Under bed battery install

[Cryppie]

Gathering information on relocating my batteries to under the bed on passenger side (near cab). Looks like there is enough room there to fabricate a box and cut a hole for an access panel in the bed. Looking to put to Optima D31A's there, has anyone done this or similar? I haven't bought the batteries yet, so also looking for thoughts on using conventional wet-cell as well. What is the best price for 31's out there? Found about $169. 95 each so far.

 

[Shovelhead]

Check out Rob's truck in the Reader's Rigs

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=4739&width=0



That's one of the cleanest looking battery relocates I've seen.

(and the tilt bed makes access a breeze)

 

[Rob Thomas]

I've since moved the battery (yes, I only use one now) to the passenger side frame rail just behind the cab (like described by cryppie above).



When they were in the spare tire location they really got hammered by the elements, salt, sand, snow, ect, ect. They were in marine battery boxes, but when I opened the boxes up you'd never know there were batteries in there, it was a real mess.



I opted to move them behind the cab for several reasons. One, so that they stay cleaner (which even without using a battery box it stays reletivly clean). Two, so the weight was in front of the axle. Three, helps to off-set the weight of the fuel tank on the opposite side. Four, easier access, when they were in the spare tire location it was a PITA to get to when needed.



Since it doesn't seem like 2 batteries will fit on the frame rail (since the bed mounts stick out to far) I opted to use one good battery, an Odyssey 1700. It has 1700CCA for the first 5 seconds (and only takes around 2 seconds for my heap to start), it's a deep cycle, dry cell battery, can be mounted in any position, and is'nt effected by cold weather. They have a claim that you can completly drain it 400 (yes, four hundred)times and it will still take a hold a charge, try that with a conventional battery.



So far I'm happy with it, it's been in for about 1-1/2 months now, even when below zero temps it cranks without trouble. Check out www.mrbobsdistributing.com for more information about it. It's not cheap, but if you bought two decent batteries the cost off-set each other.



I dont have any pics of the new battery mounting location yet, but if you'd like I will post some.



IMO, you wouldn't need an access panel cut into the bed (even if you don't have a dump-bed ) there is enough room to easilly install and remove the battery and terminals.



I made a braket that bolted between the two bed mounting brackets, and this battery fits perfectly (the length and width are the same as our factory batteries, but it's about 1" shorter in heigth, and is 3/8" top post).



One more thing, I also mounted a remote plug-in type (like used on wreckers) jumper cable connection, for ease of using cables.



Good luck, Rob

 

[nickleinonen]

i am thinking of mounting 2 big optima batteries outside the pass. side frame rail on my 04. i will make a battery box for them out of 1"x1"x1/8" angle iron and lexan and try to squeese them between the running boards i have [in the basement at current] and the frame. it looks like it should fit, and the optima's are more mantenence free than most batteries. then mount an compressed air resouvour on the drivers side between running board/frame for the onboard air i plan on having...



so many plans, so little time & $$$$$

 

[Chipstien]

Rob, is that website you listed accurate? It is showing that the battery you bought only has a Reserve capacity of 138 minutes. Heck, my factory batteries are 150 minutes each. I don't put near as much emphasis on CCA as I do reserve capacity. RC is what keeps me from breaking out the jumper cables.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I have no reason to think that information is incorrect. Optima Red tops have only 110 minute reserve. You sure the stockers are 150ish? Seems odd.



Besides, if I run a 25 amp load without the engine running for over 2 hours, I deserve to have a dead battery. LOL



Rob

 

[Cooker]

Rob,

I would like to see a few pics of your new battery mounting location. Please remember to post them when you get a chance. Thanks.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I'll get some pics taken tomorrow and post them.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I went and snapped a pic tonight... ... ... ...







#ad

 

[Chipstien]

Actually the red tops are only 90 min RC. Positive about the 150 RC at least on "my" truck. When these batteries croak I am going with 2 Trojan Commercial group 27 batteries. Each have 170 RC, 825 CCA and are only $60-ish. The one experience I have had with Gel Cells, (Optima Red Top) was bad enough for me to not waste my money on one again. The only way I would go with a gel cell would be if the battery was inside of the vehicle, otherwise it is non maintenance-free batteries for me.



BTW, is that battery inside or outside the frame rail... ... . looks sweet.

 

[Rob Thomas]

The Odyssey is a DRY cell, not a gel. I got the RC rating of the Optima right from their site BTW.



Sorry about the lighting(and the filthy mess,LOL) in the pic, but the battery is on the outside of the rail, just behind the cab between the 2 bed mount brackets.





Rob

 

[Chipstien]

Thanks, that seemed like the only possible spot to put a set of batteries. I am looking to relocate my batteries back there soon, just waiting for better weather to do it. Optima must have raised there ratings recently..... was looking at a set at Costco awhile ago that were 90. Who know, maybe I need some sleep..... LOL