Not another battery thread... (1 Viewer)

[kcustom73]

I didn't know where else to post this as I wanted broder audience then just the 40 forum (where most of my question are). Moderators, if this is in the wrong section please feel free to move it.

Well this isn't going to be the normal "which battery is the best" thread.

What I'm trying figure out is how much battery do I need???

My setup will be:
GM 6.2 diesel
140a alternator
Electric fan (probably a Taurus)
8274 winch
one set of aftermarket lights on the bumper
small stereo system
LED lights for the rest of the truck

Details:
1- The 6.2 needs 2 starting batteries (set up in parallel) and they should be a matched pair.
2- I have read that the winch should be on a the starting batterry?
3- I won't be doing a lot of hardcore wheeling so I don't think the 8274 will see a lot of long pulls...
4- No choice but to go to an electric fan because of space constraint
5- once the 6.2 is warmed up, it will easily start on 1 battery.

Up to know I've been thinking of a 3 battery setup (2 starting 1 auxillary). Trying to get 3 batteries under the hood of a 40 is going to be hard... But the more I think about it, I wonder if I could get away with 2.

Really confused right now so with all that said, how would you set up my batteries?

 

[SAS]

Given that you are not going to frequently use the winch, I believe you could get away with your two batteries. You have an ample alternator, for sure, in those few instances where you use the winch.

 

[rcmccars]

odyssey batteries are very strong i use two 34 group batts. 1500 pulse amps 850 cca and about the same size as a normal bat. pn: 34pc1500 i payed about 250usd ea. ODYSSEY Batteries - Official Manufacturer's Site i have a 320amp alt and a 3000w power inverter that i use to power a small a/c and power tools on the job. they are heavy almost 50 lbs ea. you could also go optima and prob be ok but i like odyssey better. good luck

 

[Bret]

2 high capacity batteries should do you fine. If you could get at least 800 amps each you should have more than enough juice to get by.

If you put them in the passenger compartment better to go with a sealed versions.

I found that my alternator had more to do with trying to keep up with my electric fan than my batteries did.

 

[Itwillmakeit?]

In my 60 with the 3b diesel I have one red top optima that does the trick. Winching is fine as I also mounted a 140 amp alt to run my 8274, you just need to take short breaks to let everything catch up and cool down. As far as electrical loads go I have a 650w stereo, electric vacuum pump, standard lighting, factory front and rear heaters, the only time I have wanted a second battery is when I am sitting at a really long light with everything going. Which is solved by bumping the idle to 1000rpm.

I would try one battery first and if she don't crank then You need two.

My two cents,
Nick

 

[Pacer]

Bret,
To clarify, you had better luck with the RedTops than with the Platinum?

My understanding is that the Odyssey batteries are the best in the business, and that the Sears Platinum series is made by Odyssey to a similar spec...


See, it is turning into a which battery is best thread...

2 high capacity batteries should do you fine. If you could get at least 800 amps each you should have more than enough juice to get by. FWIW the difference in starting my 6.0 dsl while using Red Tops versus Die Hard Platinums was very noticable.

 

[Bret]

Edited post, reference removed.

 

[kcustom73]

Pacer I was afraid of that

rcm, I've been looking at the oddyssey (78-PC1500 same specs as your 34-PC1500 except its got side post instead of top post). Couple of reason I've been looking at those, 1- specs and 2- they are sealed batteries (I thinking of putting mine inside for weight distribution and more room under hood) I think I'm going to stay away from the optima's because they are so hit and miss these days.

Nick, I don't have choice but to go to 2 batterie (the 6.2 is beast to start), I'm just hoping that I don't have to go to 3.

 

[rcmccars]

i think you would be fine with two odyssey batts. and if you need more power to run other stuff get one of thies 320amp alt. Mega Amp GM High Output Alternator
it almost fit perfect i had to make a small adjustment to my tentioner and hit the bottom mounting point with a grinder. took off like a 1/16". the LED lights will help alot also i dont have any incondesent bulbs in my 60 and with the h4 headlights and a harness upgrade i dont need big lights for offroading they light up the whole trail.

 

[Bret]

2 batteries should give you close to 1600+ amps of starting power, shouldn't be an issue.

Figure out the current demands of your fan , lights, heater etc. and size your alternator accordingly. Bear in mind that on the trail your truck may spend considerable time at idle and your alternator may have high peak numbers but fall short at lower RPMs/idle. Having a lower peak number but higher output at low RPM may be more beneficial. Just depends on how you use the truck.

 

[kcustom73]

Bret, looks like I'm going to pull out the calculator and see how much alternator I need. Looks like the alternator has more to do with what you can run then the batteries. I think I'll spend a few extra $ and get a couple of odyssey's (1700 CCA and 135 RC each).

Thanks to all for the help.