I am preparing to permanently relocate my truck to Fairbanks, Alaska, so I would like to install a 2nd battery on my 2003 Silverado 2500HD for precautionary reasons. Purpose of 2nd battery is basically a leisure battery so I don't have to worry about draining my starter battery and not getting trapped in cold weather with a dead battery.
In my truck right now, I have a 2 year old lead acid that is completely fine. However, I am thinking about switching to AGM and start fresh with two brand new batteries.
What I have done so far:
My questions are:
1) Is the switch to AGM worth it? I am very interested in switching to this battery.
2) What specs AGM battery should I get for Alaska? (I have found TPPL, 880 CCA to be a popular choice)
3) Is 2 gauge wire sufficient for this wiring assembly?
4) Does anyone know the lengths of wire I will need for a dual battery setup? (I'm thinking 3 foot from leisure to isolator and then 5 foot from isolator to starter with fuses in the middle. I will ground the isolator and I will wire from isolator through the red plastic battery box next to alternator then back to the starter battery).
5) Is it absolutely necessary to use the 500 amp fuses I bought? I am going to use them just to be on the safe side, but can anyone confirm they are probably not necessary?
6) Not planning on getting a stronger alternator. I bought a new alternator 2 years ago that matches the stock specs for this truck, 145 amps.
In my truck right now, I have a 2 year old lead acid that is completely fine. However, I am thinking about switching to AGM and start fresh with two brand new batteries.
What I have done so far:
- Installed 100 Watt Lensun solar panel on hood (wired to starter battery, will keep battery charged when in sun)
- Installed 2nd battery tray
- Purchased 500 amp Stinger isolator
- (I know 500 amps is overkill, but the only other option I saw was 200 amps)
- Purchased two 500 amp fuses
- Purchased two side bolt extenders (3/8")
My questions are:
1) Is the switch to AGM worth it? I am very interested in switching to this battery.
2) What specs AGM battery should I get for Alaska? (I have found TPPL, 880 CCA to be a popular choice)
3) Is 2 gauge wire sufficient for this wiring assembly?
4) Does anyone know the lengths of wire I will need for a dual battery setup? (I'm thinking 3 foot from leisure to isolator and then 5 foot from isolator to starter with fuses in the middle. I will ground the isolator and I will wire from isolator through the red plastic battery box next to alternator then back to the starter battery).
5) Is it absolutely necessary to use the 500 amp fuses I bought? I am going to use them just to be on the safe side, but can anyone confirm they are probably not necessary?
6) Not planning on getting a stronger alternator. I bought a new alternator 2 years ago that matches the stock specs for this truck, 145 amps.
