Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 2 batters to 1 any one ever do this

[GeraldGordon]

I do not like haveing 2 batters my 1993 had just one can I just get one big batter . Well let me know what you guys think. Thanks for the help.





Gerald

 

[Bob4x4]

It works just fine here in sunny So Cal but I wouldn't try it in the snow country if it were mine



Bob

 

[Grizzly]

The "batters" were replaced on my 95 under warranty right at 3 years old. Some how they forgot to connect one battery. I ran on one battery for about 2 1/2 years and didn't know it, until the one connected died. The new battery that was never connected was deader then a door knob after 2 1/2 years. After that I made sure I was on two batteries.

 

[CStansbury]

Not trying to be a smart-arse Grizzly, but how is it that you didn't notice that one of your batteries was disconnected for 2 1/2 years?

 

[BernieFreeman]

Batterys

I run one battery all summer long use the 2nd for the race car ,then in winter (ohio) I use two, dont think it would start without two when it is cold.

 

[Grizzly]

Not trying to be a smart-arse Grizzly, but how is it that you didn't notice that one of your batteries was disconnected for 2 1/2 years?

The dodge dealer installed them and I never noticed that the ground terminal was not connected because it was laying on the side of the battery. The truck, which was garage kept, started just fine. I was under the hood many times because I always changed my own oil and filters and never noticed it.

 

[GeraldGordon]

The one I have in my 1993 starts fine at about - 30 blow so I think if I put the same one in this truck it would be ok interstate I think it like 950 c. c. a.





Gerald

 

[southpaw]

I have both an 89 and a 93 and have had only a single battery in both , which I believe is the factory arraingment, sounds like someone added an extra for your cold weather .

 

[Bob4x4]

94 up all have 2 batts,the earlier trucks use a higher rating batt and are not always easy to find in the correct rating. The newer trucks are only 750cca. the first gens were more like 1100 cca if I remember correctly. Odyessy batteries have a 1200 amp battery that will work good if you want to spring the big bucks



Bob

 

[firemanmarc]

I don't know the series number but, I run a single Optima red top on my truck, starts good below zero. All our farm tractors with the 6BT run just one single battery, and had one start without the air heater or plugged in a couple years back at -35 degrees, fried the electric tach but it started..... I would think the most important part is cleanliness of connections, and starter wear... ... Good luck, Marc

 

[MCummings]

I've been about 16 months on a single battery. Only thing I seem to notice is, the batteries seem to die a little faster?



I have started down to 25* without plugging in and without grid heaters, and with my dropped compression.



I wouldn't hesitate to do it, but, I like the idea of putting the two battery's between the frame rails behind the cab, completely removing the batteries from underhood.





If it has been done before? Many, Many Times...



Merrick

 

[Matthug]

Whats the big deal about 2 batteries? They last longer that way and you have a heck of a lot more amperage for accessories and cold starting. You would have to atleast run a 1000 CCA battery for a single, maybe more. I believe they went with 2 battery's in the newer body style because the intake heater started in 94 and that thing draws 70 amps alone. I also believe 94-up have a higher amperage alternator for that reason too.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

94 up all have 2 batts

Bob

Bob, the operator on my crew has an '01 3500 4x4. It came with one battery. The cables weren't even installed. ???

 

[Niki]

Whats the big deal about 2 batteries? They last longer that way and you have a heck of a lot more amperage for accessories and cold starting. You would have to atleast run a 1000 CCA battery for a single, maybe more. I believe they went with 2 battery's in the newer body style because the intake heater started in 94 and that thing draws 70 amps alone. I also believe 94-up have a higher amperage alternator for that reason too.

First gens have intake heaters too.

 

[Matthug]

Hmm, I looked at a 92' not too long ago and it didn't have an intake heater. Someone must have taken it out though, it was bone stock otherwise. My bad.

 

[Bob4x4]

Bob, the operator on my crew has an '01 3500 4x4. It came with one battery. The cables weren't even installed. ???

He was ROBBED... ... ..... all 2nd and 3rd gens have dual batts.



Bob

 

[MartyAdams]

I have been running one battery 1000 CCA for 2 years now. I live in southern Ontario Canada and I have no starting troubles and I never plug it in. The battery I am using was recovered from my Ford 7. 3 Diesel after it would no longer start that junk.

Marty

 

[Berrigan]

After 17 years of driving Dodge Cummins my experience is, the single battery trucks leave you stranded when the battery dies, most the time you cant even jump them. The dual bat setup gives you a warning before no start happens. They usually spin the starter slower and thats your signal to check the batteries. Then you will find one is dead and its time to replace both. You also get more CCA. And one more important thing, you can be careful and change them one at a time and not loose your radio presets. Bill

 

[K5IP]

I agree,

Two batteries a "good thing" They do need to be matched in age and size however.

Rog

 

[Grizzly]

He was ROBBED... ... ..... all 2nd and 3rd gens have dual batts.



Bob

I'll vouch for that. 2nd and 3rd generation were equipped from the factory with two batteries.