2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission start with one battery (?)

[lizzyhermit]

somewhere in all the forums I think I read that if our trucks won't turn over due to "not enough battery juice" we could disconnect the negative cable to isolate the good battery and the truck might trun over.



Is this correct? I can't find the entry via search.

 

[TomGolden]

While I can't point you to a specific thread, I know that several different members have stated before that they regularly run with only one battery in their trucks. Of course ambient air temperature is a factor, as you can imagine, in whether one battery is enough to crank the mighty Cummins.



I recall some of the members who only use one battery were from Texas, Arizona, etc. , and I believe that HVAC only uses one battery in the Red Rocket.



Tom

 

[BHaner]

I had a battery with a bad post... that's how I found out what one it was. One cranked slow, the other made the hood light flash just by wiggling the terminal. Due to money reasons at the time I only replaced the bad battery. Within about 3 months the new battery was going out... so I replaced both of them with Optima red tops. No problems for over a year.

 

[TPlasek]

I have not had good luck replacing only one battery without replacing the other too. Seems like it runs down the new battery. But, I have had good luck with running just one battery(if the other has gone bad) until I get the urge to replace both batteries...

 

[lizzyhermit]

I'm not suggesting replacing only one battery. I'm asking about disconnecting the ground of the bad battery in hopes that the good battery will turn over this beast.

 

[TPlasek]

As long as the battery left over to do the job is charged enough and in good enough condition to start the truck, I don't see a problem. Only one way to find out, remove the ground and try it. It will either start or not start. Not rocket science here... .

 

[EricBu12]

Mr bobs at

http://www13.inetba.com/mrbobsdistributing/ODYSSEYbattery.ivnu

Has a 1700A battery that doe 1040 a @ 32 deg. 850 CCA and 1700 5 second hot. This is the best of both worlds of Deep cycle and starting power. It's $229 dollars but I tink it would be better in the long run plus it frees up the space on the pass. side for other stuff.

 

[apkole]

I've run my '91 truck for about 8 years with the single battery set up with no problems. I do need to replace it occasionally, but we use alot of current running electric plow motors, flashers and other accessories. The truck has always started great with the single battery, even in the coldest temps in our West Michigan winters.



The dual batteries in the 2nd Gen. trucks as I understand it were installed to counter starting issues in the really cold climates.

My 2 cents.



Andy

 

[Paul Somers]

I think the main reason for two batteries is to be able to crank engine at same time heater grid is on. Disconnect heater and one battery should be enough except in really cold weather. I doubt one battery would start engine at same time heater grid is on. I guess you could watch your volt meter and when it goes high start engine.

 

[BarryG]

Does anybody have any experience with the Odyssey battery from Mr Bobs? Sounds like it would fit the bill for a single battery but nothing beats firsthand experience.

 

[illflem]

The grids aren't energized while the engine is cranking but the power they draw beforehand saps a battery pretty good. I got by just fine with one stock battery for eight months in the warmer time of year.