M.Cueva
jrrod2004
Sorry to have either missed it or not read it at all....
What would be the purpose of the second battery?
Any plans to upgrade the alternator (if you havent already done so) and if so, to what?
The reason why is I ask is because of the whole solenoid vs isolators setup.
You mentioned that you were originally looking at the Powergate (already have one myself) and then were switching to considering a solenoid (cost maybe?).
Without opening the fire hose on this one, I offer some simple pros / cons and possibilities
Isolators:
Pros: Simple setup, Less maintenance (generally), Amp rating can go higher, power drops can be lower than Solenoids
Cons: Expensive, Size (depending on model chosen), cheaper ones can burn out
Solenoids:
Pros: Size (Generally smaller), Control options (flexible)
Cons: Amp rating is generally lower, power drops can be higher than isolators
Why the above info?
Simple: use of the second battery.
If you plan to use the second battery for starting (cranking power) in parallel with the main, run a CB or simple stereo, then a solenoid (constant duty) will work fine (remember greater control options) since it gives the ability to control those lower power devices with no issues.
If you plan to use the second battery for high demand power applications (say several amps with subs, air suspension, tons of extra lights), then the isolator (at least from Perfect Switch) would work better since the power loss is a lot less and the isolator can handle the higher current.
Regardless of how you setup your dual batteries, you need to consider the alternator. Even if you have a 160 amp "Big Boy" factory alternator, this will be insufficient in the charging demands. You may have to step up to a 220 amp alternator to allow for both batteries to be charged sufficiently each time you use the truck (and its power hogs).
It all depends on intended usage and frequency.
If I offended somebody because I missed the intended application of Rusty's truck, sorry. I hope this helps just a tad more.
What would be the purpose of the second battery?
Any plans to upgrade the alternator (if you havent already done so) and if so, to what?
The reason why is I ask is because of the whole solenoid vs isolators setup.
You mentioned that you were originally looking at the Powergate (already have one myself) and then were switching to considering a solenoid (cost maybe?).
Without opening the fire hose on this one, I offer some simple pros / cons and possibilities
Isolators:
Pros: Simple setup, Less maintenance (generally), Amp rating can go higher, power drops can be lower than Solenoids
Cons: Expensive, Size (depending on model chosen), cheaper ones can burn out
Solenoids:
Pros: Size (Generally smaller), Control options (flexible)
Cons: Amp rating is generally lower, power drops can be higher than isolators
Why the above info?
Simple: use of the second battery.
If you plan to use the second battery for starting (cranking power) in parallel with the main, run a CB or simple stereo, then a solenoid (constant duty) will work fine (remember greater control options) since it gives the ability to control those lower power devices with no issues.
If you plan to use the second battery for high demand power applications (say several amps with subs, air suspension, tons of extra lights), then the isolator (at least from Perfect Switch) would work better since the power loss is a lot less and the isolator can handle the higher current.
Regardless of how you setup your dual batteries, you need to consider the alternator. Even if you have a 160 amp "Big Boy" factory alternator, this will be insufficient in the charging demands. You may have to step up to a 220 amp alternator to allow for both batteries to be charged sufficiently each time you use the truck (and its power hogs).
It all depends on intended usage and frequency.
If I offended somebody because I missed the intended application of Rusty's truck, sorry. I hope this helps just a tad more.
cool kids
LOL JK
