Well was having g issues with my truck not starting for a few days now. Just being stupid so I got the sh*ts of it and did a dual red top swap and ran all new wiring to the starter and cylinoid and put an all new starter in and 3 new grounds. What a difference as soon as I get the key almost all the way over.... VROOM. System plays so much, and can have all my lights on plus the system thumping and you don't even notice a draw at all haha. Will post pics tomorrow morning.

 

Damn now just rebuild your alternator and your battery will never die. I wanna do this. Lots of pics plz

 

I hope you used a battery isolator in between the two or you might have a problem later down the road with them self discharging each other, i used a isolator from nother tool for like $40 and made a custom battery tray.

 

Our tractors on the farm don't have isolators an we never have a prob. I know it can cause a batt to discharge if one goes the other direction but hell we get better than 6 years out of them usually. Not saying don't use an isolator but I think since you did two brand new red tops I don't think you'd have to worry bout it.

 

Isolators are used by people who use the second battery to power other things such and a camper's interior lights. you don't want to drain your primary starting battery so you have a system that when engine shuts down a relay opens to isolate the secondary battery. This is a nice setup because the secondary battery is charged by the regular charging system. The parts for this can be obtained at parts stores that specialize is parts for campers, trailers and motor homes. Hamradio operators use such a setup for remote stationary operations.

 

Damn washer fluid tank... That's we're it is on the 04-08s

 

Thats exactly how mine is set up, the one battery operates the truck and most stock functions but all my after market goodies are hooked up to the yellow top.

And i could be wrong but i beleive thats becuase they run matched batteries, if thats the case then theres no problem, the problem comes when you get two batteries with slightly different charges they try to charge each other and in the processd drain one or the other or both. Its not a big deal especially when you buy two new batteries but the problem starts down the road after many uses. its more of a precautionary than anything, you can defentitly run it without an isolator but its safer with one.

 

There not brand new the one is like a year old the other is like 2 at the most both are perfectly working red tops and had no issues just got tired of having a dead battery after playing my music for maybe 30 min haha I'll get pics soon and then post them tonight.

 

My truck has stuff there.

 

I've thought many times about doing a dual battery set up in various trucks. Never knowing what all was needed, other than the second battery, I have yet to do it. Luckily, I've also never really had the need for it either. Still, since this thread is about it, how about a complete walk through and materials list for doing it, please?