Just took delivery of a new 4x4 F150 Lariat after totaling my 99Sierra on 5/7. Now to get this new puppy configured like the Sierra with power outlets for a winch front and rear. Along that line, I had dual batteries installed in the Sierra. It was a 1500 but GM in their wisdom had provision for the second battery if you knew where to look.

Has anyone done a dual battery install on a 150? The 250's have the diesel option so that's more straightforward with Ford parts.

 

I am a Lic Heavy Truck Mechanic and back in the day when I was doing my Apprenticeship at a Ford Dealer I remember reading a Motorcraft Battery/Charging System Sheet......I dont rem if it was an "Info Only" TSB or something else?
But anyway the blurb was about this very topic.....2 Batteries are required on a Diesel as the Starter/Glow Plugs draw a lot of current due to the fact they use compression to achieve fuel ignition...Colder climates just add to the problem as the CCA Rating of the Batteries drops considerably at 0 deg cel <32 deg for our American Friends> and the cold cylinder temps dont help that Diesel Fuel ignite either. .....Thus 2 Batteries?

On an F-150 there is little or no gain running 2 Batteries as there is far less current draw on a starter for a Gasoline Engine and it has its own Ignition System. The end result will be an Alternator constantly trying keep 2 Batteries charged.....I would say the life expectancy of the Alternator may be shortened?

If you need extra Battery Power pick up one of those Yellow or Red ones........name escapes me right now?
you can mount them in any position and would make a great temp Battery when you need to do some winching.......Just remember to grit your teeth when you hear the willow branches slide across that 2010 F-150 Paint?

 

I agree with getting a dry cell Altima or excide (spelling) battery with a higher CCA rating. These trucks have much more efficient and powerfull alternators because of all the electronics on them, so I think the need for dual batteries is moot. There will probably be some aftermarket alternators available soon, if not already available, which should offer even more amperage.

 

2009/2010 F150's all get a 150A alternator except for the 2009 4.6L 2v base (non Sony Audio) only recieves the 130A machine.

Initially, it looked like all 09 2v machines were to get the 540 CCA batteries, while '09 3v and all '10 engines the 650 CCA's. Note Raptor is considered 10 ½ yr launch with 750 CCA battery. However, when I took delivery of my '09 5.4 truck, it only had a 540 CCA battery.

Since I have access it was quickly upgraded to the 650 CCA.

Dual batteries do serve a purpose at idle for short periods of high current draw (audio/winch/lights/etc.) where the alternator cannot supply it's peak output. But the alternator does not differ if there is a single or dual battery. It is no different from having to replace 36 Ah's into a single battery or 18 Ah's into (2) separate batteries. Your alternator will put out the same charge if a single or dual battery and will have the same type of reduction of life if any.

 

i would just buy a universal second battary kit or rear mount kit

then mount it under the truck or in a cross over tool box

 

I wanted it for occasional winching however I had my setup with winch on a receiver mount. For my purposes, that worked well for 10 +years. It was set up with power for the winch at both front and rear. Logic said that generally IF I get stuck, chances are the best way out is the way I got in.

My primary purpose for the winch was as a backup on a very steep drive to a camp I own in the Allegheny Mountains. Generally 35 miles from anywhere so you go in self sufficient with your own backups. Snow starts to fly there early and we use the camp into November. I also grew into a car hauler trailer with a winch on it. That probably got used as much as the winch on the truck.

Now ask about the time I was out in the boonies and gave myself a jump.

Some of that is why I wanted the auxiliary battery. Probably overkill but I was always grateful when I had it. and want something similar here if I can do it. Where the second battery goes on the diesel, Ford has put the air filter assy and it's attendant sensors. Not going to get into a warranty contest over moving that hardware

I lived with a Roll N Lock Cover for 10 years. Liked it well enough but it NEVER was totally watertight and I begrudged giving up the bed space up front with a 6 foot bed.. That said, a cross bed tool box for a battery is out.

For now I'll probably go with the single battery to get the winches running. Then a bed cover of some sort, probably not the roll n lock type this time. Still churning on that issue