do i need an isolator?

[MTs390 10+ year member]

I am running two secondary batteries to power my amps and i have a high output alternator. Do i need to put an isolator in to be able to run the other 2 batteries?

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[gotparts90 10+ year member]

If all batteries are not identical down to manufacture lot number it is recommended. Most people do not do it but you should if you have different kinds or even Older/ newer of the same type. I will get around to it myself some day im not to lazy

 

[MTs390 10+ year member]

so its a good idea but not necessary?

 

[bumpin buick 5,000+ posts]

you got it. not necessary but many people prefer them, several others dont

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

The largest problem with an isolator is the voltage drop. Its not necessarily a big deal but if you dont run your car with the battery off than having one isnt a big deal either.

As long as the batteries are the same type (agm, spiral cell, etc) I have never had a problem with one battery drawing another dead although it is said to be possible.

 

[romans535 10+ year member]

so its a good idea but not necessary?

I feel better with the isolator, its only like 70bucks and real easy to connect.

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

I am running two secondary batteries to power my amps and i have a high output alternator. Do i need to put an isolator in to be able to run the other 2 batteries?

The largest problem with an isolator is the voltage drop. Its not necessarily a big deal but if you dont run your car with the battery off than having one isnt a big deal either.
As long as the batteries are the same type (agm, spiral cell, etc) I have never had a problem with one battery drawing another dead although it is said to be possible.

In short, no. You won't need an isolator unless you like to sit around for hours, car off, listening to music. An isolator does just that with the car off, it keeps the 'starting' battery from being drained.

 

[SethPhillips 5,000+ posts]

no...

i put mine to the test the other day..

went to a drive in movie theater, dub fetaure watched 2 2 hour movies with my system on... car started right up ( electrical system on my car in sig )

 

[romans535 10+ year member]

no...
i put mine to the test the other day..

went to a drive in movie theater, dub fetaure watched 2 2 hour movies with my system on... car started right up ( electrical system on my car in sig )

Thats amazing, not the battery thing but a DRIVE IN MOVIE. I used to go to those back in the days. Those where the good old days. but now their all GONE:crap://content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

If all batteries are not identical down to manufacture lot number it is recommended. Most people do not do it but you should if you have different kinds or even Older/ newer of the same type. I will get around to it myself some day im not to lazy

Absolutely no basis to this statement.

The only time two batteries hooked together will drain each other is when one battery is completely shot. If both batteries are in good condition, the one with the higher resting voltage will discharge into the other one and charge it. The flow will stop when both batteries have equal voltage (No potential)

 

[WALKS UP]

no...
i put mine to the test the other day..

went to a drive in movie theater, dub fetaure watched 2 2 hour movies with my system on... car started right up ( electrical system on my car in sig )

thats different from bumpin ur music with ur car off and just listening to a movie lol.. i think anyways.

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

Thats just what one of the chief engineers told me when i talked to him from Johnson controls the makers of optimas. He went to school longer for it then me

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

Thats just what one of the chief engineers told me when i talked to him from Johnson controls the makers of optimas. He went to school longer for it then me

So you would buy more yellow tops

 

[GMCJimmyslt2000 10+ year member]

Thats just what one of the chief engineers told me when i talked to him from Johnson controls the makers of optimas. He went to school longer for it then me

why would diff brand batts have anything to do with an isolater man, think before u type.

if u run ur stereo with the car off, def get an isolater, it will prevent ur main batt from dieing.

If u never run ur stereo with the car off, dont even worry bout it/

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

if you read lots of install stuff for deep cycles on boats they recommend matching batteries not using old/new together. I just like to follow manufacturer suggestions they built the **** thing how hard is it to respect what they say? I have seen other manuals from sears saying the same thing on a liquid battery sorry i haven't been on the internet long enough to know everything i still look at engineering suggestions. I wont ever follow the book on something again I apologize