I am looking to order an F250 XLT with the 7.3 engine. I have a options question. Why would anyone want dual batteries? What are the Use Cases? Thanks

 

on diesels its standard. On gas engines its for more reliability, & accessories etc. Can be isolated to run accessories only or as extra starting power. .That's my belief .Then there's the question of dual alternators.

In my case, if ones good, two must be better

 

High draw applications, like a plow hydraulic pump, winch, inverter.

 

thanks for the quick replies. Appreciate it

this will be a daily driver. I don’t plow, or tow, no winch etc. Is a dual battery something I should get just in case?

 

The good: higher battery capacity, charging current, redundancy
The bad: cost, complexity, takes up more room under the hood

 

I say yes, get it.

Down side is replacing both at some point

 

to me basics are high out put alternator, dual batteries which come with it and the 5th wheel prep package.. If you dont use it, the next buyer may be happy you did...and if you can add the LED lights you will be happy..

Mostly you have to decide what you want.
good luck

 

There are two drawbacks as far as I can tell:

1. Cost. The truck will cost about $350 (?) more, And you will have to replace two batteries when the time comes. You would think replacement interval would increase, but maybe or maybe not.
2. There is a slim, remote case of fire if an alternator fails in just the right way. Maybe. Probably won't happen. Ever.
While the truck will weigh more and some horsepower is needed to spin the extra alternator I don't think either are a really big deal.

The advantages are better starting in extreme cold. Then you'll want to turn on heated seats, defrosters, lights and all that. Plus running electrical accessories while working or camping. Then charging the batteries in the camper while towing. I'm giving dual batteries some serious thought even considering the mild winter climate here in Georgia. Being retired, the truck will sit for days without use and then be expected to tow the camper. And the wife is looking forward to heated seats.

The way the extra alternator works is the primary is active all the time. The "extra" kicks in as needed when the computers tell it to, taking load off the primary, and I think this makes a more robust, durable system that is less likely to fail in spite of being slightly more complex.

 

Thanks for you comments and explanation of how it works.

But heated seats in Georgia? It’s so hot there.

 

Should tow a trailer you camp in extra batteries are always needed, or slide in camper you’ll need house lighting.

 

They got snow in Georgia too......like now !

 

Depending on options you order with truck it might force you to 397a alternator & 2 batteries.

 

If you don't plan on running high amp accessories like mentioned before, it won't be of much benefit, and it means you have two batteries to replace, which could be pricey if you're looking at high end AGM's. Even standard Interstates are $150 a pop or so.

 

You're welcome. It didn't snow at my house this week, but temps have been in the 20* F range last few mornings in a row. Sweet Wife likes the idea of heated seats because it does get cold now and then, and church and shopping are so close by not even a gas truck will warm up by the time we get there. Aside from camping trips that's the only time she rides in truck. And they come with the XLT Premium package.

It does get hot here. After market window tint is on my list of things to do.

 

It doesn't look to me like there is a dual alternator option on any engine configuration, unless they are not being clear enough about it. I believe on the Ram trucks they still do that.

Boils down again to whether that's really needed or not. If not I'd skip it and keep it simple.