Why two Batteries?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 96
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From: Panama City Beach, FL
Why two Batteries?
07 f250 King ranch srw 6.0.
I am not at all electrically sound. Why do we have dual batteries in our truck's system? Amps, control start, and other systems seperately, I am kind of trying to understand.I am in the Navy and we use dual banks in a 24v systems for various starting and running aux systems on a few of our boats. Is upgrading to higher amp batteries a good idea? Maintenance free gel cells? I don not have a clue when it comes to sparking. Any basic info yall can help me out with?
I am not at all electrically sound. Why do we have dual batteries in our truck's system? Amps, control start, and other systems seperately, I am kind of trying to understand.I am in the Navy and we use dual banks in a 24v systems for various starting and running aux systems on a few of our boats. Is upgrading to higher amp batteries a good idea? Maintenance free gel cells? I don not have a clue when it comes to sparking. Any basic info yall can help me out with?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,078
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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge
Most all diesels big and small have dual batteries since when they are starting they must do a lot more than on a gas engine. Glow plugs etc. Also it takes a lot of amps to turn that starter. Don't really understand your second question. Higher amp batteries aren't really necessary, go for a higher amp alternator first. gell cells are always nice, but expensive. Most everyone here will agree that optima red tops are the best batteries.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
1. Diesels have higher compression than gassers. me thinks about 18:1
2. Glow plugs use a lot of power. Pure resistance.
3. I did go to 1,000 cranking amps, 850 CCA. Extra reserve is nice.
4. From reading other threads most people have not had better results with gell cells compared to their costs. You also get better warranties on the lead acid.
2. Glow plugs use a lot of power. Pure resistance.
3. I did go to 1,000 cranking amps, 850 CCA. Extra reserve is nice.
4. From reading other threads most people have not had better results with gell cells compared to their costs. You also get better warranties on the lead acid.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 96
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From: Panama City Beach, FL
Cool. I just had to replace the altenator at 42,000 miles. When i bought the truck at 30,300 miles back in May they said they had replaced the batteries for me. I was leary of the purchase and talked to a mechanic friend of mine who had told me that the reason was due to a propabable low amperage condition of the baterries. It sucks not having an electrical background. My gut told me poor maintenance from the prevoius owner. After replacing the altenator, the truck has ran like a champ. Just wanted some incite as to maybe why the ford company needed 2 batteries. Thanks for some clarification. Te added rotatable compression is needed to ignite diesel, More juice= more ignition.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Cool. I just had to replace the altenator at 42,000 miles. When i bought the truck at 30,300 miles back in May they said they had replaced the batteries for me. I was leary of the purchase and talked to a mechanic friend of mine who had told me that the reason was due to a propabable low amperage condition of the baterries. It sucks not having an electrical background. My gut told me poor maintenance from the prevoius owner. After replacing the altenator, the truck has ran like a champ. Just wanted some incite as to maybe why the ford company needed 2 batteries. Thanks for some clarification. Te added rotatable compression is needed to ignite diesel, More juice= more ignition.
I think you meant, no spark plugs, and compression is used to ignite the fuel? If so you are correct.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Mattawa Washington.
And always replace both batteries when you do. never just one. The old battery will pull down the new battery.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Moyock, NC
Totally agree with 69cj....BTW the two batteries are connected in parallel...not series, so their still putting out 12.6V. With all the extra consumption (i.e. glow plugs, compression, etc..)...its a good idea to power down extra items such as driving lights, A/C, etc...before cranking her over....once you're up and running and producing around 13.6-14Volts...then turn the extras on. 
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
Electricity is *somewhat* comparable to water in a pipeline.
Voltage (volts) = pressure (psi)
Current (amps) = flowrate (gpm)
If you can understand that, then you will understand the basics of electricity.
Voltage (volts) = pressure (psi)
Current (amps) = flowrate (gpm)
If you can understand that, then you will understand the basics of electricity.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
07 f250 King ranch srw 6.0.
I am not at all electrically sound. Why do we have dual batteries in our truck's system? Amps, control start, and other systems seperately, I am kind of trying to understand.I am in the Navy and we use dual banks in a 24v systems for various starting and running aux systems on a few of our boats. Is upgrading to higher amp batteries a good idea? Maintenance free gel cells? I don not have a clue when it comes to sparking. Any basic info yall can help me out with?
I am not at all electrically sound. Why do we have dual batteries in our truck's system? Amps, control start, and other systems seperately, I am kind of trying to understand.I am in the Navy and we use dual banks in a 24v systems for various starting and running aux systems on a few of our boats. Is upgrading to higher amp batteries a good idea? Maintenance free gel cells? I don not have a clue when it comes to sparking. Any basic info yall can help me out with?
Everybody pretty much hit the nail on the head. The batteries are wired in parallel (same voltage, more current), which is due mostly for the current required to start your beast up! A lot of power is required to energize the glow plugs AND turn your starter (Power = Current x Voltage).
As for lead-acid vs. sealed. You can get more CCA out of the lead-acid options. I off-road a lot so I went with a sealed gel setup. I had one battery dying and couldn't get my hands on the Optima Yellow Tops and had to settle for the Red Tops. A little more CCA, but I hear that the Yellow Tops are a better choice due to the starting power required, where the Red Tops are more for a higher overall current draw.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Incidentally if your curious the duralast golds have a 3 year replacement and 8 year prorated for about 90 bucks. Pretty hard to beat and AZ's are everywhere. You don't even need the receipt cause you will be in their computer.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 96
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From: Panama City Beach, FL
I am not sure of the brand The dodge dealership out of Houston put in it. But he did call them mopar batteries.lol I guess i will run those out and replace them later.
Thanks
Thanks
