Multiple Batteries Options

[dagreat1]

I currently have an Optima Yellow top in the trunk of my car on the driver side. My adio installer thinks That my car would greatly benifit from the use of multiple batteries. Now I don't know too much about runing a duel battery set up. He seems to think that I should buy another optima yelowtop and and put it on the passenger side of the trunk. I don't that doing multiple batteries is a bad idea infact I was the one who asked him how i could reduce some of the extra strain on the alternator from putting the battery in the back. What I would like is some advice. Should I put another deep cycle battery in the trunk? maybe a red top? should I just get a small lawn mower battery and put it right up against the altenator? Suggestions?

[Sinyk]

Wait, you already have a battery in the trunk you said. Did you relocate the one from under the hood back there or do you already have 2?

And how much power are you running? Have you tested your current draw to see how bad you are "straining" your alternator? The most my system ever pulled was about 70A when I ran 2 15's and 2400 watts. My alternator could only put out 60A so my stereo would go into protection mode and shut off due to voltage loss if I ran it at about 145 dB for more than 30 seconds. Do you run your system maxed out often enough to warrant an extra battery? Do you already use a stiffening cap?

[dagreat1]

Wait, you already have a battery in the trunk you said. Did you relocate the one from under the hood back there or do you already have 2?

And how much power are you running? Have you tested your current draw to see how bad you are "straining" your alternator? The most my system ever pulled was about 70A when I ran 2 15's and 2400 watts. My alternator could only put out 60A so my stereo would go into protection mode and shut off due to voltage loss if I ran it at about 145 dB for more than 30 seconds. Do you run your system maxed out often enough to warrant an extra battery? Do you already use a stiffening cap?

No I only have one. I relocated the one from under the hood to the trunk. I have yet to install the optima but i had this bosch platinum there before and while i never checked the draw on the altenator, the cap would sometimes go as low as 10 volts when i have the ligts on and stereo pounding. I don't know what u mean by stiffening cap, but I only have a 1 farad cap at the moment and my audio installer was telling me that a possible solution would be to install another battery

[dagreat1]

Wait, you already have a battery in the trunk you said. Did you relocate the one from under the hood back there or do you already have 2?

And how much power are you running? Have you tested your current draw to see how bad you are "straining" your alternator? The most my system ever pulled was about 70A when I ran 2 15's and 2400 watts. My alternator could only put out 60A so my stereo would go into protection mode and shut off due to voltage loss if I ran it at about 145 dB for more than 30 seconds. Do you run your system maxed out often enough to warrant an extra battery? Do you already use a stiffening cap?

I am currently running 2 1200 Watt sony explode amps and 1 punch 300 watt amp. I'm also upgrading the wire from the altenator to the battery. I'm thinking 4 ga wire will do but maybe i should spend the extra cash and go 1 ga

[CelicaST_CALI]

if u get a big capacitor i dont think u should strain the system at all...but it also really depends on wat rms ur gonna be running

This post has been edited by CelicaST_CALI: Jul 16, 2008 - 4:18 PM

[dagreat1]

I have a small one. I was thinking of upgrading to a 5 farad CAP but they don't come cheap