Parts Needed to Add Second Battery and 12V Outlets to Bed of Chevy Silverado

Updated 10/02/2019 | Published 09/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(358)

$37.43

12-10 Gauge Butt Connector

(23)

$0.76

Redarc Smart Start Battery Isolator - Dual Sensing - 12 Volt - 100 Amp

(15)

$195.00

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/8" Ring ID

(72)

$1.91

Spectro 12-Gauge ATC-ATO Fuse Holder - Qty 1

(28)

$4.76

Question:

I was hoping to install a dual battery system in my 2002 regular cab Silverado 1500 with 8ft bed. I was also wanting to add an inverter and 12 volt sockets in the bed just wondering what is needed to do it correctly.

asked by: Greg B

Expert Reply:

To add an additional battery in your 2002 Chevy Silverado I recommend adding the Redarc Smart Start Isolator # 331-SBI12D in-line between the truck's start battery and the auxiliary battery. This will transfer power in either direction to maintain the charge on both batteries.

Then to add 12V outlets to the bed you can use the Roadmaster # RM-9332 and run the wiring up to the Silverado's battery using 12 gauge wire # 12-1-1 (sold by the foot), butt connectors # 05732-2, a 12 gauge fuse holder # SWC9539, and a ring terminal # DW05705-1.

You also mentioned an inverter but unless this is for a separate application altogether I'm not sure why it is needed. An inverter would take the DC power from the truck's battery and convert it to AC power (like what you have in your house). This isn't needed to install 12V outlets in the truck bed as the battery already supplies this type of power.