ok, i want to get one of them gell type deep cycle batteries, but than the guy at the store said to run two batteries, one for running the car, another for running the stereo. what do you guys do/think?

 

Well 2 batterys would be nice but then you have to have 2 alternators to keep them powered. Unless your planning on a system over 1000 watts just try an optima battery (best bang for the buck) and get a good alternator. That will keep ya going.

 

Lots of people run multiple batteries with only one alternator. There is no reason why two alternators would be needed, just wire the two batteries in parallel. If your system is dranining too much power for your alternator to keep up, get a high output one. The only time I could see you needing two alternators is if you wanted to keep your stereo power and the car power (everything else) completly seperate (is that wwhat the stereo guy was talking about), but I dont think it would be worth the trouble. Most second battery install's I've seen are run in parallel with the existing battery. Batteries also extend your play-time without the car running. You could put another battery in the rear lock-box on the side like some people do, or put it down in the well depending on your install, or I've even heard of people removing their cruise-control equipment under the hood and relocating the vaccuum can thing so they can put it on the other side of the engine bay (oppisite from the original battery). I really dont think you need to run two batteries is necessary unless you'll be running your system alot without the car running.

- Mike

 

yeah, i'll probably be needing 2000 watts from the system and than other misc car utilities. im thinking about puting the optima battery where the stock one is, than a batter in the spare tire well. as long as it doesnt tip over, i think i'll be alright
i think i got a stock 105a alt. whats my next option?

 

You shouldn't use a deep-cycle battery for starting the car. And you shouldn't use a starter battery like a deep-cycle battery (running the system with the engine off). That's why two batteries.

Get an Optima red-top for your starter, and an Optima yellow-top in the trunk for the stereo. That way you can mount it sideways or whatever, and not have to worry about outgassing or spillage. You can still run one alternator, but you need an isolator.

 

JZA i hope you see this soon,


why not run a Deep Cycle for starting?????? please get asap, i will eventually get a second, but only one for now, plus a 180 ALT and deep cycle you can run into the ground till its dead without killing it, i see that as fantastic, anyways, get back asap please, , its winter, and mines shot...

 

uh, optima batteries are DRY CELL they dont spill lol, and also u can use the red one for stereos and starting, ive read about them, but it says not to use the yellow top for starting

 

wayt wayt, nah, ,the red tops are just sealed batterys, the yellow tops are the only Dry cell's....


damnit, damnit, ok, this blows, cause i know i wont be able to get the second for a year or two.

so i should go for which red top? or what.?

 

just makin sure you know, but two batteries increases the load on the alternator and is gonna wear it out quicker.. the best upgrade you can do to get powre to your car is to get a larger alternator.. the second batery will only be useful for playing the stereo with the car off, it wont help (as a matter of fact, it will hurt) the alternator during driving... just makin sure you're aware of this

 

180 alt...

 

If your running 2000 watts.....just get an Optima Yellow Top and run a 1 farad cap or 2 ;-)

I'm pushing 1500 watts in my Truck on a non-Optima Battery with 2 1 farad caps. Sounds great...never have a problem with draining the battery...although I will eventually upgrade to a yellow top Optima!

 

if you feel you system really needs that much power. If you remove your smog pump a alternator will bult up with just a little grinding. After that just run two alternator and two batteries.
It's real popular to do that around here.