1 deep cycle yellow top or 2 regular batteries?

[LGHT]

I picked up a 19 Yukon Denali XL from insurance auction and it seems the battery works, but I get a aux low battery warning when I turn off the truck.

I noticed a 2nd spot to add a 2nd battery, but not sure if it's better to just purchase a new Yellow top (I had one in my old truck and never had problems) or maybe add a regular 2nd battery instead??? I do like the idea of having extra power as I camp / fish from time to time and do run a inverter from the truck, but not sure if that's overkill or if I should just get a new Yellow top and be done with it... Anyone run a 2nd battery and is it really necessary?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I run 2 batteries, one is the main battery, and it is always connected. The second battery is normally not connected, but it has high amperage quick connectors that I can connect directly to the positive buss and frame ground. This way, if I have a problem with the main battery, I can quickly connect the second battery and be on my way. I do need to periodically connect the second battery to the buss to keep it fully charged.

 

[LGHT]

Wow interested concept... I think I know what type of quick connect your talking about as I used to run some big amps and 2nd battery for my old trucks car audio system... Are you batteries both the same? Meaning AGM etc? I did read that if you run 2 simultaneously they should be both the same type. I may consider your setup as I don't think I would need the 2nd battery connected all the time, but when out camping it would be nice to have the draw split into 2 batteries instead of one.

Did you happen to do a post of the setup here by chance..

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Both of my batteries are traditional batteries, and they are not the same brand, nor exact same CCA ratings. This has not made any difference, as I sometimes forget to disconnect the second one right away, after it has fully charged, and run them together for days at a time.

I have not posted that actual setup, as it was a quite simple project.

 

[Doubeleive]

2x Interstate AGM

 

[LGHT]

I'm not very mechanically inclined so I found a video, but not sure if it's something I can pull off. Thanks for the link to the harness. My car audio setup had a switchable breaker that I was considering, but this may be a better fit.

This is the only video I've been able to find so far... Not sure if it's accurate or not, but seems to be pretty good...