2nd Battery compartment?

[moab]

I just purchased a 2007 GMC Yukon XL 4x4. And it has the bay for what looks like a second battery up front on the drivers side without a battery in it. And one to the back passenger side that houses the battery I'm using.

Assuming this is a second battery bay. How does this work? Is it hooked up so that if I put a second battery in there it will automatically switch over if the original one goes dead? Or is this just extra juice for a trailer etc. etc.? Other advantages to the second battery? Should I waste the money on a second one?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Meccanoble]

There are tutorials on how to add a second battery and even a second alternator to our cars. I dont think any comes with the second battery automatically. Not sure what the purpose was for them to have that prepared like that but people are definitely taking advatnage by adding a second battery.

 

[moab]

What are the advantages?

 

[992dr]

Advantages = more power for auxiliary items, stereo, lights and other power accessories for say camping/overlanding

 

[moab]

So how does it work? The first battery is used up first and when it konks out the second battery kicks in? Or the second battery is used when the car isn't running? Any indicator which battery is in use? I assume the first battery is always what shows on your amp meter in the dash? Just curious how this can be set up?

 

[moab]

There are tutorials on how to add a second battery and even a second alternator to our cars. I dont think any comes with the second battery automatically. Not sure what the purpose was for them to have that prepared like that but people are definitely taking advatnage by adding a second battery.

Got any links? I've searched and can't find any on the forum. I found a couple on google. And it sounded basically like I need to take my yukon into an RV place and have them do it. Would like to know about what a good kit or isolator is. There was a couple listed on the tutorial I found thru google. But not sure if they were just link bait. One guy had it done at his dealership and it was like $500 and I think he even supplied the parts. any idea how much an install would be?

On a similar note I used to run marine batteries in another SUV I had. Is that still the gold standard? Like an Optimus I think it was? Although my last battery was thru AAA. which was a really good deal. It was in a little honda we had. But they sell batteries at below retail, good quality high cranking amps bat, they come to you and put it in, and they take your old battery away. And it comes with a long term warranty. And all you have to do is call AAA and they'll come replace it if necessary. Pretty amazing deal. But they don't sell gel cells I don't think.

 

[992dr]

So how does it work? The first battery is used up first and when it konks out the second battery kicks in? Or the second battery is used when the car isn't running? Any indicator which battery is in use? I assume the first battery is always what shows on your amp meter in the dash? Just curious how this can be set up?

There are quite a few different ways to hook them, from something simple and basic (like I have) to way too advanced systems like you'd find in an camping/overland vehicle.

Your main battery is for starting and running your vehicle and its accessories. The second battery can be set up to come on when the main battery loses its charge. It can also be designated for certain accessories, its all dependent on what you're using it for. They make indicators to keep track of both, so you can always see what your voltage is.

This is a good read
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/1602/dual-battery-systems-explained

http://www.junkyardgenius.com/charging/dual01.html

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ke-a-cheap-isolated-dual-battery-setup-for-50

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...X&ved=0ahUKEwjNgKmH68TRAhXLdSYKHdIXD4QQsAQIRg


Hope this helps some

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

It's part of the factory trailer towing package, hitch & wiring harness/2nd battery box/wiring harness/3:73 ratio posi-trac axle. My Tahoe has the additional positive battery cable from the main battery to the auxiliary box location, which the owner installed if he wanted the additional battery for RV use.
David g.....................

 

[moab]

There are quite a few different ways to hook them, from something simple and basic (like I have) to way too advanced systems like you'd find in an camping/overland vehicle.

Your main battery is for starting and running your vehicle and its accessories. The second battery can be set up to come on when the main battery loses its charge. It can also be designated for certain accessories, its all dependent on what you're using it for. They make indicators to keep track of both, so you can always see what your voltage is.

This is a good read
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/1602/dual-battery-systems-explained

http://www.junkyardgenius.com/charging/dual01.html

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ke-a-cheap-isolated-dual-battery-setup-for-50

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...X&ved=0ahUKEwjNgKmH68TRAhXLdSYKHdIXD4QQsAQIRg


Hope this helps some

Thank you so much. I will definitely read thru those. What about gel cells? Are they still the rage?

 

[992dr]

Thank you so much. I will definitely read thru those. What about gel cells? Are they still the rage?

Any time, glad to help out.
I have XS Power batteries. I've heard great things about OE batteries up to the ones I have. It's all personal preference and budget.
I'll post pics of my setup when I get home Saturday.