Batteries for dual system

[4runnerAzGuy]

Ok I've put together my own dual battery systems on a few rigs in the past and never had any issues. Every time I've had different batteries but I've always heard you want similar batteries. I'm going to put together my dual battery setup on my 04 4runner this week. I always just use a 200amp solenoid isolator.

My question is does it hurt anything to have different batteries? I got a optima red top for a really good price so I was thinking of using that for my starting battery and buying a blue top for the aux battery. Also what determines what battery should be used for a vehicle? Is it mainly just what will fit and cranking amps? The red top I got wasn't bought for the 4runner so it doesn't come up as a recommended battery for the 4runner based on the model number.

 

[poncharello]

I ran a red top from my 96 saturn coupe (purchased battery in 04) in my 97 runner (purchased truck in 06) until this year when I sold it. It was supposedly underpowered for the vehicle but I never had an issue with it. I could leave it on for 6-8 hours at a time while we were camping - playing music - and it never went dead. I never had to jumpstart that sucker either, always started very strong without hesistation...shoulda yanked it out and kept it when I traded it in for the new whip :dammit:

 

[nytefog]

Ok I've put together my own dual battery systems on a few rigs in the past and never had any issues. Every time I've had different batteries but I've always heard you want similar batteries. I'm going to put together my dual battery setup on my 04 4runner this week. I always just use a 200amp solenoid isolator.

My question is does it hurt anything to have different batteries? I got a optima red top for a really good price so I was thinking of using that for my starting battery and buying a blue top for the aux battery. Also what determines what battery should be used for a vehicle? Is it mainly just what will fit and cranking amps? The red top I got wasn't bought for the 4runner so it doesn't come up as a recommended battery for the 4runner based on the model number.

Check out Dirty Parts for their dual battery setup for FJ and 4runner setup. You can also buy just the battery tray which fits behind the air cleaner and they give you the battery size and specs you should put there. I got the Optima version but wanted a Odyssey brand to match my main battery but I needed it quickly and could get it at a local auto parts store. i'll get my Odyssey later. I had one in my Land Rover D2 and it was killer. I couldn't kill it. They are top grade. Its what the gov't puts in the hummer and all of their military vehicles. You know our gov't spares no expense on Military equipment! You can also get Sear's Platinum Marine battery listed in my signature and its a odyssey rebadged.

Here is a link to the Odyssey secondary battery that will fit...and I plan to get
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-34-PC1500T-Automotive-LTV-Battery/dp/B00249CSS2

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

Check out Dirty Parts for their dual battery setup for FJ and 4runner setup. You can also buy just the battery tray which fits behind the air cleaner and they give you the battery size and specs you should put there. I got the Optima version but wanted a Odyssey brand to match my main battery but I needed it quickly and could get it at a local auto parts store. i'll get my Odyssey later. I had one in my Land Rover D2 and it was killer. I couldn't kill it. They are top grade. Its what the gov't puts in the hummer and all of their military vehicles. You know our gov't spares no expense on Military equipment! You can also get Sear's Platinum Marine battery listed in my signature and its a odyssey rebadged.

Here is a link to the Odyssey secondary battery that will fit...and I plan to get
Amazon.com: Odyssey 34-PC1500T Automotive and LTV Battery: Automotive

Looks like they make some good stuff but I think I'm going to put my own together first and if I don't like how it turns out then I may think about buying a kit. I just have trouble paying that much for a kit when I know I can out one together a lot cheaper

 

[nytefog]

Looks like they make some good stuff but I think I'm going to put my own together first and if I don't like how it turns out then I may think about buying a kit. I just have trouble paying that much for a kit when I know I can out one together a lot cheaper

I was using it as a reference for battery size. I was fortunate enough to buy a kit but haven't had a chance to install it yet. I'm hoping this weekend...