two batteries
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 26
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From: Deerfield, NH
two batteries
I recently bought a winch for my truck and was shocked at the electrical draw. Will running two batteries help this situation or should I go for a high output alternator? How would I hook up two batteries if this is the best way to power a winch?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Chicago Area
Yes, running 2 batteries will help, but eventually the power has to come from the alternator. Keep in mind that at idle speeds no alternator will put out it's full power.
You would have to tell us more exactly what the problem is; eg.: something overheats, or you have to rev your engine unreasonably, or you are unable to restart it.
You would have to tell us more exactly what the problem is; eg.: something overheats, or you have to rev your engine unreasonably, or you are unable to restart it.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
I tend to agree with MRBSS. Some people panic because their lights go dim or the motor loads down some when they run something like a snowplow or a winch. If the winch performs well, and there are no other problems, I would not worry about it. I have a stock 60 amp alt and regular battery in my truck and I use a snowplow every winter. All I have to do is set the idle up a little bit, and I have no problems. If the idle is set to stock, the plow does not lift very well. And the previous poster is also correct, no matter how large an alternator you get, it will struggle to put out anything at slow rpm.
Now if you want to run this winch with the engine off, you could use a second deep cycle battery and a battery isolator.
Now if you want to run this winch with the engine off, you could use a second deep cycle battery and a battery isolator.
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