Two batteries?

DakijiDakiji Band Wagon
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
If I were to mount a second battery in the trunk, would my altenator be up to the job? I just replaced the alt not 2 weeks ago with a oem replacment. I ahve the 2WD base model with the 1.5 dual point fuel injection. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any response,
Dave

Comments

  • DakijiDakiji Band Wagon
    So, nobody has done this? No ideas, comments or even a rude remark?
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    Dakiji wrote:
    So, nobody has done this? No ideas, comments or even a rude remark?

    Why do you need two batteries?
  • NoseNose New Wagonist
    Hiya Dave,

    I think the short answer is No.

    I think the short answer is "no" because chances are, if you're adding a battery, it's because you want to power something, and that something is obviously power-thirsty enough to not be satiated by your single battery. And if your alternator is stock and is designed to only put out enough juice to keep your single battery up to snuff, then it's probably not going to want the added job of charging up the second battery all the time also.

    Where I live, there are shops which specialize in alternators, generators, starters, and other small(ish) electric motors. They've been a great help to me in the past when I've wanted to do something non-OEM electrically speaking. If you can find one of those shops and get one of the guys to actually TALK to you about your specific application/desires, I bet they can help you find an appropriate (and safe) solution.

    Just my two cents. Might only be worth a penny in some circles, but there it is. Best of luck with it! :-)
  • DakijiDakiji Band Wagon
    Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of putting a hefty sound system in but i guess i can do with out the extra battery. I will just make sure it's not too hefty.
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    Dakiji wrote:
    Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of putting a hefty sound system in but i guess i can do with out the extra battery. I will just make sure it's not too hefty.

    Chances are anything you're planning could be handled by a nice battery/alternator/capacitor combo.

    Unless you're going the crazy route obviously...
  • NoseNose New Wagonist
    It's been a few years since I was into the hefty sounds...but we used capacitors to save up extra juice when it came time for the bass to suck the battery down to zero. Check into that, too! :-)
  • 3rd4ce3rd4ce Council Member
    Dakiji wrote:
    Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of putting a hefty sound system in but i guess i can do with out the extra battery. I will just make sure it's not too hefty.
    Man Im gonna b adding a second battery .. i have a dual battery isolator and have used them n the past on a few vehicles.... i know what you mean about needing power... :idea:
  • DRMORTYDRMORTY Council Member
    Yes, you can add a battery..

    Yes, your alt should keep it charged

    How big of a sound system?

    Might want to add at least a 1 fared Cap to the system to keep from dimming all your lights at night. And for the second battery, I would use a dry cell.

    Might also look into a battery isolator to protect your drive battery.. You can get on from an older Ford F-250 with Dual batteries or by a new one... It allows your car to charge both batteries, but the amps to only draw on the spare battery and now you engines battery.
  • DRMORTYDRMORTY Council Member
    I have in my CRX an isolated rear Stinger battery and 3 Stinger 1 Fared capacitors to keep my 1000W D series amp and (4) 10s from dimming and drawing off of my engine battery. And, the stock alternator keeps up fine..
  • 3rd4ce3rd4ce Council Member
    Think I gave $25 @ the local PepBoys for my dual battery isolator .....
    Sounds like u have a nice set up DR.....
    My set up this time will b for about a Dozen HID kits .... Gonna look like a rolling football stadium when I turn them all on ...
    I need to actually get some speakers man it sux having only one door speaker and its blown ... Cracks if I turn it up loud enough to hear it over the exhaust ..... LoL
  • DakijiDakiji Band Wagon
    Cool, thanks for all the comments. I think I will go with the battery isolator and a dry cell in the trunk. Makes for easy install on the amps and caps i would think. I can probably fit the second battery and a cap in the spar tire well. I thought of trying to put a full size spare in the cargo area kinda like the late 90 suburbans had them. I dont want it to look like shit though, hehe. So trial and error right? Again thanks guys!
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