Whats the best type of connector to use with a optima red top battery. I'm running power to my amp. Thanks in advance.
:cheers: Mike

 

You have two options here. One is to connect to the side post with your stock connections and the other is to connect to the top post. I would suggest using the top posts to connect any aftermarket electronic devices such as stereo, big 3 connections, alarm, etc.

In order to connect to the top terminal post you will need a top terminal mount like this one:


A 5/16" ring connector will attach the power wire to the terminal mount.

If you connect to the side post you will do good to get a side terminal mount like this one:


But like I said earlier I prefer the top mount method, it keeps your aftermarket and stock connections separate.

 

I too am considering upgrading to a yellow top. Can you use both the top and side mounts????

 

Yes, as I stated in my post you use the side posts for your stock connections and the top posts for your aftermarket connections.

 

Great! My plan is to mount it in the drivers side storage compartment -- that was it is closer to the amps.

I'm looking at several connectors so I can add this as an additional battery (I saw several post on how to do this). But the thing I'll need to check is to see if the brand new Interstate battery is suitable to pair up with the yellow top.

I'll connect the side post on the yellow top to the switch/main battery, and use the top post going to the amps.

 

Don't forget the battery isolator. :cheers:

 

No doubt! The osolator is one area I won't skimp on. The last thing I want to do is fry my electronics....

I'm still in the research phase. Do you have any suggestions???

 

Check HERE

For this

 

Thanks Nomad! I just ordered it!!!!!

Sorry about hijacking the thread :yawn:

 

Hi, I'm late but....



If you run two batteries in a car, you want the same brand and type for both. For best results, they should even be out of the same batch made. :seeya

 

Thanks Jay! I'll take your advice and get a matched pair of yellow tops. I've heard the same thing from others. Is having a matched pair necessary "for the battery" or the electrical system integrity.

It just kills me getting rid of the brands new Interstate.... :(

 

I think the exact same battery issue is more important when not using an isolator such as the relay you ordered. With the relay the 2 batteries will only be connected when the engine is running or the ignition switch is in the run or accessory position. I don't think you should leave the key in either of these positions without the engine running and the alternator supplying voltage to the system. To due so would allow the battery with the greater voltage to discharge or try to charge the weaker battery. Remember a battery is just a large capacitor. I do think both batteries should be of the same type (deep cycle or regular, wet cell or gel cell) and approximately the same amperage (cca). I'm thinking maybe you should use a toggle switch to control that relay so you can connect and charge that battery only when the engine is running.

Here is my reasoning lets say you are listening to the stereo with the engine off and you drain that battery down to lets say 10 volts. Then you try to start the engine. If the other battery is connected to the system while cranking the engine the battery you are trying to start the engine with is also trying to bring the 10 volt battery back up to 12 volts at the same time. It is an acting as an additional load on the battery being used to start the engine. Just my thoughts on the subject. Bob