eDiveBuddy

Dual batteries are not to power your lights radios ect when the engine is running. If your power needs draw more power than your alternator puts out, you need a new alternator.

That said. Say you're out and are listening to the stereo all day. With duel batteries, you're not going to get stranded because you drained your battery. Dual batteries will also give you a larger amp reserve for a winch. A winch will kill a battery fast and it draws way more amps than an alternator will put out. This alone is enough reason to dump the stock battery. But even an optima can run out of juice given enough use and too short a recovery. That's why I have a battery dedicated to just starting the Jeep. It would take a lot of work to drain two Optimas with the engine still running, but when you have a winch you'd be surprised at how often it can get used in a day.

There are no down sides to running two batteries other than weight and cost. The benefits the first time you use it IMO justify both.

So_Cal_Tay_12

I agree, this is what im starting to notice. So benchmark seems to be in order

eDiveBuddy

If I didn't already have three batteries, and it fit in my Jeep, I'd buy it in a heart beat.

So_Cal_Tay_12

Do you know how much the wiring kit and tray cost from them?

Benchmark Designs Inc.

I'm in the process of reconfiguring the kits to have more options, making them more affordable than they've ever been. I should have pricing Monday or Tuesday.

Skippman

It's Monday! How much?

Benchmark Designs Inc.

Using a basic solenoid instead of the Smart Isolator. Drops the cost a ton. The way I'm wiring it up, it still functions similarly and satisfies the needs of 75% of the people. The Smart Isolator kit will still be available for those who like bells and whistles.

Ryanc

What is the benefit of a solenoid vs smart isolator? I will run only 2 auxillary lights, warn 9.5ti, and eventually a ready welder, what should I get?

So_Cal_Tay_12

X2, Answer this and you've got yourself a sale. I plan to run numerous lights and a 9.5winch, which would be best for me?

Vernnz

I will answer this really quick since John seems to have run off to do other things.

Smart Isolater: When the engine is running and the alternator is producing power the voltage level of the Jeep is around 14.4VDC. When the engine shuts off and the alternator is not producing power the voltage drops to 12.8VDC. Pick a voltage between those two values. 13.2VDC. When voltage goes above that the Smart Isolator connects the batteries together and both batteries charge. When the voltage drops below 13.2 the Smart Isolator seperates the batteries so the Extra battery is drained and the Engine battery is not drained. The Smart Isolator keeps the batteries seperate until the Engine battery is up to its full charge state.

Solenoid: When the key is off, it opens. Batteries are seperate. When the key is on it connects the batteries and both batteries charge together. Think of it as a dumb switch. It doesn't wait until the Engine battery is at full charge. It just connects them when the key is turned on.