As the title states, I'm adding an optima yellow top to my Astro. Its going to be mounted in a custom cabinet inside the van to be used as a power source via an inverter for a tv/dvd, small microwave, and small toaster oven. I'm not familiar with wiring a dual bat. setup. Any help much appreciated..
I assume the optima is sealed so it will not give of fumes when charging?
Battery isolator. You need one of these to charge two batteries off one alternator.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200343388_200343388
And make sure the cabinet is vented outside the vehicle. Most acid batteries give off hydrogen when charged. Not sure about the AGM types though. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks. The optima is totally sealed. I will source an isolator.
Isolators are alright, but a cheaper, easier to install, and all around better thing to use is a charge relay. Car audio stores will have one. Get the 200 amp version, some 4awg wire, and make certain you get 2 anl style fuses/holders (150 amp) to protect everything.
The downside to the isolator is voltage drop, and they are way harder to wire up correctly. With the relay, all you do is tie to the front battery, to the first fuse, to the relay, through the firewall (grommeted) and car to the second fuse, and finally the yellow top. Find a true ignition to activate the relay and there you go.
later, matt
not cheap but this kit will allow you to use the 2nd battery to start the car if the 1st is toast.
http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=40102
That's the relay, but yikes! $169! - and no high current wire or fuses! My stereo shop could mail you all the stuff I was talking about, wire, fuses, relay, for about $210, and give you detailed instructions to boot...
later, matt
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