Dual Battery Set up question

[AdrianL]

95 LWB. Do I need to have two identical batteries for dual battery set up?
I currently have Interstate battery and trying to add Optima Red or Yellow battery to setup a dual.
I see a kit is being sold at Atlantic British. Is it a DIY or do I need to have someone else do this for me?
Thanks

[PCrover]

You should use same or very similar batteries if you are hard wiring them in parallel. If you use a battery isolator/combiner/relay then it is not as important, but not a bad idea to keep them similar. Personally I wouldn't mix a gel type optima and a standard "wet" battery.

[AdrianL]

I iwll be off to Walmart to get some Optimas. Would you recommend yellow or red ?

[PCrover]

Depends on your usage. If you have lots of Accys that drain your battery when the engine is not running, get the Yellows. If you just want more capacity for the stock electrics, the RED's are fine and cheaper. If cost is not an issue, get the Yellows, they are a better allround battery in my opinion.

Walmart has Optima's? Let me know what they want for the yellows.

[azpaquin]

and don't go to AB for their dual setup. ripoff city.

painless makes a good one at summitt racing.

if you want to wire it right, get zero ga wire for your ground and power.