Dual batteries for air compressors.

[WB72]

Will I need a second battery to run 2 air compressors for my air ride?

If I need a second battery, do I need to upgrade my alternator?

What would be the best way to wire the second battery?

Should the second battery be close to the air Compressors?

[Sparky dave]

The battery needs connecting in series which means link the positive sides together. Then link the negatives together. This keeps the battery at 12 volts. Say if you went + - + - on the battery terminals you would change it to a 24 volt system so you don’t want that

[mister.freeze]

Positive to Positive is parallel. I have that in my Blazer. No need to upgrade the alternator. Only really necessary if running the compressors with the engine off.

[michael bustamante]

or run down to auto zone and get a dual battery isolator.

[jeffahart]

You don't need one but they aren't that expensive. You can get a 140 amp Tuff Stuff for $130 for a V belt. What are those compressors drawing? Seems like you could get an alternator and stay on one battery. Unless you are running the compressors with engine off OR the draw exceeds what your alt is giving you. I run one Wallmart EverStart 750 CAA with my winch. Been fine so far. I will eventually put in a second battery. I will run a dual setup and not an auxililary setup. But I am enjoying the space in the engine bay.

How you wire the second batter is a matter of preference and philosophy for the application.

The second part, you can put the battery anywhere, you just need to size the power cable correctly. Everything close is optimal. I would put the battery in engine compartment and keep the Alt and batteries close with 4 gauge(I use a combination of 4 and 2( I ground with #2 cable for the winch). And size your run to the compressor as needed. If the compressors are drawing big amps, then get proper size cable/wire for your run.

j

[EVRLET]

I run one yellowtop for my dual 480 compressors with a 140 amp alternator. Never any issues. Also have 8 speakers, 2 10” subs, 2 amps, Dakota Digital and my setup runs perfect and has been for the last 2 years.

[68is4me]

It all depends on what you plan on doing. I only have 1 with a 90 amp alt. I also don't play a lot with the airride settings. I will lower when cruising and raise it when going down the road.

[Sparky dave]

Originally Posted by mister.freeze

Positive to Positive is parallel. I have that in my Blazer. No need to upgrade the alternator. Only really necessary if running the compressors with the engine off.

Yes sir how embarrassing I’m meant to be an electrician too! Don’t listen to me I’ve not had my medication today