Adding a 2nd Deep-Cycle Battery

[chpthril]

ok so i have been checking out the thread about adding a 2nd deep cycle battery and have a ? or 2.... first how does someone judge the battery to add? (the capacity of the battery or how long the battery will power components such as a stereo?) i would like to compare different batteries and don't know the different brands and which brand is better? any suggestion would be appreciated as i am ready to buy a 2nd battery and install it hopefully this weekend

Deep cycle batteries are rated by Amp/hrs - the number of hours, at a given current draw (the stereo) it will stay above, something like 10.5V. So, look for the highest AH rating that will fit (size wise) into your storage area.

Since you are adding to an existing battery bank, you will need to go with the same type battery you have now, such as a Gel-Cel, AGM, Lead acid wet-cel. More then likely, you gave a wet-cel

You cant go wrong with the Interstate or Trojan marine deep cycles.

[jwanck11]

Am making this happen...

Does it make sense to add an isolator if I all ready have the perko switch?

[chpthril]

Am making this happen...

Does it make sense to add an isolator if I all ready have the perko switch?

I have a great memory, but it's short for that reason I like the Isolator

An Isolator is nothing more then a "set it and forget it", electronic, automatic, lazy man's Perko, they do basicly the same thing. With the Iso, you dont have to rotate a switch from one battery to another when you go from cruise to anchor, and back to cruising.

I have both a factory installed Iso, and a Perko that I installed. The Iso lets me play tunes as long as I want without running my "starting" battery dead, and the Perko gives me the piece of mind that if my "starting" battery ever took a dump out on the lake, I can switch the Perko from BATT 1 to BATT 2, and start engine.

Isolators and ACR's (auto combining relays) can be had for less then $100.

[jwanck11]

I found an isolator and a wiring kit at Pep Boys. Now the last question - I think - is how can I tell what amp alternator I have? I am guessing that the alternator currently has wiring that runs straight to the starting battery?

[chpthril]

I found an isolator and a wiring kit at Pep Boys. Now the last question - I think - is how can I tell what amp alternator I have? I am guessing that the alternator currently has wiring that runs straight to the starting battery?

What year boat, and motor do you have???

[jwanck11]

It is an 04 and have the Vortec 5.7l

[chpthril]

I found an isolator and a wiring kit at Pep Boys. Now the last question - I think - is how can I tell what amp alternator I have? I am guessing that the alternator currently has wiring that runs straight to the starting battery?

It is an 04 and have the Vortec 5.7l

It's probably a 60A, but could be 90A. Go with an Iso rated for about 120A's and you should be just fine.

It's a good possibility the alt output is going to the starter lug.

[jwanck11]

Many Thanks for your help! Going to pick up the Iso now.

[jwanck11]

OK. Got it. Now I am looking into on board chargers. Boy the $$ is like a waterfall. Am I right in assuming that I need a 3 bank charger? I can get a really good deal onthe ProSport 12, but it is a 2 bank charger and I am guessing that it will not work with 3 batteries, correct?

TIA!!

[Waterski-Rebel]

Where is the best place to buy the battery wireing at, and should my 2nd battery be a deep cycle, or a multi-purpose (starting, and deep cycle)? I currenty only have 1 battery in my boat, and want to add a 2nd for emergancy starts, and for the radio while stopped.

[dogbert]

I'd go to your local auto supply place.

[G-MONEY]

Where is the best place to buy the battery wireing at, and should my 2nd battery be a deep cycle, or a multi-purpose (starting, and deep cycle)? I currenty only have 1 battery in my boat, and want to add a 2nd for emergancy starts, and for the radio while stopped.

From me............

I sell wire and cable

$2.75 ft 2/0

[CP3]

I just bought my 1/0 power wiring from knuconceptz.com for 1.75 a ft....sorry G

[Waterski-Rebel]

cp3 - is this what you bought??

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMa...ry=KLM%20Kable

That looks like Power cable for an AMP, can it be used for the battery to Perko switch too?

Also, any suggestions on which battery to buy? Should I just go with an Intersatate Deep Cell? If so, can I start my boat with it, if my starter battery dies?

[chpthril]

cp3 - is this what you bought??

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMa...ry=KLM%20Kable

That looks like Power cable for an AMP, can it be used for the battery to Perko switch too?

Also, any suggestions on which battery to buy? Should I just go with an Intersatate Deep Cell? If so, can I start my boat with it, if my starter battery dies?

This wire is just more flexible (smaller strands of wire) then actual battery cable. The most important thing is choosing the correct ga for the load.

Go with the Interstate as your 2nd house battery, it will start the engine if need be.