Use For Auxiliary Battery

seabee47 · December 8, 2010

When I ordered my truck, I included an auxiliary battery, however, I haven't put it to use yet. I was thinking of installing a Xantrex PRO 1800 Inverter to the auxiliary battery and have a 115-volt, A/C plug on the console and one on the inside box sidewall. Have any of you'se guys did this and/or have any info in it? Would a separate battery isolater be needed or leave it as it is wired? Thanks, in advance, for any help.

builderpaul · December 8, 2010

When I ordered my truck, I included an auxiliary battery, however, I haven't put it to use yet. I was thinking of installing a Xantrex PRO 1800 Inverter to the auxiliary battery and have a 115-volt, A/C plug on the console and one on the inside box sidewall. Have any of you'se guys did this and/or have any info in it? Would a separate battery isolater be needed or leave it as it is wired? Thanks, in advance, for any help.

I ordered my truck with the aux battery option specifically to hook up an inverter. I am using a 2500 watt unit and it powers circular saws, miter boxes, planers, etc. very well. It will not start a compressor.

These will draw 150 amps when in use so need to be wired with heavy cables. I used 00 welding cable since it is very flexable with a 200 amp fuse.

There are at least 2 different aux battery options. I ordered the 8B0 which isolates the aux battery. I can run the aux battery dry and still have a full main battery to start the truck and recharge both. The aux battery is also wired into the trailer power supply pin. I can use the trailer lights water pump etc and not run down the main battery. This option is also good for the high power sound system guys. Or anyoune using power without the truck running.

The other option TP2 is just another battery hook together with the main. This would be good for plowing where you need a lot of power while the truck is running and are not concered with using power when the truck is not running.

Diesail · December 9, 2010

I did exactly what you are suggesting as well. I have outlets side of the console, passenger side b-pilar and in the bed. While it runs my computers most of the time it is great having enough power to run a power tool or air compressor. I have a duramax so the aux battery from the factory wasn't an option, I had to add a third battery. As Paul said the load from the inverter is pretty big. Just keep in mind the formula volts x amps = watts or to make it easy you can take your amps at 120 and mulitply by 10 to give you amps at 12 volts. So a 9 amp power tool will draw pretty close to 90 amps. I have found that I can run 12 amp AC load for about 45 minutes before the battery is low and on my duramax I found the alternator will put out 90 amps at idle so I can run a 9 amp AC load continuously.

mc7719 · December 9, 2010

First question, do both batteries then charge off the same alternator, or do you need to upgrade the original alt? I'm looking to add the aux battery option. (And yes, my licensed-electrician father will be assisting lol)

Also is there any components already THERE (pre-wired) for that optin? i.e. fuse block, volt reg, etc?

Secondly... wheres a good place to get a automotive AC outlet for the interior? Preferably with a round-hole mount, to make mounting easy.

I'm not looking to run any major things like power tools, more designed for the interior to run laptop, etc., and then also to provide aux power for my trailer when I tow.

thanks guys

seabee47 · December 9, 2010

Thanks for all you'se guy's replies. They will be helpful on the installation. When I ordered the truck earlier this year, I got the auxiliary battery and the 160-amp alternator option. I have an in-bed truck camper and thought of adding the 115-volt option, in addition, to the 12-volts. I ordered the inverter from StarMarine and will be having it installed probably in late January. I have to go see Auburn win the college national championship in Glendale, AZ on 10-Jan first.

Diesail · December 9, 2010

I have to go see Auburn win the college national championship in Glendale, AZ on 10-Jan first.

You sound like are friends in FL. Both husband and wife are big fans and his be dilemma is, should he get a little something before the game in case of a loss or wait until after the game because if they win it will be the wild and crazy and, well I leave out the rest. You get the idea.

Are you doing the install yourself? If so, let me know I can give you sources for cables, fuses and so on that I used for my install.

Diesail · December 9, 2010

First question, do both batteries then charge off the same alternator, or do you need to upgrade the original alt? I'm looking to add the aux battery option. (And yes, my licensed-electrician father will be assisting lol)

Also is there any components already THERE (pre-wired) for that optin? i.e. fuse block, volt reg, etc?

Secondly... wheres a good place to get a automotive AC outlet for the interior? Preferably with a round-hole mount, to make mounting easy.

I'm not looking to run any major things like power tools, more designed for the interior to run laptop, etc., and then also to provide aux power for my trailer when I tow.

thanks guys

Can't really answer all your questions as I have a diesel so I don't have a aux battery option. But this is what I do know, the aux battery charges right along with the starting battery. There is a relay that "combines" the batteries when the engine is running. The option does come with a larger alternator but you could do it with a standard unit. As to what is pre-wired, not sure there but if you do some searching I know I have seen it come up in other threads.

As to the AC outlets. I used GCI outlets that are the rectangle or "Decora" shape. To cut my holes I took a standard wall plate and screwed it to the trim piece. Then used a 1/4 bit to cut the corners and used the plate as a guide to cut the rest with a utility knife. I can post some pictures if you like.

brainpause · December 10, 2010

As to the AC outlets. I used GCI outlets that are the rectangle or "Decora" shape. To cut my holes I took a standard wall plate and screwed it to the trim piece. Then used a 1/4 bit to cut the corners and used the plate as a guide to cut the rest with a utility knife. I can post some pictures if you like.

Please, sir.

Diesail · December 10, 2010

Ok, here are some pictures of my outlets.

Side of console

b-pillar

bed

revrnd · December 11, 2010

When I installed a Warn 8274 winch on my '82, I wired an isolator into the circuit so that operating the winch wouldn't draw on the main battery.

brainpause · December 11, 2010

Builderpaul, what brand of inverted are you using? I did a search for 2500W inverters, and there is a wide range of prices and reviews.

Diesail and Builderpaul: where did you mount your second battery?

Larry

Diesail · December 11, 2010

Builderpaul, what brand of inverted are you using? I did a search for 2500W inverters, and there is a wide range of prices and reviews.

Diesail and Builderpaul: where did you mount your second battery?

Larry

My truck is a diesel, so both battery locations where already used. I mounted a third battery on the passenger side frame rail using a mounting bracket that is used on military trucks. On your year, you should have an spot on the passenger side at the rear of the engine where the second battery tray goes.

As to brand of inverter, I am using a Xantrex Prosine 1800. They are high end, but I found a good deal on a used one and it offered several advantages for my install. One being the remote display and on/off switch. It not only allows you turn it on and off but gives you load info and battery status.

But, you are right there is a lot off good stuff and cheap. Most of the cheap ones are overrated as to their power output and bigger isn’t always better. Look at the specs, they should give you continuous and surge. Surge is for just a moment for motor startup and so on. Keep in 1800 watts is a full 15 amp circuit! And IMO the most you are going to run off a single battery and stock charging system. Plus you have to take into consideration cable size. My 1800 watt inverter is cabled with 2/0 cable and it’s only 3 feet from the battery!

builderpaul · December 11, 2010

Builderpaul, what brand of inverted are you using? I did a search for 2500W inverters, and there is a wide range of prices and reviews.

Diesail and Builderpaul: where did you mount your second battery?

Larry

I have a coleman 2500 watt with 4500 surge. Used just about everyday since new in 04. Mounted in the passenger side, side mount tool box. Only thing I have had to redo was my ground to frame connection do to corrosion.

The 04 trucks mount the second battery on the passenger side fender. You remove the fender brace and install the tray there.

I ordered my truck built with the isolated aux bat option, I also ordered the trailer package so I didn't do any truck side wiring. If you have existing trailer wireing it will be fused to the existing battery. If you want the trailer to use the new battery you will need to pull the fuse and rewire it to the new battery.