I have an optima redtop, but now that the compressors are run and all that nonsense the battery has quite a strain on it.

I was wondering how many people have 2 batteries, and if you do, how you have them run, whether they are together or seperatly..

Thanks

Jason Sadler
jason@evolution-autodesign.com

 

Well, if I have this right, your compressors only run when needed, its not like they are on all the time. I really wouldn't worry about a second battery because yeah, when your compressors are on they are drawing power from your battery, but that is what your alternator is there for. Especially with the Red-top, I really really think you are fine with one battery. Also, who wants another ugly battery hanging around the car, even with the added extra weight

 

haha.. weight..

well i have 2 amps drawing over 1000 watts, the compressors are 100% duty cycle and stay on and come on whenever the tank needs air (i know i can switch that on and off.. and i have..), and then the AC in this hot florida whether..

 

I've thought about getting one. The fact that I don't really want to bother installing a setup for a battery in the trunk, combined with the fact I don't have the money lying around is what keeps me from getting one. I've got about 2100 watts of stereo in the car and between the two amps, the electrical system isn't a happy camper. I'm not sure what the strain a set of airbags is, but when I had the single 1000w amp in the car, I thought about a 2nd battery. It'll do you more good than capacitors, and with the setup of yours that I've seen, I think it'd be nothing but helpful. If you've got the cash -- go for it!

 

$150 for battery.. $20 for misc wire, taps, connectors??

Not much money.. i just don't know how to go about setting it up and all..

 

Get a yellow top and get a battery isolator. This way you can have your stereo blasting with the engine off.

 

This helps controlt the charging of 2 batteries for the low price of $280

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/LITSSR2002

they have another unit for $70


I think what you want is a bigger alternator..do you run your compressors when the car is off alot? if not, then a 2nd battery may not be the way you want to go

www.soundDomain.com is a great place for this kind of info..you might be a member just trying to help

 

thanks for the info.. i guess i need to do some research, i'll have to ask my stereo guy too..

thanks for the info tony, that sounds more along the lines of what I am looking for, but still need to make some calls..

 

without going crazy and spending alot of money the best way is to run a 2nd battery is to install the same battery you have in the front of the car in the trunk. then run a 1/0g wire from the front battery to the rear battery. ground the rear battery with 1/0g wire as short as possible. change the front ground to a 1/0g wire.

this is what i'm going to do to my car when i get to do the stereo (i'm still waiting for you to help me )

you must use the same battery for the front and the rear. red tops go for $125.

if after doing this set up you think you need more, than you will need to upgrade to a 160amp alternator. this is when you start spending money.

if you need more info call me at my new # 201-993-3633, Freddie

 

I would go with a 2nd battery.

 

My dad's 1500+ watt amps and bajillion speakers in his "mobile sound room" required 2 batteries, but that was in a minivan...there was ample room for the 2nd battery he added, which was a marine battery. I guess you could always mount a 2nd one in the back, or both in the back....

 

Jay,

just remmember what i said last night...

Ant

 

 

where are you... ?? i cant see you online punk...

 

Running your batteries in this setup would be the easiest. I would recommend two batteries versus getting a bigger alternator. It is far more cost effective with alternators running $500+.