Dual alt and trip batteries install help

[natmaned88]

Hello all

I have a 03 tahoe 5.3 v8 that I'm going to be installing a 270a mech man alt and 2 batteries in the back also new battery up from what I need is either a diagram or something's like that showing me how to wire up bot alts to all 3 batteries or is it ok for me to keep the stock alt charging the truck and running my second alt for the rear batteries ? I thought if I run both alts to all 3 battlers that would be more power for my amp to use so I guess let me get some input on that as we'll and whichever way will be best I need help on wiring it how many fuses would be needed and where should they be installed as well all input will be very help full as this is my first time running 2 Alts and 2 extra batteries

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[sexy 10+ year member]

You can do it either way but you can run into problems with blown alternator output diodes when running multiple alternators to a single battery bank. I have a friend who uses three high output Ohio generator alts on one battery bank with no problems but they are exactly the same alts with equal length and size wire to the battery bank. You are talking about to different alts so I would run the high output to the rear bank as a separate system if it were my build.

Are you using a one wire alt from mechman?

 

[natmaned88]

You can do it either way but you can run into problems with blown alternator output diodes when running multiple alternators to a single battery bank. I have a friend who uses three high output Ohio generator alts on one battery bank with no problems but they are exactly the same alts with equal length and size wire to the battery bank. You are talking about to different alts so I would run the high output to the rear bank as a separate system if it were my build. Are you using a one wire alt from mechman?

One power wire ? And if I do run the ho alt to the back batteries since it wouldn't be hooked to truck charging system can I leave the front battery alone ??

 

[sexy 10+ year member]

One power wire ? And if I do run the ho alt to the back batteries since it wouldn't be hooked to truck charging system can I leave the front battery alone ??

The term one wire has to do with control of the alternator not the power wire.

Yes leave the front battery alone. Having a second charging system dedicated to the amplifiers has several advantages. One of those is that you can externally regulate voltage without disturbing the car and all its components.

 

[bumpasauras 10+ year member]

Personally I prefer isolation when adding an alt. The alt you are going to add is a pretty stout alt that will provide plenty of amps for big amps. If you run an isolated system all you have to do is connect your stereo battery bank to the charging lug on the alt via large power cable and daisy chain all your batts in the bank so they will all charge. The great thing about isolating your charging system is that you can run your stereo batts dead (which can kill a starting battery) and still start your car. So if it were me I would keep the vehicle charging system separate from your stereo charging system I have had much better results doing this over running it all together.

Opinions vary but this is what always worked best for me.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

Here's how I would do it. Leave the stock charging system alone, don't mess with it. Add a second alternator and whatever batteries for the sound system alone.