Running Dual Batteries

[usmcjones1988]

I was wondering if I should run a Dual battery isolator or if i could run it without? I want to run dual batteries, because I plan on sooner or later running off road lights, electric fan, winch, on board air compressor, and probably more electrical components. Im sure I am going to have to run a bigger alternator is there going to be a problem with running a higher amperage thru the original wiring?

[fordman]

the camper specials had a isolator ont he batterys to keep the camper from running down the starter mototr battery. i think the largest alternator they put in our trucks was the 65 amp.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

you don't need an isolator if you're not using the 2nd battery to run something else. the stock alternator should handle it just fine as long as you don't try to charge dead batteries with it.

just connect the batteries in parallel (pos to pos and neg to neg) and it makes a giant 12v battery

[usmcjones1988]

kind of on another topic the alternator on the truck is a 1 wire GM alternator and he was telling me that it overheats some times, does that make sense to anyone? So if i need to put a new 3 wire one in I think I might as well just install a high output alternator?

[fordman]

3g would be the way to go if your going to do it.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

have you load tested the current battery? a weak battery will overtax an alternator

[usmcjones1988]

3g would be the way to go if your going to do it.

what do you mean 3g?

[usmcjones1988]

i have have not tested the battery yet i was just going to change it out with a new optimal red top

[fordman]

here is some info on 3 g alternators. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =8&t=13062