Dual batteries necessary?

[DesertRunner774]

Looking to add a DC to AC converter to my 98 K1500 to charge power tools and to use for various other applications. Is it worth converting to dual batteries and upgrading or will the stock system be sufficient? I'd like to be able to use it with the truck's engine off but I don't want to be constantly draining the battery. If the conversion is necessary, what is the best way of doing so?

 

[Just Nobody]

I have this type of system setup on my work van and it works well, charges my tool batteries and LED lights for the box.

 

[Supercharged111]

Factory system will keep the 2nd battery isolated from the truck, so if you kill it the truck will still fire up and begin to charge battery #2. They used a solenoid on the driver's fender, should be able to snag one at the junkyard.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Factory system will keep the 2nd battery isolated from the truck, so if you kill it the truck will still fire up and begin to charge battery #2. They used a solenoid on the driver's fender, should be able to snag one at the junkyard.

X2

This conversion was done / added to my 1998 Suburban shortly after we bought it. The solenoid aka "heavy duty relay" (50A perhaps in my case, I would need to check it) was mounted on the driver's side wheelwell. Power came from the stud on the fuse center near the firewall.

I would use a deep cycle / LiFeO4 for battery #2 for your application, but that's just me.