1982 Ford F150

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Nov 25, 2004 | 09:02 PM

Parkhillse

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1982 Ford F150

Can anyone tell me how to set up 2 batteries in my 82 F150

Nov 25, 2004 | 11:34 PM

locknkey

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From: Right Next to U

what is the purpose of the two batteries function?

Nov 25, 2004 | 11:51 PM

fordborn

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From: Northwest, Arkansas

Go out and get a good dual battery isolator kit and it will have all the wiring and instructions you need. Then you can run the extras off one battery and keep one to ensure you can start the truck. Also you may want to check your alt and make sure it will keep up with two batteries and extras.

Nov 25, 2004 | 11:56 PM

1982fordf100

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From: SE, Michigan

Do you want to increase your amps? If you hook them up make sure they are in PARALLEL with each other. That means hook the negative to negative and positive to positive. This will increase your amperage. If you hook them up wrong it will increase your voltage to 24 volts and it will destroy your trucks electrical system. Thats all I know from my experience with electricity. You might need more parts to make this two battery set up work correctly.

Nov 26, 2004 | 12:23 AM

mako5972

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From: Ocala, Florida

Get an A/B switch from a marine store. This allows you to do the following: A) Use both batteries at the same time and allowing both to be charged. B) Use 1 battery at a time. Usually the switch will come with wiring directions. Perko makes a decent switch.

Nov 26, 2004 | 02:19 AM

RR4E

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

You'll need a second battery mount as well. One can often be used from another truck out of the wrecking yard, and modified to fit on the other side of the engine compartment. If you're going to just hook them both in parallel mode, make sure both batteries are the same age, as well as the same size. If you use the battery isolater, this isn't as important. You may also want to bump up to a 75 amp alternator as well.

Nov 28, 2004 | 09:25 PM

Parkhillse

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I have a snowplow on the truck and it drains my battery as I use it. I thought that if I run dual batteries it wouldn't drain the batteries. The truck has a 75 amp alternator so if I run them parallel I should be ok I hope

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Nov 28, 2004 | 10:16 PM

locknkey

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From: Right Next to U

The voltage regulator [VR] contols the amount of current coming from the ALT...which then [the current{amps} powers to keep the rig running. it should be charging the battery [trickle charge after the battery is fully charged] and THEN still be able to run ALL of the accessories you need at anytime....75 amps may not be enough to pull the load you're doing or then again, it might do it IF you change the Voltage Regulator to match the ALT. If you still have the old one on it (its rated the max at 35 amps output) and if you're sure the ALT is an 75 amp, then even with TWO batteries in Parallel would not be able to keep the battery from constantly discharging (IF the alt is a 75 amp...and you have two 30 watt lights on and Heater running (max output @ 15 amp circuit) well theres your 75 amps just to keep those going....do the math an see...so if you got a 130 amp with matching Voltage regulator...think of the value that would be with everything on....all you have to do to find the rated amperages of each circuit and then add them up to get the output you desire. Installing an extra battery will get you no where fast...your choice.