DIY: How To Install a Dual Battery Set-Up Using a Battery Isolator on a Chevy Silverado 2014-2018

My wife and I decided to install a dual battery system on our 2016 Chevy Silverado Z71. We have plans on going on a long trip, so we needed a battery system to power our gear like a camping fridge - without the risk of running our starter battery flat.
Here are what we used in this video. Note that this is not a sponsored post.
1.) KeyLine Chargers 12V 140 Amp Dual Battery Isolator Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) Pro Dual Battery Kit
www.amazon.com/dp/B00WTAFR5W/...
2.) Optima OPT8016-103 Batteries D34M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery
www.amazon.com/dp/B00075OSCO?...
Thank you again for watching our video. Please do not hesitate to comment down below should you have any questions. Thank you, and God bless.
Best regards,
Daniel and Maria
Camera Used:
GoPro and Samsung S20 Ultra
Let's keep in touch:
Instagram: / the.world.cruisers
Facebook: / theworldcruisers
Twitter: / stellarhoney
Website: www.theworldcruisers.com
#DualBatterySystem #ChevySilverado #Z71 #OffroadVehicle #TheWorldCruisers #DIY #PinayTraveller #PinayinAmerica #TravelCouple #Gopro #SamsungPhoneVlog #PhoneVlogging #TravelVlogger​ #gopro #samsung #TravelVlog #ChevyTruck #KeyLineChargers #DualBatteryIsolator #OptimaBattery
DIY: How To Install a Dual Battery Set-Up Using a Battery Isolator on a Chevy Silverado 2014-2018

[@2knipex]

Daniel, your truck has a "smart" alternator, and needs the ground wire to pass through the sensing ring. If you follow the factory ground wire, you will see that it passes through this current sensor near the firewall next to the battery. There may be potentially charging issues by not passing the other batteries ground through this ring. Hope this helps.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you so much for this information. We will definitely get it hooked up correctly. Luckily everything has been work fine but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thanks again, we just followed the instructions on the battery isolator kit.

[@DualsPortvet]

I was just going to ask about this. I have a 2013 and want to do a dual battery set up. But I don't fully understand the smart alt. set up. There's a LOT of how to videos, but trying to find out which one is the correct way is hard. I know the alt will shut off once the main battery is fully charged. This will lead to the second battery not getting fully charged and shortening it's life. So the question is, how do you keep the alt. charging until both are full, and will keeping it going over charge the main battery?

[@AG-no9uf]

What year do smart alts start? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@2knipex]

@@AG-no9uf just follow the ground wire from the battery. If you see the ground wire passing through a sensor ring like the 2014s and up, or a sensor clamped onto the ground wire, like the 2013 and earlier, you will know if your vehicle has a “smart” alternator. It is supposed to decrease drag on the serpentine belt when the battery is fully charged to gain a little gas mileage.

[@roderickr35]

I have a 2014 and I ran my second battery power wire to the empty led on the fuse distributor,so my alternator charges both,no isolator,no voltage drop,

[@e46m3allday]

Very nice video ! This is my next project on the Silverado.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

It's worth it.. good luck!

[@tonyfredo2086]

Thank you so much. Like your patience and the way you explain everthing. Good instructor.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you for the kind words. Happy you enjoyed the video. Let us know if you have any questions.

[@KamoimoiTv]

watching here from Philippines .God bless you

[@Familytodd]

ka nice sa outcome te,big kuddos to sir daniel sharing his knowledge on how to install dual battery.reply te hon

[@terryvaughn3179]

Hi ... Good job on the install video ...I like the kit....just purchased the tray $33.... isolator next ... Tidy the house ground cable and put wire loom on the cables to hide the wires ... !!!!! Thanks

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you! It was actually easier than I thought it would be.

[@RinChae]

This is very usable specially in emergency time

[@KyGun]

Blue top and yellow top are the same batter, same cranking amps and all that. The terminals are the only difference. Yellow top has the side screw in terminals as opposed to your top post with extra stainless terminals and of course blue top. The red top optima is for starting only. I know you may already know this, just a bit of info for the viewers. You may have charging issues since your truck runs a smart alternator and your batteries need to be monitored by the system. Your main ground from your secondary battery needs to be ran through a voltage/amp monitoring ring found on your trucks main battery ground wire. Very informative video. Thanks.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you for this great input. I'm definitely not electrical savvy but plan on taking it to my friends shop to upgrade the altenator and wiring.

[@ShakeNBaked]

@7.20 I use a cheap cigar cutter. Light squeeze spin and boom done Eta: they're usually like $1 or sometimes free at a tobacco store. Smoker friendly will have em and a gas station might when

[@ShakeNBaked]

7:24 wouldn't let me tag the time slot

[@TheWorldCruisers]

That’s actually a great idea that I never thought of… might give it a try for sure next time.. thank you

[@robertthomas7239]

Tubing cutter, just got to develop muscle memory so as to not to cut through the strand. That or a set of hand held cable cutter 👍

[@k4rventures_overland]

Dude mine still kicking since 2019... i love that kit..

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Awesome! Cheap, effective, and durable....

[@armandbroxton1879]

I'd personally want a beefier ground cable. That one looks like some floss. Good video.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you!

[@chuckcarlson2585]

Go Hogs!!!!!!! Thank you for your helpful video

[@TheWorldCruisers]

WPS! Glad you find this helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@OGFantum]

Great video

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MarkJacksonGaming]

-- You need to throw breakers/fuses on both sides of the system. I used a 50 amp on the primary, and a 60 on the secondary. I did pretty much the same thing to my 2004 the other day. (Tahoe. Primary and secondary battery locations are reversed compared to yours, and had to by the tray etc) Electric Grease on every connection, and Silicone RTV to seal where you cut the isolator for good measure. And I question where you ran your ground. You might have a smart alternator, but the isolator won't care about that. The alternator will just see one battery. But ... in my book, the more grounds, the merrier. Just keep them minimum 8 inches apart. Take my credentials for what they are: Was a car audio installer for 4 years. Built hundreds of computers, and know my way around DC power as a hobby very well. And of course, God bless you and yours.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you for the guidance. We did end up putting a breaker and fuse after the video. We initially grounded the aux battery to the body of the truck, but after hearing some recommendations we grounded to the Main battery post because of the smart Altenator. We do plan on taking it to a friend's Audio shop and have him upgrade our Altenator, the wiring and the factory grounds. We appreciate your feedback because I'm good with engines, but definitely no way a electrician.

[@joephillips8244]

Go Hogs! Thanks for the video.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

WPS!!! Thank you for watching..

[@trade504]

If your on a budget . Bust out with one of the most expensive batteries. Dude your awesome. Laughing away silently

[@ziaali5264]

Thank you

[@brentjohnson6654]

New subscriber here. Thanks for your video. I have a question on the isolator. Is there any danger of the battery leads (the larger bolts) from shorting out to a metal panel? I couldn’t see what kind of clearance there was. Thanks again. Happy trails!

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you for subscribing. So far we haven't had any issues as of now.

[@tedelder703]

Great info seen a comment on a sensing ring did you have to do that? Or is it working fine the way you did it. I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 and want to do the same setup.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We are about to hook it as suggested with it going through the sensing ring. We haven't had any issues so far but I'm no electrician by any means. We just followed the instructions that came with the kit. But we are about install our Dual ARB compressor and SPod and will be redoing our ground to the sensing ring as suggested below (before we blow something up).

[@brianandrew8033]

Would using a deep-cycle for the second battery be wise since you don’t need the cranking/starting power? And with this isolator, does it power any accessories when the engine is off?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

In my opinion it is wise. Just kinda like how the campers are deep cycle. You can choose between AGM or Lithium batteries as they both have pros and cons. We ended up going with an AGM battery. Yes, you are correct, with an isolator you can run everything off your Auxiliary battery and the isolator will prevent your starter battery from draining. But make sure you have a way to check your voltage on your Auxiliary battery so you know when to start your vehicle to recharge it. Hope this info answered your questions.

[@johnnotellin3691]

I want to add a second battery and have found your video to be helpful. I have a couple questions about it. I'm terrible with electrical stuff, but wonder how you got away with having your main battery disconnected for a while? I just had to replace the main (and only) battery in my 2013 Tahoe LT. Thankfully, the counter guy at the Advance Auto that I bought the battery from came out to do the swap. He hooked up a self-contained battery pack of some kind to my OBD port and said that keeping the system energized would prevent having to re-program the system due to the loss of power. He mentioned that if I was doing the swap, I could hook up a regular battery charger to the disconnected cables and that would keep the system live. ALSO, did you secure the aux battery or are you just hoping for the best? :-) I've seen other videos where people have have replaced that stock aux battery tray with a GM one that better accommodates a hold-down.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I'm not an electrical expert myself...lol. To hook up the cable going to the Auxiliary battery I didn't need to disconnect the battery. On my truck I have a factory fuse block on top of the main battery and just had to mount it to that. When I replaced my Main battery for an AGM style battery I didn't have to do anything crazy... I think I had to roll the windows up and down but that's about it. Our trucks may be different in that aspect. As for the mounting of the auxiliary battery, we purchased an oem style battery tray from ebay and bolted it in. Then secured it a factory wedge and bolt at the bottom. Hopefully I helped in some sort of a way.

[@johnnotellin3691]

@@TheWorldCruisers Thank you, that is helpful!

[@douglasphilip6208]

Hello there - quick question: with your setup, does this run you vehicle while in accessory mode? I just went on my first overland and had to rely on the wifi hotspot as my cell didn't have service. I had to keep turning the vehicle on to recharge the battery. Trying to see if I'd be able to run the vehicles hotspot off of the auxiliary battery. Thanks!

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Yes, you should be able to have it hooked up to the auxiliary battery. You will still need to monitor your Auxiliary battery voltage so it doesn’t go dead. But the good thing about if your aux battery goes dead you still have your main battery so your vehicle can start.

[@terrellroyal221]

GOOD INFO 😜👍💯🗽

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Thank you, Terrell. Have an amazing week.

[@shalamigri]

On 2017 Silverados (and even later I think), 2 negative wires feed through an amp meter about 10 inches before they tie into the main battery terminal. I saw another video and the guy who installed this same isolator said that the negative cable from the house battery also has to feed through the amp meter before it gets grounded. I'm assuming that the amp meter monitors the alternator current. I think running the house battery negative cable through the meter helps to protect the alternator. I'm not sure of that though.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Yes, you are correct and we ended up running the ground through the sensing ring after we posted this video. We have a “smart” alternator and we didn’t know until someone mentioned it to us.

[@shalamigri]

@@TheWorldCruisers Thanks!

[@roderickr35]

Also check and make sure your alternator pulley is turning to,they put clutches in the pullies,so your alternator could be good just bad pulley

[@osvaldoquiroga2079]

Do you need a bigger output alternator or the oem alternator is good to charge both batteries?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

The OEM one seems to be doing good so far. We will be upgrading the Altenator and cables in the future though.

[@seanaskeland515]

Did the secondary battery ground fit through the sensing ring with the main battery ground cable without any issues?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Yes it did, shouldn’t have an issue.

[@michaelrussell4354]

What model Keyline should I use on my 2020 Chevrolet Suburban? And can I use Gorilla Tape to hold the isolator? I don’t like drilling holes. Just me.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Should be the same and I can see Gorilla or 3M tape working.

[@rickeydenler2385]

Since the oscillator keeps the current from flowing back to the main battery why such huge wire for just a charging wire just wondering

[@TheWorldCruisers]

The isolater is to make sure both batteries are being charged while the truck is running, but with it off your only using the auxiliary battery for your accessories so your main battery doesn't drain which that's what the isolator does. I hope this answers your question. The kit came with all the wiring in the video.

[@TestEverything1]

What up Daniel? Ray from Mattress Firm.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

How’s it going brotha?

[@nymphowolf]

Are you having any issues? I did it the same exact way on my Escalade using two brand new agm batteries, using a 150amp battery doctor isolator and 2 guage wiring but I'm having issues where both my batteries are showing low voltage but when my truck is started its shows my alternator charging at 13.5 to 15 volts. so I'm not getting why they are staying both low after running truck a while ND shows it charging.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We haven't experienced any problems like that. Try to hook up the aux battery ground to the sensing ring as mentioned in one of the comments below. Hopefully that helps.

[@nymphowolf]

@@TheWorldCruisers yeah I'll try that but ring is too small I was even searching to see if they made a larger current sensor but didn't find one but a I found a good article on how to hook up a pcm controller directly to alternator where I can control the output myself when it gets warmer out going attempt it and also bought a brand new 250 amp alternator, belts, idler pulley and tensioner pulley. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota so it's quite cold yet, just need it to warm up a bit to do to install and try em. I just bought a nice clamp meter too to test voltages around wires also to help.

[@luisr6591]

@@nymphowolf did u find out what the problem was ?

[@nymphowolf]

@@luisr6591 i ended up replacing my alternator with a 370 amp Mechman Alternator and with their alternators it deletes the rvc charging and seems to be doing alot better my voltage when shutting her down will be at 13 volts now then stabilizes to 12.8 volts and upgrade battery wiring to 0 guage.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We will probably end up doing the same just to make it where things can cause problems.

[@willianrandon3920]

hmm, think you should run a fuse somewhere between the two batteries?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We ended up putting one after we did this install. And going to put a breaker between the auxiliary battery and SPOD when we get install that.

[@toddmike25]

@@TheWorldCruisers what size fuse did you use??

[@TheWorldCruisers]

@@toddmike25 we ended up using a 150 amp.

[@johnathanzamudio205]

Thinking about running this , but what part of Arkansas are you from

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I'm from Glenwood, about 30 minutes west of Hot Springs. But I've been living in California for the past 25 years due to the military.

[@johnathanzamudio205]

@@TheWorldCruisers ah yes I've heard of Glenwood, I'm about 1hr from hotsprings , little rock. Ever plan on returning back ?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I love it there and miss it tremendously... We still own a house there and will probably sell it and buy a pice of land near a river or lake in the same area. After our kids are both in college and having their own lifes, we will be full time traveling... that's the plan for now.

[@rcothowally3630]

So the stock alternator will charge both batteries? Also how did you secure the 2nd battery from moving

[@rcothowally3630]

I have a 800 watt amp that is taking more to run and with the yellow battery, I have the same and the battery has only lasted 18 months with my amp

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Yes, well atleast it does for me. You can get an OEM driver’s side battery tray with a wedge that will bolt right in.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I’m not an audio specialist, but maybe a dual battery setup with a better alternator will help out. Definitely recommend talking to an audio shop for better guidance.

[@rcothowally3630]

I got my answers. Had to put in another battery tray for the drivers side. It was a pain. Had to take a bolt out of the fuse box and move it a tad

[@aaliyahsylvester8353]

Which yellow optima battery do you have in there?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I believe we have the DH6 but you can get the DH7 also….

[@tims.5995]

What did you use to hold down the second battery ?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We purchased a plate and hold down for the optima battery that we are using from Amazon.

[@black34v6]

@@TheWorldCruisers can you provide a link / part # for the hold down? Thanks for the vid btw - very informative.

[@rexbillme2710]

Does anyone know how to add a dual battery system to a 2020 chevy truck 1500 still want the dual battery under the hood?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Not sure but I would think it would be similar.

[@tonyalohstroh6326]

one year later. how did this kit hold up?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

So far good... I did change the routing of the ground cable from the truck ground point to the ground on the main battery. But so far it is still working and charging my auxiliary battery.

[@donaldharrison3031]

The battery plate you used for your second battery, how did you secure your battery to the plate?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

I used an oem wedge and bolt.

[@donaldharrison3031]

@@TheWorldCruisers So did you replace the factory plate and get the battery plate?

[@grizzlyted4401]

How is your install doing? Any problems?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

It's good, I did end up running the ground from the auxiliary battery to the main battery because of the voltage meter sensing ring since the truck has a "smart altenator ".

[@dewinsuarez5599]

Hey its says this battery wont fit a 2014 chevy silverado 1500 you have any suggestions?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We added a factory driver's side battery tray with a factory battery hold down wedge and it fits fine. They are probably recommending the factory starting battery size which I believe is a H6 Group size and should also fit. Hope this helps.

[@dewinsuarez5599]

noticed you connected the battery charging line to the first port on you battery terminal that is closest to the negative part of the battery. is that were we connect the positive line sense I'm assuming that is were the alternator line feeds from correct? or could o just connect it directly to mu positive terminal on my battery?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

You can connect it directly to the positive post. We actually moved it to over to the first terminal that directly connected to the positive post

[@roderickr35]

You can put your power wire from your second battery and hook it to the empty terminal on your main battery fuse distribution block

[@crinner73]

Want to do this on my o4 cateye. Battery placement is reversed

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Awesome, good luck with the install.

[@dominicdiana8843]

2011 have two battery trays too.😢? You left us out lol

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Lol lol. Sorry about that, didn’t know about that….

[@iverson2k10]

What are the benefits of having two batteries?

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We use ours for our auxiliary lights, air compressor and fridge without worrying about draining the starting battery. And I know some others use it for huge sound systems.

[@iverson2k10]

@@TheWorldCruisers i thought about a fridge, but are you referring to keeping the car within the ON switch, without draining the battery?

[@shalamigri]

​@@iverson2k10 Yes. You can power devices and units from the aux battery while the vehicle is off and isolated from the starting battery.

[@stevenholloway4257]

woo pig sooie!

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Hell yeah brotha!!

[@dynomike1964]

Buenos notches

[@mangeload]

why not use a dc-dc charger? There are battery isolating varieties available

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We might in the future when we have more things to add, but for now this is a good and affordable option for us.

[@TheRetiredtech]

Why would you do that. This is the conventional way to run a two battery system.

[@GR8SCOTT]

I hope you strapped that battery down!!! LoL

[@TheWorldCruisers]

We did, we used an oem hold down wedge.

[@EscobanasJobette]

Using a Heavy-Duty True battery isolator provides several advantages for truck with auxiliary battery Reliable Battery Management: Automatically ensures the starting battery is charged first, then charges the auxiliary battery, preventing the main battery from draining and ensuring reliable engine starts​ (True Battery Isolator)​​. No Voltage Drop: Unlike traditional diode isolators, True isolators have no voltage drop, maintaining optimal charging efficiency​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Dual Sensing Technology: Monitors the voltage of both batteries and engages charging for both if either battery is receiving a charge, which is particularly useful when using external chargers​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Durable and Compact Design: Built to withstand harsh conditions with features like waterproofing, heat resistance, and anti-vibration casing, ensuring longevity and reliability in various environments​ (True Battery Isolator)​​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Easy Installation: Simple three-wire installation without the need to bypass existing alternator wiring, making it user-friendly even for novice installers​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Cost-Effective Solution: Provides a budget-friendly way to manage dual battery setups effectively, offering long-term savings by extending battery life and preventing failures​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Safety Features: Includes ignition protection and operates within a wide temperature range, enhancing the safety of your vehicle’s electrical system​ (True Battery Isolator)​. Overall, the True dual battery isolator enhances the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of a dual battery system in various applications, from trucks to boats and RVs. For more details, visit the Trueam dot com or dfna dot info website.

[@TheWorldCruisers]

Definitely agree with you….