Howdy. 1989 cargo E-150 4.9L 3 speed auto with factory ac. Stock with one battery.

Considering second battery for campground music fun. I searched the forums, but I did not find an install thread. Has someone written about this previously? Also did not see video on youtube. Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

John V
Miami FL

 

depending on how you want it to work , like just run auxiliary stuff like lights and radio you will need an Isolator ....since I doubt you want to connect it like a Diesel ( In Parallel) you don't need the cables ...The Isolator charges both batteries..... You might also want to get a Battery Holder that bolts to the Frame from Ford ( 1998-2010 Diesel Econolines do not know Part # ) As far as Installation goes it is not that difficult .I would look on a RV Forum or just ask the Isolator Vendor if it comes with detailed Instructions ....https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...or+install+van.

 

Ford makes a second battery tray but I'm not sure it fits that model. It fits the passenger side frame rail.
Do you have room to another battery on the opposite side, under the hood?
It may be easier just to get something similar to a Jackery 500.

 

My Ford WM for 1998 has great details about the 2nd battery location and servicing. If you run into a dead end let me know and I'll photo the pages and post here. For the second battery on my CJ 5 I used a Stinger SGP that for all the world looks like a Chevy starter relay.

 

You can use an isolator or a relay. Ford used a relay, but if I were doing it, I'd use an isolator. Any RV place will have the parts you need, and can probably install it for you.

The hardest part will be trying to find a safe place to put the battery.

Remember that the wire from the isolator (or relay) to the 2nd battery only needs to carry charging current. It does NOT need to be a big cable like you'd run to a starter. It's never going to carry that much current.