I am thinking of installing a 2nd battery in my trunk. I have a breaker that cuts the power on and off. My question is that should I install it before or after the breaker? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

what you need to do is have a fuse/breaker in line just after the first battery, and another fuse/breaker just before the rear battery. then another fuse before you amp(s)...

 

why do you need another battery? youre just gonna cut down the life of your alternator.

 

no he wont. it actually keeps it alive. the alt then doesent need to work 24/7 to keep juice going, becuase it has reserve power.

 

batteries are only used to start the vehicle and filter out AC ripple from the alternator. alternators work whenever the engine is on the issue is that now it has to charge 2 batteries instead of one. but i guess i dont know anything.

 

as long as the battery has a low ESR value (ie. kinetik or other dedicated car audio batteries) it won't increase the stress on your alternator...

 

I've had 2 batt installed in 2 prior cars with no alt trbl. but the 2nd batt should be sealed (not lead acid) like an "optima" 800 or "stinger" batteries for high proformace car audio, Since it will most likly be trunk mounted. Next you need a high power relay or isolator to split the charge. when the motor runs alt charges both batt. when motor is off audio system ONLY draws power from 2nd batt. This way you can play ur music with the motor off till the 2nd batt is drained an still start your car and drive away. I've even had a dead main batt and use the 2nd batt (while still in the trunk) to jump start the my car.

 

If you run a Kinetic battery as your second one you won't have to worry about an isolator.

 

I've got a Stinger SPV70 that I pulled out of my maxima when I traded it in. I had it in my trunk for my stereo. You really don't need a battery isolator, just be sure to use 0ga and an inline fuse. If you're interested I'm selling it...

 

Rattman: I could have sworn the DIODE BRIDGE on your alt filters the AC ripple, not your DC battery.

You can put 500 batteries on a stock alt, and it wont hurt it as long as they are fully charged when you hook them up.