running dual batteries

[nflxterra]

well i'm getting ready to order an arb + warn 9000i winch and was wondering if i should go ahead and run dual batteries while i'm at it? i recently bought a red top optima, i know they are a little better as far as how much juice they hold but what about the stock alternator charging two of them, will i need a higher output one?

[evergreen]

dual batteries is kind of overkill unless you plan on doing long winching cycles. the optima red top is good and a yellow top deep cycle is even better. i use the yellow top as do most of pnwx, none of us has had any problem.

[Schludwiller]

A yellow top is designed to handle being drained completely more times, while a red top is a better starting battery.

Most people who have winches or lots of lights go with the yellow top.

People who go with dual batteries tend to go wtih one of each.

If you search there are a few solutions to the double battery problem, but the Xterra doesn't have a lot of space.

[rrdstarr]

DON'T GET THE 9000I, it won't fit! Just get the XD9000.

[nflxterra]

thanks for the quick reply,,,, i don't think i'll need any long winching, so i guess i'll find out when i get this all done,,,,,also thanks rrdstarr, 4x4 parts dist. told me the 9000i would fit, there really isn't any diff between the two except the box mount so i'll go with the one you suggested should have this all taken care of by the end of march. do you know of anything to look for when adding the winch and arb im guessing this is about 130lbs or so total, im sure these are all old topics im sorry if im digging up the past here. 4x4 parts said to either also get the thicker torsion bars or they could crank the stock ones up (would that be to much tension on the front end though) or should i go with the thicker ones and some better than stock shocks, i've read the bilstiens are good?

[rrdstarr]

Yeah definitely get the HD torsion bars, The extra weight of the ARB and winch will sag your stock bars in two months.

Bilstiens are the best choise for shocks. go +10% or +20%. Take your time and use the search button lots of this info is already here.

-Rick

[nflxterra]

thanks for the good news, better to find out now then 2 months down the road or backroad for that matter, the bilstiens ive been reading other people are having good luck with are i believe the 5100 series i might be wrong though.

ken

[OffroadX]

You might want to get in touch with Warmonger, he's in FL and has done extensive electrical upgrades on his Xterra, including dual batteries. He did mount them in the cargo area though. There are a few that have managed to squeeze 2 under the hood with some creative work, including mounting the Optimas on their sides. Good luck, it's no picnic regardless.

Brent

[nflxterra]

about getting in touch with warmonger---he hasn't been here i see for a few months, is he still in touch with you guys?

[Toy Man]

Warmonger hangs out on the 4x4 parts forums.

I am hearing some chatter about the Odyssey battery
being a single battery that combines the features of
a Optima red top and a yellow top.
Odyssey

Toy Man

[OffroadX]

KillerX on Nissanoffroad.net has an Odyssey battery, I think he went with the big bad 1700-series...

Brent