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I got me a Optima Red top on a trade from another forum. I know optimas are not the best choice but for the time, the deal, I couldnt say no to it.

What I need to know is what do I need to do to add it in??

this is my layout thus far:

2 gauge from the main battery fused about 8 inches from battery.
2 gauge into the cabin and run to a fused dist.block then split to 4 gauge to my amps.

If it is any consequence my amps are:
Autotek SM1-1500 (subs)
Autotek SM2-1000 (mids)

Im thinking I am going to leave the fuse at the main battery and run the 2 gauge to the optima, then to the fused dist.block, and then off to the amps.

Is that kinda right?? I have never added an extra battery in any of my systems and I just want to do it right.

Tim

Are you going to use it while the car is off? I would get an isolator if so.

Optimas surely aren't bad. I had a red top a few years ago and it was a very strong battery. It took me 2 days to find out my alternator had died. I ran soley on the battery for that time!

I have a yellow top now. I would have gotten another red, but they were out of stock and I needed a battery lol.

if you get an isolator with your silverado, make sure you get one that is specific to your vehicle. they used 2 different types of alternators and you need the right isolator. you will have to get a kit to rewire the plug on the back of the alternator as well. it will be available through the isolator manufacturer. some will call bs on this but i have seen many silverado and tahoe and suburban alternators that are internally regulated go poof when the wrong type is used.

smoker wrote:if you get an isolator with your silverado, make sure you get one that is specific to your vehicle. they used 2 different types of alternators and you need the right isolator. you will have to get a kit to rewire the plug on the back of the alternator as well. it will be available through the isolator manufacturer. some will call bs on this but i have seen many silverado and tahoe and suburban alternators that are internally regulated go poof when the wrong type is used.

I have thought about the isolator, didnt know they were vehicle specific though. What will I need to do to wire it in?? Never used one of those before either. Are they hard to do at all??

Thanks for the info guys,

Tim

Tim wrote:I have thought about the isolator, didnt know they were vehicle specific though. What will I need to do to wire it in?? Never used one of those before either. Are they hard to do at all??
Thanks for the info guys,
Tim

I never bother with the isolators just don't be retarded and run your stereo for 4 hours without starting the truck and you will be fine. (keep an eye on the voltage)

Make sure you fuse your wire before both batteries. Should go like this

FRONT BATTERY WIRE FUSE WIRE WIRE WIRE WIRE WIRE FUSE BATTERY WIRE WIRE WIRE DISTRO BLOCK WIRE WIRE WIRE AMPS.

Bwcad1 wrote:I never bother with the isolators just don't be retarded and run your stereo for 4 hours without starting the truck and you will be fine. (keep an eye on the voltage)
Make sure you fuse your wire before both batteries. Should go like this
FRONT BATTERY WIRE FUSE WIRE WIRE WIRE WIRE WIRE FUSE BATTERY WIRE WIRE WIRE DISTRO BLOCK WIRE WIRE WIRE AMPS.

Hey Bill okay I got it. Thanks.

Tim

i do agree with bill here. i hate isolators and have never felt the need to leave my stereo on if i wasnt in the car.

just bring jumper cables with you everywhere you go, thats what I do.

I've killed my battery a few times just from accidentally turning the processor back on after it shuts off with the car.

Jumper cables are always a good idea - especially when you add extra 12v electronics to the car.

falkenbd wrote:just bring jumper cables with you everywhere you go, thats what I do.

I've killed my battery a few times just from accidentally turning the processor back on after it shuts off with the car.

Jumper cables are always a good idea - especially when you add extra 12v electronics to the car.

Jumper cables are a good idea anyway.

Tim

rather than isolators there are also quick disconnects you can get for batteries if you are worried just disconnect the rear battery when not using it. isolators also create a voltage drop. i dont know about anyone else on here but ive had bad luck with the optima red tops they tend to fail on me