Juice.. Must have JUICE!!

I decided I wanted to run two batteries in this install to allow me to use the audio system while the engine is off, so I needed to have the charging system work for both the under-hood battery as well as the rear battery.

I chose the Optima Yellow-Top series for both batteries for their superior performance and deep-cycling abilities. And, as sealed gel-cell batteries, they can be mounted in any position. (not to mention that they look cool too).

After the 250A fuse immediately after the battery under the hood, I hooked up a high-current handling solenoid that switches on when the ignition is on, allowing the 1/0 cable travelling the length of the vehicle to charge the rear battery and supply a good 14 volts to the system for when I really need it.

Here you can see some of the custom plexiglass work I did for the front battery cover. This was my first real plexiglass experience, whew!
Here you can clearly see the 1/0 power cable running down the right side of the truck. To avoid noise problems being introduced into the system, I ran the audio cables down the opposite side of the vehicle than the power.

The rear battery box in mid-construction. The box is being built into the side supports for my overhead subwoofer box. This box had to be completely airtight by IASCA rules, so I made it excessively sturdy and sealed. There is a small venting tube on the lower right corner that passes any harmful vapors from within the battery box outside the vehicle.

The battery box also holds the 2 Farad Rockford Fosgate capacitor and the rear 250A fuse. The other main system fuses are mounted on the front of the box for easier access.
The finished rear battery compartment with plexiglass front surrounded with black vinyl. The 2 farad capacitor and gold connectors are visible in this picture.