Need To add a 2nd Battery, Any Ideas ?

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I been thinking that two batteries are better that one, does anyone have a geat way to install a 2nd battery ? I have only a 1000 CCA battery and want to add a second one. This is my first winter with a Diesel, and it gets cold here real fast(not to mention lake effect snows that dump a foot of snow in an hour !). Also any cold weather tips would be great a great help #ad
.

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1985 DODGE 1 ton Crew Cab(imported from California with no rust) W/8' box converted to 4X4(wasn't that hard to do!) in 1999,converted to a 1991 Cummins Turbo diesel & 5 speed Getrag in 2000(wife can't drive a stick . 4:10 gears, limited slip rear end, 205 transfer case, 16" Goodyear GSA Wranglers and LE Package and a Sony CD Stereo. A one of a kind truck(Wish Dodge would build a new Crew Cab in 1 ton. Last year for the Crew Cab was 1985)If you want to know why I did all of this, 2 kids, one on the way and I can't stand Ford and Chevy. Kyle Hoover ,Fruitport, MI

 

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I know what you mean, you need more capacity. Try to search but I remember in this area where a guy had pictures of his double battery tray where the original sits. A real pro install, was about this time last year I think. I haven't had a problem starting yet with one, but two would help keep the grid heaters warm and still have alot of juice for the starter.
As for cold tips, if its cool for a long time you may want to try a lighter oil. I use Esso XD3 0-W40 semi synthetic for the whole winter. I would think that Exxon or a similar oil would work. It helps starting for sure and you get lube pressure right away. Use a good fuel additive to avoid gelling and possible water in the fuel from ruining your day. Check you antifreeze for freeze point.


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Jason Hoffman
Lil' Mack - 89 D250LE 5 Spd 3. 54 Reg Cab. K&N,"tweaked pump", BD Injectors, Banks Pyro/Boost, 3. 5" Exst tail section straight. E&M Custom seats. Bosch H4, PIAA 80W/80W HdLites. 100W Drv,55W Fogs.
232,500 miles (372,000 Kms) 7700 Hrs. Cummins Power Booster member.
The Original Turbo Diesel

 

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CrewCabDiesel, check the following post, you may find it helpfull. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum2/HTML/000399.html

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92-LE,Cummins,Tach,4x4,5spd,3. 54,Borgeson steering shaft,Pyro & Boost, 16cm2

 

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Crewcabdiesel,

My truck had dual batteries on it when I purchased it. Has a deep cycle marine battery mounted just aft of the origional battery. The tray is made out of 1 inch angle iron and anchored to the side of the fender and the fender well. It has a isolator that is powered by the ignition to charge the set up. All the wires are 12 guage or so, so it is not a great set up to add cranking power to the main battery #ad
, but I have used it several times with jumper cables to start my truck.

Good luck,

Bruce

 

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i am going with 2 optimas
a fellow club menber near sacramento
had a ad in mag selling lug nuts
for 1 st gen to put 2nd gen rims on
he's the one that i got the tray from
the tray fits on top of stock tray
i ran a furd starter relay to connect
2 nd bat to 1st while running, 2 nd bat
mainly for camper

i am still working on bat top mounts

300 ly bill

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1993 w350 ex cab, banks
open exaust, pw injectors s/b in a week
ham radio,big rig mud flaps,duel optimas
nv4500 just put in
plan to keep this one
140k miles

 

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How would you wire something like this up? Just hook it to the original battery or would there need to be a dual wiring setup?

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90 W250, 5-speed, isspro gauges, 16 cm2, K&N, Borgeson shaft, JRE 3" exhaust

 

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Crewcabdiesel;

On my '93, I just welded up a tray using a lightweight angle iron to hold two batteries placed right angles to the original battery, and it fit right where the original battery was. A tight fit but it will go and it worked fine for me for over 100K miles.

Vaughn

 

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If you use 2 group 24 batteries they will both fit on the existing tray sidways, move the top of the rear brace back 2". for hold downs just buy some new j hooks from your local outparts stores, i used 3 witha piece of flat bar allum. acrassted the top, batteries wired in parrallel, i have a few pics in my photo site under acceseries... . RD

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93 W 250, Banks,B&D,K&N,JRE,Rickson 19. 5's,FourWheel camper. <A HREF="http://rducsh.homestead.com/truck.html" TARGET=_blank>
Truck Spec Site</A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=279120&Auth=false" TARGET=_blank>
Photo Site</A>