2nd Battery Tray?
CF Beginner
Joined: Dec 2010
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This is how I set mine up...
The blue circled fuse is the cable running to the 12v for the trailer harness, it provides fused 12v to your trailer battery via the 7pin connector.
The other fuse connection runs directly to my Aux battery ( deep cycle) for my trailer/camper. ( I use the tray to charge/maintain the battery when not on the trailer, it also provides added accessory power to the vehicle when in this position, it however does not provide starting power)
The ground cable is connected at the frame, it is a standard negative battery cable.
The red cable is a 8 gauge stranded copper wire, fused with 30amps it provides charging voltage only, it does back feed into the fuse block and provides extended 12v capacity to the system. i.e. radio, DVD player 12v outlets
Yes both batteries could potentiality be discharged there is no isolator in line.
(I don't need it isolated as its just an alternative way to charge my camper battery when not it use on the camper trailer)
The starting circuit disables this battery automatically when starting so back feeding to the starter is not an issue. ( same reason you radio cuts off when cranking)
The battery was ~$ 62 bucks at Sams, the cables were ~$12 at Pep Boys
I simply disconnect the ground/negative cable to isolate it from the vehicle,
when giving someone a jump start.
Again, it is not isolated, but I do disconnect it from time to time so i know the condition of my main battery, it keeps my camper battery at top charge when not in use....
The wire for the trailer is already there if you have the trailering package, you only need to un-bundle the wire and connect it to the stud.
Both fuses were already in place for the 2 studs.
The blue circled fuse is the cable running to the 12v for the trailer harness, it provides fused 12v to your trailer battery via the 7pin connector.
The other fuse connection runs directly to my Aux battery ( deep cycle) for my trailer/camper. ( I use the tray to charge/maintain the battery when not on the trailer, it also provides added accessory power to the vehicle when in this position, it however does not provide starting power)
The ground cable is connected at the frame, it is a standard negative battery cable.
The red cable is a 8 gauge stranded copper wire, fused with 30amps it provides charging voltage only, it does back feed into the fuse block and provides extended 12v capacity to the system. i.e. radio, DVD player 12v outlets
Yes both batteries could potentiality be discharged there is no isolator in line.
(I don't need it isolated as its just an alternative way to charge my camper battery when not it use on the camper trailer)
The starting circuit disables this battery automatically when starting so back feeding to the starter is not an issue. ( same reason you radio cuts off when cranking)
The battery was ~$ 62 bucks at Sams, the cables were ~$12 at Pep Boys
I simply disconnect the ground/negative cable to isolate it from the vehicle,
when giving someone a jump start.
Again, it is not isolated, but I do disconnect it from time to time so i know the condition of my main battery, it keeps my camper battery at top charge when not in use....
The wire for the trailer is already there if you have the trailering package, you only need to un-bundle the wire and connect it to the stud.
Both fuses were already in place for the 2 studs.
Genius! Can you confirm please. I have an 08 Aval. Brian@baliatico.com
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Yes and so far I have had no issues, the Aux battery is back feeding the circuit that is why you have the extra power for accessories but when you crank the engine your accessories turn off and in that same function it prevents the aux battery from being used to provide starting / cranking power.
CF Beginner
Joined: Feb 2011
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This is interesting, because the 91 Suburban that I'm supposed to be getting Monday has a second battery tray. When I asked, I was told it could be used for a battery to use for my camper (power to the camper when I don't have a place to plug it in). However, I'm wondering if the lack of this battery has anything to do with why the TV and VCR aren't working. He said something about maybe it was a fuse...but why wouldn't he have just checked and/or changed the fuse if that was the issue? I guess I need to take it to a camper/RV place to have that checked out? My regular mechanic says they don't do anything with TV/VCR stuff there. Just wondering how the two may be related if at all.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Your TV/VCR most likely require 110v AC and will only work when you are plugged in to a utility, there are some TV/VCR's that do operate off of 12vdc but could quickly run down a battery....
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,337
Likes: 194
From: KC, MO area
This is interesting, because the 91 Suburban that I'm supposed to be getting Monday has a second battery tray. When I asked, I was told it could be used for a battery to use for my camper (power to the camper when I don't have a place to plug it in). However, I'm wondering if the lack of this battery has anything to do with why the TV and VCR aren't working. He said something about maybe it was a fuse...but why wouldn't he have just checked and/or changed the fuse if that was the issue? I guess I need to take it to a camper/RV place to have that checked out? My regular mechanic says they don't do anything with TV/VCR stuff there. Just wondering how the two may be related if at all.
You could check to see if there's any voltage to them and check the nameplate which should list the voltage req't.
Are there any battery cables by the extra tray?
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Shark is right, I was thinking more along the lines of your camper setup as being 110v and not 12v. on long trips in my 97 Tahoe I used a 110v/12vdc TV VCR combo and placed it in the center consoles place (on trips)
but no matter the issue of 110v or 12v check for a voltage at the Point of Use is your best bet....
but no matter the issue of 110v or 12v check for a voltage at the Point of Use is your best bet....
CF Beginner
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 2
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I have the Police model. There was a battery and all wiring going to the battery in that tray. I believe it is wired that way from the factory, so pre-made harnesses etc. should be available. All the radios, computer, light bars etc. were run off of this one. Regular duty 140amp alternator.
CF Beginner
Joined: Nov 2019
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The actual reason why some models have a second battery tray.
The reason why some tahoes have a second battery tray is because the Tahoe PPV or police pursuit vehicle model runs off two batteries. I know because I own one. Disinformation also comes directly from Chevy. This option can also be used in other models although not very common because there's no reason for civilians to have two batteries unless they're running lots of electronics. One battery is on the passenger side right up against the firewall the other battery is on the driver side right behind the headlight.
Last edited by Mark Hickman; Nov 7, 2019 at 9:42 AM.