Third Battery - VHF/UHF Radio Install

[springrnco]

I recently purchased a Yaesu FT-8800 radio that i would like to install in my 03 H1 SoftTop. The radio has the ability to act as a repeater but my concern is that if left on(which I need it to be) it will obviously drain the batteries. First question is has anyone installed a third battery? If so where? Will an H1 start on one battery? If so could I just install an isolator on one of the batteries? Any advice or experience would be great. Thank you.

[ssgharkness020147]

I would look at how much of a drain the radio will put on the system. How long do you need to leave it on for? Normally, you can listen to the radio with the truck off for a solid few hours. I'm assuming the stereo is going to place the trucks batteries on much more of a strain then your VHF.

[springrnco]

I apologize for not being more clear. The radio is an Tx/Rx radio and although I agree that I should be able to Rx forever I am very concerned about Tx'ing at 50watts.
Thanks.

[ssgharkness020147]

I guess if you want to run it off a third battery, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I would probably mount two in the bed, then put in an isolator switch so you do not drain your main batteries while using it. Once, restarted you can flip the isolator switch and re-charge them.

[phazer42]

will a 6.5L diesel (NA or Turbo) start on just one battery?? well... that kinda depends on what temp it is outside.... the engine needs to be spinning 300 rpms or it will not start. One battery can do this if its around 70 or more degs F outside....

Of course, with 2 batteries its easier on them then taking the one... as when they are in parallel you are doubling their current, where on a Humvee you are doubling the voltage having them in series.....

A setup could be fairly easily devised to install 3 batteries, but in your '03, it might be a little difficult to find a good location to put it, unless you dont have a winch....