In winter and summer to some extent you need to use battery power to warm the glow plugs and then you need cranking power.

 

To start it. Super high compression.

 

For my application 4ga is fine. I am not starting a diesel engine and not putting a large constant draw on it.

 

BUT Is it not standard to put two in Diesels? Just trying to understand why some Diesels have two and others don't if it is part of a normal setup. Clearly the cost to add is pricey, as noted below, but must be needed.


Is this an option on trucks or just a factory set up choice?

 

All the Ford pick-up diesels I have seen have had 2 batteries under the hood.

 

Running 4/0 or bigger (into the mcm category) cable is a real pain because of size and lack of flexibility. Thus, Ford suggests running a 2/0ga. paralleled with a 1/0ga. to provide enough current-handling capacity.

 

Yep, but you are starting an engine across that second battery. What's the starter on a V8 or V10, 300 or so amps? Imagine what happens if your primary battery fails... drops a cell, high internal resistance, etc. You get to endure the majority of the starting current across that 4ga. run. 4ga. is good for about 80 amps at 15 feet for a 20deg. C rise in insulation temp.

You have to design a system for worst-case... not for the normal case.

 

OP's truck is, apparently, not a diesel.

Diesels require two batteries for two reasons. One, to supply the reserve capacity to run the glow plugs. Two, to supply enough starting current to crank the high-compression (18:1) engine over. Starter current is in the neighborhood of 1200A.

 

I get it and I can't tell what type of F@%) he has as it wasn't noted in profile.

Thanks.

 

I couldn't find a #65 battery in the Optima yellow top. Nor could I find a #65 in the Deka intimidator yellow top. The best # 65, dual purpose battery is the probably the Oddyssy (sp?), but they are super expensive. I've seen them price from 210-300 bucks for #65 ford truck type

I am very interested in the second battery option that started this thread. Thanks for posting the part numbers. I have a 1999 Ford e350. Apparently these parts are actually for a e350.

Will they fit my 1999?

How big of a battery can I put in the second battery holder? What size is it made for?

Is there a wiring kit for it?

Where on the Van is it installed?

Thanks guys

 

I couldn't find a #65 battery in the Optima yellow top. Nor could I find a #65 in the Deka intimidator yellow top. The best # 65, dual purpose battery is the probably the Oddyssy (sp?), but they are super expensive. I've seen them price from 210-300 bucks for #65 ford truck type

I am very interested in the second battery option that started this thread. Thanks for posting the part numbers. I have a 1999 Ford e350. Apparently these parts are actually for a e350.

Will they fit my 1999?

I don't know the exact years it fits but I would think it would work.

How big of a battery can I put in the second battery holder? What size is it made for?

It is intended to hold a 65 series and I think that is about the biggest, you could put an Optima in but some kind of hold down would have to be fabricated.

Is there a wiring kit for it?

With some research you could probably order some cable kit from Ford, however it would likely be cheaper and easier to just fabricate some with welding cable and ends.

Where on the Van is it installed?

On the vans I have seen it was mounted on the outside of the Passenger side frame rail.

Thanks guys

 

As the second post in the thread says.... I had this exact battery box in my '99 e350 and it mounted up no problem at all. It does indeed sit on the outside of the frame rail on the passenger side right under the rear side door. The frame already has the holes for it. It's designed for ambulances and such from what the Ford guy told me when I got it. I suggest you buy the box first and then see what you can fit, it's pretty big. As for a wiring kit, I have no idea. I wired mine myself with 2ga, and the primary reason for my setup was for a large stereo system and amature radio equipment.

-Jay

Edit, hey look at that I even have a picture, taken Feb. 19th 2000.

Edit again, oops that was huge.. Clicky clicky... http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/9...tbox01lbs3.jpg

 

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate your responces.

 

The second battery holder for my e350 came in today . I am bit concerned that there is no top cover for it. Should I put a cover on her?

I am also looking for an inexpensive power inverter. Something around the 900w to 1200w area. Any suggestions? Is this something that a Walmart might sell?

Thanks in advance.

 

Fparisi - inexpensive and power inverter, especially in the 1KW arena, don't go together.

Walmart will sell units like the Vector, which are utter hunks of garbage (take a look at the output with an oscilloscope if you don't believe me). If you want something real, you should look at Xantrex, Samlex, and other such units. A Xantrex Prosine pure-sine-wave unit will run you $750 or so.