Dual batteries
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Senior User
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From: Tacoma
Dual batteries
I know dual batteries was an option and I was wondering what all was needed to put it in my truck. I was also wondering if anyone has any pictures of the factory setup they could post. I've only seen a couple and now I can't seem to find them.
Fleet Mechanic
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I don't know about a factory set-up, but I just sold a 76 that had dual batteries. Second battery was mounted forward in the engine bay on the drivers side. There was a starter solenoid that the hot from the other battery went to on one side and the other side had the battery hot and the lead wire from the same post. The post for usually starting had an ACC wire running to it. This worked like the isolator post that you can buy. You know, drain the aux without draining the main and charge the auxilary only after the truck is running. Real simple set-up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Here's a good write-up: <A HREF="http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/DualBatteries.shtml">Dual Battery Installation</A>
Here's an FTE thread: <A HREF="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1063549-dual-battery-installation-with-pix.html"> NBC_Steve's Dual Battery Installation</A>
Basically: an auxiliary battery tray (start trolling the wrecking yards!), continuous duty solenoid, battery cable, lugs, battery terminals, some 16g wire, a three-position switch, and miscellaneous terminals.... and a battery of the same specification as the existing one (or get two new ones).
The advantage of a dual battery set-up is if the rig has heavy loads like a winch, auxiliary lights, maybe an on-board air compressor, or a powerful audio system. Plus ya can self jump in a pinch because the auxiliary battery is disconnected from the main battery when the ignition is off. The switch mentioned above lets ya manually connect the aux battery if needed.
It's more better if ya do the 3G swap first...or go 3G and dual batts at the same time. However, a high amp alternator is not required.
Here's an FTE thread: <A HREF="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1063549-dual-battery-installation-with-pix.html"> NBC_Steve's Dual Battery Installation</A>
Basically: an auxiliary battery tray (start trolling the wrecking yards!), continuous duty solenoid, battery cable, lugs, battery terminals, some 16g wire, a three-position switch, and miscellaneous terminals.... and a battery of the same specification as the existing one (or get two new ones).
The advantage of a dual battery set-up is if the rig has heavy loads like a winch, auxiliary lights, maybe an on-board air compressor, or a powerful audio system. Plus ya can self jump in a pinch because the auxiliary battery is disconnected from the main battery when the ignition is off. The switch mentioned above lets ya manually connect the aux battery if needed.
It's more better if ya do the 3G swap first...or go 3G and dual batts at the same time. However, a high amp alternator is not required.
Last edited by HIO Silver; May 26, 2012 at 10:44 PM. Reason: Corrected the link
Fleet Mechanic
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Had to wait darn near an hour to get a jump
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Senior User
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From: Tacoma
Thanks for the quick replies everyone. And thanks for the links HIO. BTW the second link is the same as the first but I found the page. 
This is definitely on my do to list. I'll start getting parts together soon.
This is definitely on my do to list. I'll start getting parts together soon.
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Fleet Owner
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From: NorCal
... and fixed the link to NBC_Steve's thread.
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