Anyone install an isolated 2nd battery?

[1500fp]

Looking into installing a second, isolated, battery for my cross country trip. Looks like this is the best bet since you dont risk draining your main battery, and can run a deep cycle marine for all your accessories.

 

Anyone have experience doing this on a 2014 1500 or similar? Seems likes its as easy as getting the battery mounts and then cables and an isolator and that's it?

 

Thanks!

[lsxrx7]

How big of a system are u pushing 51st you need 2 batteries

[tntaudio]

I would use http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=772&CategoryID=31. I used second battery for my sound system and power inverter. Use a relay to add turn-on for your isolator.

[redwngr]

Look at any duramax for ideas. They ALL have 2 batteries. They don't have an isolator.

[Strykers_Inc]

Yep, check my build....start with the last page and work forward until you get to power distro....

[1500fp]

Thanks guys. Just in the planning stages right now but on the crazy end of things id like to:

 

- run lighting for the back bed area at night

- Refrigerator (will likely be in the truck)

- fans and heater

- water pump possibly with heated water

- power inverter for laptop and other plug in electronics

 

I'd probably buy the biggest heavy duty marine battery i can find that will fit and throw it in.

 

My truck already has a 110v plug on the dash under the cig outlet, but i dont want to stress the stock system when camping out in the truck. I'll just use that for emergency gadget refills while on the road and then beat on the backup battery at night with the heavy load.

[1500fp]

Also, would a 26 gallon water tank be worth installing in the back? How long would it last for washing dishes and stuff like that.

[redwngr]

If you really want 120v power for camping, why not just get one of those quiet Honda generators.

[1500fp]

A generator would take a ton of room and weight and I'm not looking for that kind of power. An extra battery should be more than enough to power accessories while sleeping in the back over night.

[willyr1er]

Im pretty sure the small honda generator will weigh less than the battery you want to add and will only be a little bigger that it too.

 

Honda EU2000

46lbs and Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 20 1/8 x 11 2/5 x 16 3/4

[1500fp]

That is a nice little unit, but since i already have the empty bay in the engine compartment im pretty much set on the battery method. Plus with the gen i loose any stealth factor if trying to sleep roadside or whatnot which i would be doing alot off. ]

 

That looks like a great little unit for camping tho!!

[ruggerag]

Let us know what parts you go with. I'm thinking about this, mostly so I can run a better inverter and get decent power to a bed outlet and the plugs inside the truck. It would make hids and everything easier too, not having to connect anything to the factory battery.