second battery
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: prince george canada
second battery
My truck came stock with a single battery and i want to put in a second one for my winch and amp and i was wondering if anyone has done this or knows how to do it thanks
1992 F250 r/c l/b 4X4 351 5spd
1992 F250 r/c l/b 4X4 351 5spd
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 46
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From: Calgary
second battery
It can be done quite easily actually... check with a Hitch shop or RV center, they will sell you a kit to install the second battery in your year/make of truck. Kit should include a Solnoid, Battery Isolator, wiring, and instructions to do the job. 
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 395
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second battery
I went to the local parts store and purchased a battery isolator. I went with a big one 90Amp I think it was. The 60Amp version lasted about 5 years. I purchased one of the optimax style battery for my main battery, turned it sideways and mounted another right next to it. The wiring is very easy and it has worked great for over 10 years. I connected all accesories to the spare battery and it works great. I haven't had a dead main battery since that install. The only problem I have is with the alternator, its max output it 45Amps. I suggest installing circuit breakers to everything. When running 2 sets of KC lights they will suck to much current. The circuit breakers will cut power and reset when they cool protecting your wiring and equipment.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
second battery
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Nov-02 AT 10:34 AM (EST)]In the early 80s, that was an option. Ford wired a continuous-duty starter relay (like winches use) into the accessory circuit so it was hot with the key forward in RUN or back in ACCESSORY. It was off in OFF or START. This allowed the alternator to charge both batteries, and both are used to run accessories with the engine off. But only the main battery was used for starting and only it would die if you left the headlights on. Then you could swap the batteries, crank, & recharge the dead main on the way home.
To do this on a '92, just run a heavy wire from the main lug on the engine compartment fuse block to one of the big terminals on the relay. Then run a red battery wire from the other to the battery, and a black battery wire to ground. Then find a circuit that's hot with the key turned back & wire the relay's trigger to that. Easy. Cost: $14 relay, $5 red wire, $3 black wire, $.50 for 6' of 14ga stranded fuel-resistant wire for the trigger.
To do this on a '92, just run a heavy wire from the main lug on the engine compartment fuse block to one of the big terminals on the relay. Then run a red battery wire from the other to the battery, and a black battery wire to ground. Then find a circuit that's hot with the key turned back & wire the relay's trigger to that. Easy. Cost: $14 relay, $5 red wire, $3 black wire, $.50 for 6' of 14ga stranded fuel-resistant wire for the trigger.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: prince george canada
second battery
I know how to hook it up and everything i just want to know how to mount it and where to mount it cuz my coolant and washer fluid is where the battery should be
1992 F250 r/c l/b 4X4 351 5spd
1992 F250 r/c l/b 4X4 351 5spd
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
second battery
Put it anywhere you have room don't mind a little battery fumes every now & then. I've heard of some people mounting them under the bed between the frame rails, and others build a sealed box with a vent hose in the passenger compartment. If you wanna stay "stock", look at wrecked diesels from your year range & scavenge their parts.
