2006 Silverado 1500 327 cid I'm setting up multi batteries but am getting overwhelmed with all of the sales hype. These battereis will serve two purposes. 1) Aux for powering a laptop, two way radio, small light and FM radio while camping. Additionally, the aux will power around 800 watts of lighting for off road use (or roadside repair). 2) Powering a winch for the occasional stupidity on my part and to pull/lift loads into the bed (or pulling a dead boat onto it's trailer). I generally prefer to use original equipment if for no other reason than parts are easy to get most anywhere should they fail. Chevrolet decided to use a relay which engages while the engine is running to charge the aux battery. The Helm manual states the aux battery cannot be used to start the vehicle unless jumper cables are used between the batteries. Other companies advertise battery isolators with some selling for $200 and others as low as $60. These allegedly reduce the sudden shock on the alternator and allow the batteries to be used for all the reasons I want if three batteries are used and multiple isolators are wired in. A third battery tray can be had for $70 from GM. Is a second alternator a viable consideration to support the batteries? Recommendations are invited. Thanks in Advance.
Welcome and it would be best to repost but I wouldnt run two altenators. Unless you are either desert racing or running a small shop from your truck with welders,a bunch of lights and one heck of an air compressor
