Hi everybody. I'm a new member that's building an '86 XJ Command-Trac with 2.8L V6 into a Fire Dept Command truck. I will need to install an auxiliary battery to run all the electronic goodies required in a Fire Officer's duty vehicle. Any suggestions on how I would need to install this? I will need it to charge with my main battery so would i need to increase the size of the Alt?

All tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

grab a couple deep cycle batteries and wire them in sequence and install a larger alt. then upgrade all ground and power wires to at least 2g.

 

Thanks Dirt.
I suppose I would also need to invest in an extra fuse block...

 

I'd look into wiring up a high idle switch to help with running accessories.

 

Very easy to do. One, if you have an oeriellys around, Super start AGM grp34 batteries are 130 each. They are Deka intimidators. Or sams club, duracell AGM, same battery same price. Tenney Alternators, Good, reliable high output alternators. They make them up to 270amp. The 200amp is either 300 or 325 shipped with a lifetime parts warranty.

 

I'll point out that I'm working on a rural volunteer fire dept budget. So I'm looking for the most cost effective route on this.

 

Duracell AGM's are Deka, built by east penn. Very high quality reliable batteries. I got my grp34 for like 118 each iirc. Plus there are Sams clubs all over the nation as far as the warranty goes.

 

My stock alt. In my 01 with a yellow top optimal was enough to run my radios, lightbar, strobes and anything else fire dept related . I also have a winch , oba , and cb. Of.course not running all at once.

 

Now imagine if you had a good battery? lol

 

Everybody hates on those optimas lol . I bought it used over 10 years ago, had it in probably 6 different vehicles and never had an issue

 

That's when optima was legit and used Virgin lead with quality acids. I've owned at least 100 optimas in the last 12years and have been there the entire time the company has gone to hell.

 

Learn something new everyday . Sorry to the op for taking over his thread