I was wondering if anyone here runs their audio system off of a
secondary car battery? If so, could you draw up a simply
wiring diagram or maybe even images of the setup?

I am thinking of doing this myself since I love to listen to
music while my car is not running. Thanks.

 

What does your system consist of and what kind of battery are you currently running?

 

I just have a bare bones setup right now, Sony HU, 4 speakers.

But I plan to add a sub and an amp. Possibly a dvd setup later this winter.

 

I had a "slight" dimming problem on my 5th gen Max when I finally installed my 2 JL Audio amplifiers. At the time I still had my stock oem battery. I replaced my battery last week with a brand new Optima Yellow top battery. No more dimming problems for me. If you plan on running more than I am, you may want to add a stiffining cap with the new battery. 2nd battery isn't that necessary unless you plan on running more than say 1500-2000 true watts.

 

you would need the following:

- 16ft of 4gauge power wire
- 5ft of 4gauge ground wire
- x4 4gauge ring terminals
- 60-80amp inline fuse for under the hood
- a relay inline between both batteries
- MDF wood to mount your new battery down

Anthony

 

Hey, MaximaDave

Where did you get your Optima Yellow Top battery??

 

American Battery and Company out in Escondido.

 

Agreed Maxima Dave, I'll be picking me up a yellow top soon, its a more viable option than a 2nd battery. The 2nd battery only adds to the alternator load while a good battery will allow for similar car off playing without the heavy current load of dual batteries. I have the RED top Optima in my other car and its great too, just isn't deep cycle like the yellow.

 

Like Maximadave said, you probably just need a Optima Yellow Top. You won't need a second battery unless you're running a crazy amount of watts.

 

Exactly. I can play my system at a medium volume now without the engine running for more than an hour. No more dimming problems at all at night. One cool thing I have on order, Optima makes a distribution block and a digital volt meter that sits on top of the yellow top battery. It is the coolest thing. My installer has a crew cab dually with dual Optima yellow tops with the volt meter/distribution block on it and damn does it look good!