guage ground wire
16 guage wire
isolator, selenoid, or relay (http://www.theinstallbay.com/product_individual.php?id=907)
circuit breaker or fuse holder (circuit breakers just makes it easier) (http://www.theinstallbay.com/product_individual.php?id=876)

PS - I'm not responsible for any damage caused by this. This is merely an example and explanation of how I connected my second battery.

(in reply to 71cuda)

Post #: 6

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/14/2007 9:07:58 PM

71cuda

Posts: 20
Joined: 1/30/2007
Status: offline

Thanks xclusive

_____________________________

White 07 Tahoe 3LT Z71,magnaflow catback
White/silver 02 F-350 crew cab
71 Plymouth Cuda hard top currently under construction for the past 6 years

(in reply to xclusive)

Post #: 7

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/15/2007 7:16:52 AM

Hardin Thicke

Posts: 53
Joined: 1/19/2007
Status: offline

In my situation, I want the second battery to be in the circuit all of the time. If you hook two 12V batteries in parallel (+ to + and - to -) you get 12V with double the current. I don't want an isolator or relays. This setup is common in diesel trucks where a lot of current is required for glow plugs or grid heaters. I'm pretty sure the alternator is capable of charging the two batteries at once. I need the same gauge wire that comes off the existing battery. Is that 00?

(in reply to 71cuda)

Post #: 8

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/15/2007 2:11:48 PM

RonH

Posts: 420
Joined: 1/31/2007
Status: offline

If that's what you need to do, just go buy two new battery cables long enough to connect the two batteries. Then cut off the ring connector and install another battery connector in its place on each cable.

(in reply to Hardin Thicke)

Post #: 9

RE: Installing a second battery.... - 3/15/2007 4:42:02 PM

Hardin Thicke

Posts: 53
Joined: 1/19/2007
Status: offline

....and therein lie the problem. I can't find battery cables or wire long enough. I can attach the battery clamps on the ends if I could find cable. I'm tempted to use a set of jumper cables for the wire, but I hate cannabilizing a perfectly good set of jumpers. Also, still trying to determine the gauge of "battery cables".

(in reply to RonH)

Post #: 10