possibly adding 2 batteries

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

i just picked up a couple of power backup 12v batteries from the state of wisconsin for free. i was wondering if these are worth throwing in my trunk. right now i have 92 camry with all stock battery and wiring and 1/0 run to the back. i bought an mtx ta81001, but i dont think my 80 amp alternator and cheap battery can keep up. so is this a good idea?

heres what they are

http://www.cdstandbypower.com/product/battery/vrla/pdf/12_270.pdf

Click to read more...

 

[skadude016 5,000+ posts]

wouldnt hurt as long as you wire it correctly.

 

[audioarsonal 10+ year member]

load test them see if there still good.

 

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

i tested them at 12.8v each with a dmm and heres how i want to wire them.

 

[audioarsonal 10+ year member]

load test has to do with the amount of power the battery can provide for a certain amount of time.Go to auto zone and have them do a load test if it passes its prolly good.Do you know the age and what the battery was used for?

 

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

they were power backup batteries for the local mental health institution and they were used from 04-06

 

[audioarsonal 10+ year member]

They may still be good.Usually those are only used for power outages.And when not in use are supposed to be trickle charged.I have used some before(High Rate Series don't know the maker though) they seemed to work but I switched to a regular deep cycle with 1000ca.

 

[cocoleveo7686 10+ year member]

if you add too many batteries on the stock alternator wont it strain the alternator to charge all 3 of them?, wouldnt it be better to get 1 big one up front or maybe a medium upfront and a smaller in back