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The Original Retailer of True® Dual Smart Battery Isolator

Customer Video: Honda Pioneer Dual Battery Isolator installation 1000-5 LE

 

Here’s a clear, real-world guide to installing a dual battery isolator on a Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE. I’ll walk you through the actual layout, wiring logic, and tips specific to this machine so you don’t run into common issues.

 

🔧 What the isolator does (quick context)

A dual battery isolator lets you:

  • Run accessories (lights, stereo, winch, etc.) off a secondary battery
  • Keep your main battery reserved for starting
  • Automatically charge both batteries when the engine is running

 

Installation of a True dual battery  kit in my Honda 1000-5 LE

 

 

Basic parts you’ll need

Most kits (like the True® kit) include:

  • Voltage-sensitive relay (isolator)
  • Heavy gauge cables (usually 6 AWG)
  • Fuse holders / wiring
  • Optional dual voltmeter

You’ll also want:

  • Second battery (AGM or deep cycle)
  • Battery tray / mount
  • Crimpers, heat shrink, and fuses

📍 Where to mount the 2nd battery (Pioneer 1000-5)

Common locations:

  • Under driver seat (most popular)
  • Under hood (tight but doable)
  • Driver-side wheel well

👉 Under-seat is easiest for wiring + protection.

⚡ Step-by-step wiring (simplified but accurate)

1. Mount the second battery

  • Secure it with a tray or bracket
  • Keep away from moving parts and heat

2. Install the isolator (relay)

  • Mount near the main battery (under hood area)
  • Keep wire runs short if possible

3. Wire the positive side

This is the critical part:

  • Main battery (+) → isolator input
  • Isolator output → aux battery (+)
  • Add inline fuse near each battery

👉 This allows charging but prevents back-drain.

4. Wire the grounds

  • Main battery (-) → chassis ground
  • Aux battery (-) → same chassis ground point

✔ Important: Both batteries must share a common ground.

5. Ignition trigger wire (if required)

Some isolators need a signal wire:

  • Tap into key-on 12V source
  • This tells the isolator when to connect batteries

(Video shows an easy tap point on the Pioneer harness.)

6. Connect accessories

  • ALL accessories → aux battery only
  • Use a fuse block if running multiple items

7. Test the system

  • Engine OFF → batteries should be isolated
  • Engine ON → both should charge (~13–14V)
  • Voltage meter should show both values if installed

⚠️ Common mistakes (avoid these)

  • ❌ No fuse near battery → fire risk
  • ❌ Accessories tied to main battery → defeats purpose
  • ❌ Poor ground → charging issues
  • ❌ Undersized wire → overheating

🔌 Optional upgrades (worth it)

  • Auxiliary fuse panel (clean wiring)
  • Dash-mounted dual voltmeter
  • Emergency start switch (jump aux → main)

🧠 Pro tip from real installs

Many Pioneer owners:

  • Run a fuse block + bus bars
  • Keep high-draw items (winch, stereo amps) on aux battery
  • Use isolator with automatic voltage sensing (simpler than manual switches)

👍 Bottom line

Installing a dual battery isolator on a Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE is:

  • Moderate difficulty (DIY friendly if you’ve done basic wiring)
  • Mostly about clean routing + correct fuse placement
  • Very reliable once set up correctly

 

DFNA