Battery Isolator Kits and Your UTV
Vehicles with multiple batteries require a battery isolator kit for optimal performance. This device allows the batteries to operate independently while also permitting them to connect to charge. Installing an isolator kit in a dual or multi-battery setup provides several benefits that improve reliability and functionality.
The Purpose of a Battery Isolator
The core function of a battery isolator is to stop weaker auxiliary batteries from draining the starter battery. Most vehicles contain a main starting battery that powers essential systems to crank the engine, plus an additional battery or two for accessories. Without an isolator in between, the accessory battery may slowly sap capacity from the starter battery. This can leave you stranded with a starter battery so depleted the engine won’t turn over. The battery isolator kit stops this battery drain from happening by intelligently separating the systems. It protects the starter battery so your engine always fires up when you need to drive.
Components of a Battery Isolator Kit
Most battery isolator kits contain three main components – the isolator itself, heavy-gauge battery cables, and mounting hardware. The isolator is an electronic device that sits between the two batteries and uses diode or relay technology to automatically route power in the correct direction. When the vehicle is running and the alternator is charging the system, the isolator allows charge current to flow into both batteries. When at rest, it blocks any inadvertent drainage from the main battery into the auxiliary one. This keeps the starter battery protected and ready to fire up the engine whenever needed.
Installation of an Isolator Kit
Installing a battery isolator kit begins with mounting the isolator itself to a secure location, usually in the engine bay area. The thick power cables are then routed from the isolator unit directly to the terminals on each battery. Proper cable gauge and quality crimp connections are vital here to handle the considerable current. The entire installation is then secured with appropriate clamps and hardware to protect against vibration. Many people opt to work with professionals for the installation of the isolation kit, as they want to ensure it works properly when needed.
Benefits of a Battery Isolator
The advantages of adding a battery isolator kit are numerous. The kit prevents dead battery situations by always reserving cranking power in the starter battery. It allows the auxiliary battery system to be expanded with more accessories that might otherwise overwhelm the electrical system as a whole. Furthermore, isolating the two systems protects sensitive electronics from abnormal power events that might occur during jump starting. Battery isolators also allow owners to install larger dual-battery setups to handle more equipment than would normally fit on a single starting battery.
Overall, installing a well-designed battery isolator kit is one of the most important upgrades an owner can perform when adding a second battery to their vehicle. It provides reliable performance along with safeguards and failure protections that aren’t present when batteries are wired together directly. Given the low cost of most isolators, it’s an inexpensive way to make sure your charging systems function properly during everyday use. Whether you’re looking to operate a slew of accessories on the road, use your vehicle for stealth off-grid camping, or just make sure you always start your engine every morning, adding an isolator helps make dual-battery systems much more robust and practical.
