Car Parts Faqs

Hi I got A question? Is it possible to hook up two car batteries so it will never die? i got A Car dvd player?

And Xbox 360 so I play it in my car I know you gotta change the alternator? I mean is it even possible play as long as I want in my car so it will never doe when I try to start it up? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. you can put two batteries in the car but you will need a majic box called a BATTERY ISOLATER.it discharges one battery to a safe load (low enough to still start your car) then it switches to the other battery. and you dont really NEED to change your alternator.just another battery,the isolater,and hook it up.i just put four batteries into my diesel.
2. the type of system you are referring to is a split load. when the engine is running both batteries are charged. all of your goodies (XBOX) ect should be connected to the second battery. when the engine is off the two batteries are separated from each other so that you can draw power without draining your main battery which is used for starting. to find out whats best go to a caravan shop or tow-bar place as this is a typical set up on a caravan.
3. You could install a second battery and install a battery isolator. Robert B has it wrong about an isolator, it will NOT discharge one battery down to a 'safe' level then switch to the second battery. An isolator allows the accessory load of the vehicle (everything electrical except the starter and starting circuit, and engine computer), then you will have a dedicated cranking battery. When the vehicle is running, both batteries are being charged. The idea is you will always be able to start the engine. Expect your accessory battery to require replacement more frequent than your cranking battery. You could also wire 2 batteries in parallel (12V but twice the ampacity). In theory you could play your XBOX twice as long before your batteries would be drained (versus having only 1 battery). But then you have the issue with not being able to start the vehicle because of weak batteries.