Thread:

Adding a battery....

Im adding an amp and some extras to my 'toon and Id like to add a second battery on the cheap.

Im going to run 2 pair of 6X9's and a 2-10 or 2-12's in a box and maybe 500w for the whole thing. Whats the best senario for this setup:

1) Install second 12v battery isolated from original battery-shore charging the stereo battery when docked.

2) Install second battery 12v wired to original battery.

3) Install second battery with Perko-knowing the charging system on a smallish 4 stroke OB is probably pretty weak for keeping both batts up.

Thanks in advance

I have 3 12v in my cobra on a perko switch. 2 are run parallel on the #2 position and then the 3rd on the #1 position. I run all day on #2 so that my system has 2 full batts to pull from and then if I'm not paying attention and run them all the way down, I can switch over to #1 and have a fresh batt to start the motor. A few weeks ago i ran the stereo all day in Tahoe and never had to touch my 3rd batt and my system is around 2k watts. At the end of the day I throw the 2 batts I used all day on a 2amp charge, let them charge overnight and they are good to go in the morning. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info, Im gonna go the Perko switch route.

Might also look into Blue Sea Systems stuff. Personally, I think a lot better quality than the Perko stuff. You can also check into their automatic charging relays too...they let your engine charge the engine battery(s) first, then once they hit a certain voltage, send the overcharge to the house (stereo) battery.

Originally Posted by AZREDNECK

great stuff, a lil' more money for self maintenance.

My 1985 Eliminator has original Perko Switch....it still looks brand new. Service not and issue.