Swirlchaser

Hey guys,

Bumpers and winch research is just about done. I've been reading up on dual battery systems and alternator upgrades. I understand why people do it, but I need some feedback, don't want to do a mod just because everyone else is doing it.
I plan on running a 10k winch and two lights on the bumper on my 00XJ. here's the question:

Is anyone running a similar setup with a stock alternator and a quality battery and having power/charging problems? Always nice to have extra power but is it necessary?

RubberSideUp

I run dual batteries and a factory alternator. It runs my 12.5K winch and HIDs/fogs/LED light bar just fine while the stereo is blasting. The winch sees heavy use every weekend without issue.

Swirlchaser

That was my original plan. Then I started wondering about the alternator. Do you have an isolator wired in?

cruiser54

I have run dual Group 31 batteries with a stock alternator. Works fine and the winch pulls like a mad dog. Also, the rig starts up real quick.

Swirlchaser

OK good, we're getting somewhere. Now second question:

1. Two identical batteries wired together.
2. One cold crank for start up and one deep cycle for the winch and lights wired up with an isolator?

cruiser54

Both together all the time. No isolator.

RubberSideUp

Don't need an isolator. It's just some thing else that can go wrong IMHO.

nopi

I would do a marine battery for the winch. Marine battery have longer reserves. And no gel cel those suck better regular acid battery are awesome and last longer plus autozone and pepboys are everywhere.. Warranty wise....

cruiser54

I agree and have done this.

cruiser54

Marine batteries are made to be discharged and recharged alot and to be run down low. However, they generally don't have a high CCA rating like a starting battery. 2 identical batteries, without an isolator, work great. Ran my LandCruiser like that for years, using it as an off-road recovery rig in my towing business with an old Warn 8200 series winch.

XJ=mistress

If you were to upgrade whats the best make to go with ??

cruiser54

Alternator or battery?

nopi

I work in the parts industry and it al depends mainly in comodity. Where you live theres a _____ close, autozone is good for altenators and warranties so is pepboys. My alternator is from autozone but my battery and starter are from pepboys o and u joints are from autozone they have llw. It all depends in what is close to you price dont matter because they price match so you can go with the lowest everywhere get it!!!

cruiser54

I wouldn't uas an AZ electrical part to save my life. Lifetime warranty means you spend your lifetime replacing that cheap crap. The OP is looking for Quality, methinks.

9294Forrest

I'm starting to have on demand power issues with only my radio while the compresor is in operation