two batteries, not one

[DDudgeon]

Just curious if anyone has two batteries in there first generation. I thought this might eliminate the disco lights lights during the winter months. Not sure if this will help, but I don't think the second generations have this problem. I think I might try it, if anything it will help it turn over.

 

[DKasper]

2nd gens do it too -- at least mine did. Unless you are running a lot of accessories or want to have an isolated "just in case" battery, we really don't need a 2nd one. . .

 

[BCaldwell]

If you arwe refering to the flickering effect as you first fire up a cold engine it's just the grid heaters doin' thier thing. Two batteries won't take away the effect.

Bill

 

[ekroman]

Two batteries

The way to get past the flickering lights is the engine block heater. In Virginia, if I use the block heater, the grid heaters never come on. Our winters never drop below 20F outside Washington, DC.



I will recommend, however, to use a good size battery. Mine is a big boy, I think it's a Group 31 (does that sound right?). It always cranks it over.



Eddie

 

[AlK]

Mine is a big boy, I think it's a Group 31 (does that sound right?). It always cranks it over.



I am only on my second battery, not bad for a 92. Single battery is good, but make sure you get the Big Boy (Group 31).

---

Al

 

[bgilbert]

Two batteries are not necessary on our trucks, just get the biggest cold cranking amp battery in group 31. 1260cca can be had, I have a Deka group 31 1260 cca.

 

[1stgen4evr]

What Bill said.



James

 

[desertrat1]

I have two batteries in mine, they do nothing for the flicker effect. Having two batteries does raise my CCA to 1600 with dual 800 Optima's though.

 

[DDudgeon]

ok I get the drift, so where do i find a group 31 with the big boy cca. Sears dont carry group 31, Siferd-Hosselman does but only 950 cca. Went to cummins today, all he had in stock was 925 cca. I should have at least 1025, correct?

 

[tugboatphil]

A lot of NAPA stores carry the Deka brand battery. I also have the 1260 and have no problems. It's a monster, but will fit in our tray with no problem.

 

[jcarew]

Need for 2 batteries

I had a 1992 single battery 12v for 13 yrs 185 k never had any battery problems. Replaced original battery once. That was a slight problem because not many places sold the 1000cca battery an they wanted to sell me an 875cca battery. I eventually got the correct one for it . my 002 has 2 batteries an I only see that as an added expense. because if one fails you are supposed to replace both but I don,t know why.

 

[bgilbert]

Yes 1025 is minimum cca required. Go to www.dekabatteries.com. You can find a distributor near you.

 

[MMiller]

Well here is my two cents. I found it easier to find two 650 CCA batteries then one big boy. They fit nicely in the stock tray, sideways. I made a new ground cable and then just an extension for the hot cable. Had to make a new hold down too. I believe if I have problems out in the middle of know where, at least one battery will be good, and unless its really cold one battery will start the truck. Also could find two smaller ones easier the one big one. I don't know the price difference, but thats how I did it. Does it need two? no. Does my two work better then one? no.



Michael

 

[jrjuday]

In my area (N. E. Indiana) the CarQuest Auto Parts store brand batteries are manufactured by East Penn, which is the company that makes Deka batteries. Don't know if they are comparable, but it is alot easier finding a CarQuest store, and they have the group31 and good warranty.

 

[michigandon]

When I detemined that I needed a new starting battery for "da house", I endec up getting a 950 cca batter from Tractor Supply. Just barely hit the key and she fires! Oo. My rig has THREE batteries on board (the "engine battery" and the two "coach batteries"), plus the abilities to start off of and charge the engine battery, the coach batteries, or all three at once! Not real sure if the deep-cylce coach batteries really contribute too much extra oomph as far as starting is concerned, but if the extra power was neeeded and they were fully charged to bgin with, I don't see how they could be a detriment either.



Don

 

[JLEONARD]

Don,

The only problem with using multiple batteries is that if one is down, it drags them all down...

I have one battery, an Optima red top. Works fine.

I also use the block heater in the winter with a timer that runs it for about 2 to 3 hours before my normal departure. Unless the temps are in single digits, the grids don't come on.

 

[RSchwarzli]

I think if I remember correctly the temp was somewhere between -20 to -30 and my one battery with the block unplugged (oops I was in a rush and forgot to plug it in) and it cranked no problem. The neighbors F250 powerjoke would not start as the fuel was jelled.



Robert

 

[ak_fleming]

If you have a dual battery system they should both be replaced at the same time so they are both degradeing evenly. If one battery is new and one is old the older battery will constantly be trying to charge off the new battery leading to shorter battery life. The only reason for dodge going to two battery system on the newer rigs is because of the availability of the smaller batterys.

 

[TTennyson]

if you are willing to pay the money optima makes a group 31 yellow top deep cycle battery with 1130 ca and 900cca . i just put 4 in my freightliner and the difference is phenominal! ill never go back to regular batteries

 

[DPetrey]

If you are worried about the flickering lights it is cold enough that you might want to plug it in up here in Alaska mine does it also i plug it in over night it doesnt do it anymore it is not that cold here mid 40s