Do i need my 2nd battery?

[Gary - K7GLD]

Before discarding one of your batteries - or considering some other type battry such as the Optima, you should consider how your truck is normally used and in what climate.



As a Ham radio operator, I have a high powered radio setup in mine that will easily consume in excess of 100 amps on voice peaks - and I frequenly use that setup for extended periods with the engine off - I also tow an RV, with LOTS of extra lights...



Even the stock OEM batteries supplied with my truck provide 1500 amp hours rating, and are good for LONG periods of extended use involving significant current draw - some of the alternative batteries suggested here do NOT, especially when only *one* is being considered!



DO pay attention to the "reserve amps" rating of whatever you decide upon!



Really NOT a lot of fun being out hunting in the back woods on a COLD winter day - and only getting a weak GRUNT outta yer starter when you want to head for home and a warm fire at the end of the day...

 

[Moterhead]

If you decide to relocate your batteries, a good inexpensive (relatively) way to fab long cable is to use welding cable. A welding supply shop can supply as long of lengths as you need. It comes in different guages also. Use mechanical clamp on type ends, but solder them also. JOIBO.

 

[David Muench]

I haven't had any optimas in my Dodges, but I had two yellow tops in my Jeep TJ I used to have, and they were great. They went through all sorts of abuse offroad (winching and such), and never blinked. My wife also has a red top that's on it's second Jeep so far (took it out of the first when it was sold, put it in the current Jeep), no problems there, and that's a daily driver.



I won't hesitate to use Optimas in anything we own.

 

[Briman]

Optima batteries stay cleaner, less oxidation on the posts and can run in all position (upside down) but can you get an Optima with the same cold cranking amps as the stock Dodge batteries? If you can match the cold cranking amps is there a good reason not to use two Optima (pocket book). I have the large red top in my trans am and it stays charged well for long periods of inactivity (and stays clean). I have never run it upside down.

 

[rbattelle]

Optimas are available with up to 870 CCA . Factory units are "only" 750 CCA.

 

[rbattelle]

I just noticed this on page 8F-33 of the service manual: starter motor specs.



Power Rating: 2. 7 kw / 3. 6 hp

Drive type: conventional (the gassers have a gear reduction unit)

Free running test amperage: 200

Free running minimum speed: 3000 RPM

Cranking amperage draw test: 450 - 700 AMP



There's a footnote associated with the cranking amp test. It says:

"Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter amperage draw"



So, if a WARM engine requires up to 700 amp to start, eliminating one battery is not a healthy idea (in my opinion).

 

[ThomasLawrence]

Oh, fer cryin' out loud... it's a 6500+ lb. truck. Do you honestly think a 50lb. battery's going to make a speck of difference?



If you're running the truck in competition drag races, okay - I can see it. But until (or unless) you've got a sponsorship decal on the side of the truck, leave the batteries alone.

 

[Dean Upson]

There was a little information about the need for two batteries on page 52 of the latest (issue 42) TDR.



Dean

 

[rroudy 98]

0-Gauge welding cable is excellent for relocating batteries, bends great and available in bulk lengths, best of all it will take the inruch current of the starting motor and grid heaters.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Optimas are available with up to 870 CCA . Factory units are "only" 750 CCA. "



That's fine for a short burst - that's what the "cranking amp" rating is intended to show - but for SOME users, or situations where LONGER cranking might be necessary, the RESERVE ampreage comes into play - that is the length of TIME a rated current can be drawn. Some battery types WILL deliver good power for SHORT period, but begin to weaken quickly if the drain is continued for any significant period of time.



Just something to be aware of, depanding on your particular usage - there's more to a battery than just CCA...

 

[RobbieH]

I have run both reds and yellows in my Jeeps. I like them because they don't spill at extreme angles or in rollovers.



I quit running the yellow top battery, at Optima's recommendation.



My yellow tops were only lasting a little over a year, and that just so happens to be when the warranty expires too.



The red top has a 3 year non-prorated warranty.



You'd think with the winch and all I'd need a yellow top, but they said no just run the red top.

 

[rbattelle]

Gary - an excellent point. Not sure where you get hold of the current-time statistics for Optimas. Or factory batteries, for that matter.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

I relocated the battery to the spare tire area on my 01 1500 swb standard cab 2wd in hopes of a smoother ride. Fabricated a holder out of 2" h. d. angle that resembled a letter "H" with two extra cross bars,starched it to the frame with 5/8 all thread and 3/4" pipe as spacers, the entire package wheiged in at about 200 lbs. and was servicable using the spare tire hoist. Marine battery boxes were used with closed cell 3/4" ureathane foam for shock padding. Total cost ,excluding 750 cca marine deep cycle batteries,about 75 dollars. This made room for air compressor,which I would not permanently mount again, in remaining battery tray. Summit sells a set of cool solid brass nodes to mount on existing tray for jump starting, etc... . Worked great on 2wd for wheight transfer and freeing up some under hood space,but dose not seem so practical on 4wd ! JMO and 2 cents Mark Thompson

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

" Not sure where you get hold of the current-time statistics for Optimas. Or factory batteries, for that matter. "





RESERVE capacity info is usually listed right along with the CCA rating, and expressed in time vs a standard ampreage draw - on my OEM batteries, that rating is 150 minutes of reserve capacity, or the length of time a specific drain can be applied before the battery is considered exhaused - I don't remember what ampreage draw is used to obtain that rating tho'...