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Advantages of 2nd battery

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by elron, Jun 11, 2017.

  1. Jun 11, 2017 at 6:39 AM
    #1
    elron

    elron [OP] New Member

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    I have noticed a number of threads where people have installed a 2nd battery, but have not really seen the advantages of doing so. Thinking of adding additional power outlets inside the truck and am wondering if a 2nd battery is also needed. Thanks
     
  2. Jun 11, 2017 at 7:00 AM
    #2
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    The second battery fills a need for those with extra power requirements or running a high risk if there is a battery failure. Included in the first group are monster sound systems, refrigerators and massive additional lighting. In the second group is overland traveling, heavy winching and extended back country camping.
    Not for everyone, but good security for many and essential for a few.
     
    831Tun likes this.
  3. Jun 11, 2017 at 7:01 AM
    #3
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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    Looking forward to all the responses but my assumption (I don't have a second one) is more for backup and auxiliary rather than power.

    Backup for trail guys
    Lighting, winches, extra goodies in cab, etc.
    Start up battery for drained primaries
    Supplemental battery that can be recharged by the alternator in case of battery failure
    Any added bed features including outlets
    Also, cleaner wiring setup rather than all added wires going to primary battery
     
  4. Jun 11, 2017 at 10:17 AM
    #4
    elron

    elron [OP] New Member

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    Awesome. Thank you
     
  5. Jun 11, 2017 at 10:33 AM
    #5
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    JTP likes this.
  6. Jun 11, 2017 at 4:25 PM
    #6
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    @RowdyRon Not sure. This is actually the 2nd model I tried. The first one had great reviews. Go figure. That one had so many safety "features" that it didn't actually work. My wife and I have used this one to solve several problems.

    - jump starting the lawnmower
    - jump starting the ATV
    - Pulling in the slide-out on the RV when its batteries are dead.
    - Jump starting my Tundra when I had too little battery for too many accessories.
    - Charging the phones and tablets on long camping trips.
    - Jump starting stranded strangers (imagine the look on their faces)
    - Jump starting the neighbor's Ford, because Ford

    In all the above, this thing has not failed us once.
     
    jc153 and NewImprovedRon like this.
  7. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:10 PM
    #7
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    I'm not sure if I would have confidence in this pulling my winch under load if my battery was fading.
    Based on your use of this, tell me what you think.
     
  8. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:17 PM
    #8
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Not sure. The docs say 6 months. That said, mine's been sitting for around 4 months and still shows all lights (80 - 100%)
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  9. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:24 PM
    #9
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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    For anyone who would use a winch or other large electrical load a higher output alternator would be more useful than a second battery. Typical automotive batteries have 50-60Ah of total capacity and voltage would quickly drop prior to actually using that much. If you have accessories that have very large current surges when starting (such as a large diesel motor) than a second battery makes sense. But for continuous output a higher output alternator such as this 370A unit would be much more effective than installing a second battery.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2017
    bobeast and NewImprovedRon like this.
  10. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:28 PM
    #10
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Yeah. This one has a rated capacity of 66ah, which is pretty substantial. But really, you shouldn't load a winch just from a battery, regardless (even automotiove). You need a honking alternator to handle winch duties.
     
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  11. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:43 PM
    #11
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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  12. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:50 PM
    #12
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    My nightmare scenario is a stalled engine while crossing a stream. The alternator does nothing in this case. I'm only pulling myself out with the reserve battery power.
     
  13. Jun 11, 2017 at 6:29 PM
    #13
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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    There are a lot of possible nightmare scenarios. A second battery wouldn't really do much for you. If your engine stopped due to the water crossing a few other components may also stop working right.
     
  14. Jun 11, 2017 at 7:07 PM
    #14
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    Being out of the stream would be the highest priority. Agreed, there may well be additional problems. Only made worse the longer you are in the water.
    I'm assuming that the reserve power pack you are recommending would be worthless for powering the winch.
    Typically a good battery would do 1 or 1 1/2 full pulls under load without the engine running.
     

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