dual batteries for 1st gen trucks?

[JDKammin]

My 92 came with one battery. My 96 has dual batteries and makes a world of difference when starting during these cold mornings. Did the 93 models have dual batteries I could get the tray from or is there an aftermarket kit available? Thanks.

 

[boatpuller]

As long as you get a battery that's got the rated CCA that the truck calls for you shouldn't need two batteries. There was someone who mounted two Optima batteries sideways in the stock tray on a 93'.

 

[DValentine]

I mounted two optima redtops side by side. All I had to do was make cables and lengthen the rod across the top. It has served me well. Oh yeah I had to grind a little on the plastic that surrounds the base of the batteries. There is a post called Lets talk batteries. Use the search feature.



Dave

 

[DThibault]

You only need one battery. I have an 01 also that has two batteries and my 93 starts better. Yesterday, 3 degrees below zero F. and after the greid heater kicked off the 93 was running in less than one revolution. I always wondered why the newer ones had two batteries. When it gets this cold, you really should plug them in, its a lot easier on everything but I'm not always near a plug and maybe a little lazy but they have never not started. I have lots of friends with the other brands, and its a maybe with them. Make sure your grid heaters are working and your battery is in good shape and drive it.

 

[JLEONARD]

I am in my 4th Ct winter on a single Optima Red Top.

 

[Shadrach]

In simple terms the 1st gen has 1 big battery the newer trucks have 2 smaller batteries. If you want a good HD battery for your 1st gen get a group 31P from a semi. I have run one in my old V8 Dodges for years with now problems. I had to flatten the tabs on the tray in my 84 because it had a group 27. I have seen Dodge tow trucks with 2 on one big tray and my buddy put 2 group 31P (post ) in his 93 CTD because he has winch. He has one on each side. He went to a second gen air filter to make room for it. Shadrach

 

[rlyons]

This is all you have to do;

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[bgilbert]

This is all you have to do.

Nuh uh , this is all you have to do: www.dekabatteries.com.



1260cca Group 31 under $100. Also sold under Super Start from O'Reilly's, and others.

 

[BHiggins]

I had an Interstate 1100cca in my last 1st gen (1990 W250) for eight years and NEVER had a problem starting it, including -0 temps of northern Vermont in winter. When I got my "new" truck, a 1992 W350, I immediately put an Interstate in it. That was two years ago and still no problems. You don't need two batteries if you have one good one. Also, if you do use two batteries and one goes bad, it can damage the good one unless you're using a battery isolator like the ones Ford uses on their dual battery set-up.