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I just traded my 05 250 gas for a 06 350 dually due to a major change in my towing needs. The 350 had to have certain options so I settled for one that had a camper package. It wasn't till I got home to find two batteries which I guess is part of the camper package or do they all come this way? Not to sound stupid, but some education on dual batteries. I assume they are for running extra accessories one would put on the truck. Do the batteries discharge at the same rate , is one battery in reserve. I wonder if this is a liability and increased cost down the road. If it comes with two batteries, I guess two will always have to be installed?? My new truck is to tow a large RV a few times a year. A primer on dual batteries would be appreciated. Thanks
I can answer your first question: all PSDs come with dual batteries as standard package. I'll let a few more knowledgable persons answer your other questions.
Diesels require more power both for cranking and to run the glow plugs. The two batteries are wired in parallel (thus functioning as one large 12-volt battery with 2x capacity).
Diesels are all about heat and compression, so they take extra torque and heated glow plugs to start up. That's why there are two batteries. Also, should also have a dual alternator system on your PSD that puts out 260amps, so you get the bonus of a higher capacity system to run accessories, recharge batteries, etc. The downside is you have to maintain and replace two batteries at a time.
The PSD does NOT automatically come with dual alternators... that's an option. There are three units available - single 130A, single 140A heavy-duty, and a dual 260A configuration.