Dual batteries in the engine compartment, pretty much done. The only thing left to figure out is a better tie-down method than the zip-ties you can see in the following pictures.

The overall view of the install.


From the side...


The closeup (note the excessive zip-tie usage...it's a work in progress folks... :))


Tapping off the alternator...


Let me know what you guys think. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

For some reason it wouldn't let me post all these pics in one message...here's the rest.

Routing power through the engine compartment.


I had to move the coolant reservoir tank in order to fit the Yellow Top in. This is where I put a new, lower-profile one I found at AutoZone.


And the isolator. The alligator clips were a temporary measure I assure you.

Looks sweet...
Nice work.

The limit is 8 per post, sorry.

Thanks for the mod info though, that's a lot to squeeze in there.

I saw the 8 per post warning, but I only have 7 pics...

And yeah, my engine compartment is pretty much full now...

Gothamist,

Two questions:

1. Where is the multi-battery isolator located? In the wheelwell?

2. Is the mult-battery isolator bolted to the X? Or, is hanging on by the "lip" of the bolt?

3. What is a multi-battery isolator?

Okay, more than two questions.

Thanks

That must of been a bitch! Good job though... Keep an eye on the plastic zip ties, they get old/brittle quick from engine heat.

It's bolted in right underneath the headlight, just in front of the wheelwell.

The isolator basically allows you to use two different batteries but keep them electrically, well, isolated from each other. You connect the isolator to your alternator and then the isolator distributes the current from the alternator to the two batteries.

1)How is the system wired? Does it go Alternator->Isolator->Batteries->Acc. ?

2)Is one battery for the vehicle systems and one battery for electrical accessories?

Griffin--Yes, and yes. Red Top for starting and the truck electrical, Yellow for all the lights, the compressor, and at some point, the winch.

Just and FYI the smiley face you included at the top counts as an image. Theres your number 8.

Are you using the same stock weak-ass alternator to charge both batteries? If you do indeed have lots of accessories, it won't be long before you melt that SOB.

Gothamist,

Nice work...............

Could you please, post a sketch of the wire conections, or a wire diagram, I try to install an isolator, but I dont know why, my X dont start ignition, I install the second battery under the X,in a little space beside the chasis in the rear, I use this isolator in my old car and it works perfectly,

Thanks

Mean Green makes a very nice 130 amp alternator for the Xterra. It is suppose to be a bolt in no mod fit. This is my plan to power my dual optima set up.

Ok this is an old post but it is better than starting a new one. Where would you find a dual batery isolator at? I am new so don't get mad at me. Do you need an isolator or can you just run a 8ga wire from the positive side of new battery to original and negative to body or will this not work or cause trouble. Help would be appreciated

******BUMP*******