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. __________________ Mark H 1500 Sliverado '06 Fish n Ski, Camping
I have personally used the Wrangler NW dual battery setup. I loved the thing. never let me down. Came in real handy for jump starting myself. Battery isolators like trailers and motorhomes use, the ones with the huge aluminum heat sink don't hold up to well. i burnt out 2 of them before going with the wrangler setup. I think the heat under the hood got to them. Painless and a few other companies make similar ones like the wrangler kit. they should work well too. You could also make your own using a ford style starter solenoid, just make sure you get one that is meant for a continuous load, not momentary like the starter solenoids.
Some people who are into the jeep thing use dual battery set ups. You could go onto jeepahaolics.com and see if they could help you. Or you could buy a diesel. They already have dual batteries. But for camping, consider looking into a small generator. Honda makes some pretty small generators that are supposed to run fairly quite. Not sure on the price, but if you go camping a lot it would probably pay for itself pretty quick.
3rd Battery Tray It's a military tray (P/N 15041310) That bolts to the frame on the passenger side. The local Chevy dealer said they can get it for around $50-$60 dollars. It was designed for 2001/2002 vehicles but see no reason (yet) why it wouldn't work on other years. I was also considering a dual battery tray I had found on Amazon though I forget from who, that might work with some appropriate bracing. Mark H
'05 2500HD, Thanks for the suggestion. I loooked at the Wrangler but frowned at the $500 price tag (at least I think that was the one asking $500 for the kit). It's probably worth every penny but my budget just ain't quite unlimited yet. Students don't make a ton of money. Initially, I've decided to use the original factory setup and see what happens. I'm still collecting parts but should be able to start installation in another week. Mark H
:doah:The kit I used was only around $100. I bought the second batt. tray from the dealer for around $50. I just looked at their site. They don't seem to offer the one I had. Never saw those kits that they offer now before. I don't blame you, I'm a student too, and would never spend $500+ on something like that. It doesn't even include batteries!!!! They do sell the continuous relay seperately there though. Something alon those lines is what I was saying to use. It's meant for continuous, not intermittent, use. Good luck with your project. Post up some wpics when your done so we can see your work!waytogo
Update Factory relay, cables, relay modification and battery tray have been purchased. Since the service and parts dept automatically think diesel when I mention two batteries, I've had to rely on studying the Helm shop manual to closely match the original factory setup (the wiring is configured differently). Also since Chevy didn't consider using the aux battery as an emergency start battery, I'm adding one relay to bypass the factory relay for starting purposes. Interstate battery made up my cables and will be supplying the battery. Although the Optima battery is supposed to be the best on the market, it runs $145 for their new yellow top. The Optimas also come with both side and top post. By using the Interstate battery, I can get side post only, use the factory battery holddown puck and fit a slightly larger battery in the available space. The two remaining issues are 1) removal of the factory fender brace and tapping into (or creating) a new electrical distribution for the aux battery operated accessories. The service dept and the Helm manual show the fender brace NOT used but tomorrow, I'll be at a local sheet metal shop to get the existing brace modified. I figure they put it in there for a reason originally and although it may work fine without it, the extra structural integrity couldn't hurt. I could keep going but I'll wait until pictures start turning up and/or I overcome some of these issues. I know, I'm overcomplicating it
Dual batt. Interstate is a good choice of battery. I personly don't care for optima. Went through three before switdhing, they kept leaking. What truck were you setting the batterys in. My 98' GMC 2500 came with a space for the second battery. They must use the same engine compartment set-up as the diesel model. I just keep one there for spare .
'06 light duty 1500 Chevy. The battery tray has been installed on the right side, next to the firewall; $30 from the parts dept.
sounds like you have a well planned out project going on here. Can't wait to see pics!!!waytogowaytogo
