Jump to content

Dual Battery Installation

mrbadwrench
 Share

Recommended Posts

bdbake01 Senior Enthusiast

bdbake01

Posted
Posted

Use an isolator, but not an electronic one unless your father in law owns an isolator factory and gives them to you for free. A standard Ford starter solenoid will do exactly the same thing and will outlast an isolator 20 to 1.

Not exactly, no. Two completely different devices that don't function the same in virtually any way.

  • Replies 52
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

bdbake01
bdbake01

Don't wanna be "that guy", but a second battery doesn't increase the pitiful capacity of the factory inverter which drives the plug. At only 150 watts you are limited to charging your iPad, or possibl

J-man67
J-man67

Hmm...so I could run a sawzall off the 120 plug with this? I tried the other day and got no power...

mrbadwrench
mrbadwrench

Not sure what inverter you guys are referring to, I don't have it though. Can't run 110 off my truck. The hair dryer/microwave comment was a joke ha-ha.

Posted Images

J-man67 Senior Enthusiast

J-man67

Posted
Posted

You wont be able to run a microwave by the way, you are going to burn the wires out unless it is on a dedicated wire to a dedicated inverter.

 

 

 

You probably tripped the breaker AND the fuse, I did that when I made the mistake trying to run a mini vacuum.

I didn't burn it out. Still works. Just wanted to try it.
sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
Posted

No, the 2nd battery tray is unused on the 1500. There are dual battery options but are only available for the 2500 and up. It is a mystery why GM includes the tray on the 1500.

I guessed it was a structural piece?

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

  • 4 weeks later...
JasonAVGuy Enthusiast

JasonAVGuy

Posted
Posted

Here is the start of my second battery setup. All I need now is the cables and thats happening this weekend. Im using a Isolator with remote, Safety hub fuse block, post fuses and 2/0 Cable. Everything but the cable is from Blue Sea Systems. The system will be used for a few things including winch, light bars, and when off grid camping with the RV. The battery im using was one I had around at some point it will get changed to a new one with studs so im setting my cables up for that. For now im using post to stud adaptors to make it work. I have some deep cycle batteries that would be great to use but with out cutting the hold down bracket it wont work. Here are some Pictures.

 

Switch for light bar and dual battery control switch

Battery isolator

Temporary battery

New Fuse Box

  • 2 months later...
Debra in Cali Enthusiast

Debra in Cali

Posted
Posted

Excuse my ignorance, but what would be the purpose of having a 2nd battery?

I am married to a rocket scientist that is related to Tim the Toolman. He installed a second battery with an inverter on my old Chevy Astro van. He did isolate it so that you had to switch it to use it for the main engine. It was able to do amazing things. If I had a dead battery, I flipped that switch and started my van. My sons could use the inverter to run their computer games or watch a DVD on our mini TV. (Only allowed on big trips) I did use a blow dryer to dry my hair and use my hot curlers on camping trips. If the battery died on our RV, He created a umbilical cable so thatwe could jumper it to the RV and use the second battery. ( but remember to pull the fuse on the RV battery to make sure it didn't drain the secondary battery). The battery was underneath, so it wasn't available to use to jump someone else's car. But when we install the second battery on my new truck, we will be able to jump another battery. Hubby will set it up the same way as my old vehicle. We are just trying to figure out where to put the inverter in my DC. We were thinking under the passenger seat. Anyone tried this yet???? We are a bit concerned about air flow and it overheating in that location.

krdeal Enthusiast

krdeal

Posted
Posted

The isolator does what yours does without flipping a switch. It is an automatic device that isolates the second battery when the ignition is off. However, when the vehicle is on the alternator will charge both batteries, allowing for a true automated process. You would still run your invertor off of the second battery, and any device you needed to run. As for the mounting under the seat, I would go by how hot the invertor gets as to whether or not I would install it there. A small one would definitely be no problem.

  • 1 year later...
Impala_98 Enthusiast

Impala_98

Posted
Posted

It's been a few years since this post started any new kit available I am thinking about adding a second battery for my sound system

CharlestonJoe Enthusiast

CharlestonJoe

Posted
Posted

I've been toying with idea myself. I would like to be able to plug in a power tool every now and then when I am working somewhere where a power source isn't available.

I did my own storage set up and would like to add a inverter off a second battery.

The storage set up pictured below I wish I would have done years ago. I love it.

post-148687-0-17571000-1489844562_thumb.jpg

post-148687-0-17571000-1489844562_thumb.jpg

post-148687-0-17571000-1489844562_thumb.jpg

post-148687-0-17571000-1489844562_thumb.jpg

  • 2 months later...
bsprtsgrp Enthusiast

bsprtsgrp

Posted
Posted

I just ordered the parts for installing a second battery if anyone needs the list. I already had the tray so that eliminated 5 of the 12 parts needed including the battery.

Sierra706 Senior Enthusiast

Sierra706

Posted
Posted

I just ordered the parts for installing a second battery if anyone needs the list. I already had the tray so that eliminated 5 of the 12 parts needed including the battery.

How much did it all run you

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bsprtsgrp Enthusiast

bsprtsgrp

Posted
Posted (edited)

How much did it all run you

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

$325.96 including the battery w/o the tray, support, nut & bolt for the tray

 

$498.68 with those parts.

Edited by bsprtsgrp

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • C/K Man
      Silverado 4500-5500-6500 are they still being produced? Would have sold better as GMCs as well

      By C/K Man · Posted

      There was talk over the last couple of years that the contract to build these trucks between GM and International would not be renewed.  International moved production of all their other trucks besides the companion CV model out of the Springfield plant some time ago when they opened their San Antonio plant.  That left Springfield only building the Silverado Medium Duty, International CV Series, and some Express/Savanna long wheelbase cutaways.  International also put the plant up for sale some time ago.  This all answered my earlier question as to why GM and International did nothing with these trucks since they were introduced, as they had basically become a market 'placeholder' with a finite life.    The Silverado Medium Duty/International CV trucks were interesting combination of a GM powertrain, electrical system, and K2XX Silverado cab with an International chassis that was supposedly designed for a step-van type vehicle they never produced.  They were manufactured in International's Springfield plant along with the IH MV series initially.  When first introduced, there was much talk that the Silverado Medium Duty/CV would eventually get a gasoline engine option along with other upgrades and GM and IH would work on a class 6/7 joint venture truck.  This was before VW bought Navistar out, after that happened no more was said.  Draw your own conclusions...   About the time talk started that the GM/IH joint venture was not going to be renewed, rumors started that GM would develop a new line of medium duty trucks themselves.  The story is the new trucks will be part of the next generation HD's due in 2028, and will still feature a 'straight rail' chassis design that the current medium duty has.  GM views this as a desirable feature that differentiates their truck from the competition.  A gasoline engine option is also expected.  As the current Silverado Medium Duty remains in production until September 2026 and there is still a lot of inventory available do not expect any official word for some time.   I believe GM remains committed to their successful partnership with Isuzu, and all the LCF models will still be available from Chevy Commercial dealers.  Isuzu is on the cusp of opening a new large plant in South Carolina and there is also speculation that this may result in new product for both Isuzu and Chevy Commercial dealers.                  
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • nfisherman
      Software Update

      By nfisherman · Posted

      I have a 2026 2500 HD Ultimate. My phone app says there’s a software update available. It’s something about improved battery management and something to do with the running boards. I follow the instructions for the update but the “Check for Updates” option is greyed out in my settings menu. Has anyone else seen this? How did you resolve it? The help message just says “see your dealer” if the download doesn’t work. I’m just trying to save a trip. 
    • newdude
      Exhaust Question

      By newdude · Posted

      Fuel mileage?  That's all how you use your right foot.  Exhaust will give you sound.   Stock exhaust 5.3 is 2.75" diameter piping.     If the truck is nice and worth putting some $$ into it, I'd go for a Corsa catback.  I had one on my 2019 old body 5.3 and it was just perfect.  Zero drone, just driving around and cruising on the highway you'd think it was stock, but when you opened it up it was like a Camaro with the factory dual mode.  Corsa bumps their catback to 3in diameter.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...