I'm thinking of running two batteries under the hood... both off isolaters. One for standard starting (OEM battery) and one located where the stock airbox would be.... anyone have any experience doing it? I need info because after how many lights and my CB and everything else I run its just to much for one battery

 

Seriously?

Click the search button, click advanced search. Click 'titles only' and type in 'dual batteries' and click search...

I found LOTS of threads...


Here:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dua...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/du...Dual+batteries

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dua...Dual+batteries

 

^^All from this forum alone. I didnt even google 'dual batteries Jeep Cherokee' which, I'm sure, would yeild even more information.

 

And, honestly, I doubt dual batteries will solve your issue unless you are running all the equipment with the truck not running.

The best solution, most likely, would be a better alternator with a higher amp output.

The battery really doesnt do much electricity provision once the motor is running. The alt takes over from there.

 

Love it when mods lay the smack down!

 

You may want to look at an upgraded alternator first. That would be the easiest thing to do and you wouldn't need to find the extra room for the second battery. I'm not sure it is the same for the pre-1997 XJ's but there is a 90 to 136 amp alternator upgrade you can do with just minimal alternator bracket trimming. The 136 amp alternator is from a Grand Cherokee. Sorry I don't have the year GC, but this is a pretty common mod, so you should be able to find the specifics pretty easy.

 

Typically you have to modify the alt bracket to fit the GC alt, but the work is minimal.

 

I have my winch battery where my stock air filter was. I have a wire where I can charge it but no isolator. As for my alt it is as expendable as my starter water and mud usually blow out the bearings long before it stops pushing volts (it quits for awhile when packed with mud) even with the dual batts hooked up and charging.

 

What he said is right at night lights draw down volts the same with one batt or both so I isolate the winch batt so I have it if I need a jump.