I have a 2004 F-250 Gas SD, w/8.5 mm2 plow, My question is does anyone see an advantage to putting 2 batteries in your truck or bigger alternator, When i lift the plow or move it side to side the lights dim an awful lot? I noticed the other day that it seemed to struggle to start. not sure if that is normal or not...? thank you for your help.
Battery issue
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more than one way
this is probably worth doing a search because I think I have seen the same question
a dozen times in the last month
You need the best charging system you can (reasonably) get.
Mine is a new 130 amp alt. Straight bolt on with a new sirp belt.
Then bigger cables from the alt to the battery (+ and -)
Then the battery question is if you have room and a place to put the second.
Pos to Pos and Neg to Neg.
Most of the guys will suggest the same size/make/age of both batteries
(dont want to get in that debate)
But, I didnt have room and needed a new battery and went for the new
Diehard Platinum. Super big reserve capacity and a price equal to 2 good batteries.
It solved my problem and has a 4 yr (no cost) warranty. And it works for me.
That is the short version,..
and that is just the beginning..
tc
this is probably worth doing a search because I think I have seen the same question
a dozen times in the last month
You need the best charging system you can (reasonably) get.
Mine is a new 130 amp alt. Straight bolt on with a new sirp belt.
Then bigger cables from the alt to the battery (+ and -)
Then the battery question is if you have room and a place to put the second.
Pos to Pos and Neg to Neg.
Most of the guys will suggest the same size/make/age of both batteries
(dont want to get in that debate)
But, I didnt have room and needed a new battery and went for the new
Diehard Platinum. Super big reserve capacity and a price equal to 2 good batteries.
It solved my problem and has a 4 yr (no cost) warranty. And it works for me.
That is the short version,..
and that is just the beginning..
tc
batteries
I just replaced my old battery and added a second. You should have 2 of the same when you do this setup. I've put in 2 of red top Optima's. I've got a 2007 SD gasser. I'm running dual strobes,golight,8 pro-plus,salter and the usual heat,radio. I've knowticed a tremendous difference. There is no power loss at all when you're running the plow. Definitelly worth the money. I would suggest getting a original Ford battery tray for the opposite side. It is costly but eliminates a lot of headaches and time. I paid $210 for the flippin tray and over $500 for the batteries. Might be cheaper in the states as everything else is.
I just replaced my old battery and added a second. You should have 2 of the same when you do this setup. I've put in 2 of red top Optima's. I've got a 2007 SD gasser. I'm running dual strobes,golight,8 pro-plus,salter and the usual heat,radio. I've knowticed a tremendous difference. There is no power loss at all when you're running the plow. Definitelly worth the money. I would suggest getting a original Ford battery tray for the opposite side. It is costly but eliminates a lot of headaches and time. I paid $210 for the flippin tray and over $500 for the batteries. Might be cheaper in the states as everything else is.
When i lift the plow or move it side to side the lights dim an awful lot? I noticed the other day that it seemed to struggle to start. not sure if that is normal or not...? thank you for your help.[/QUOTE]
My 04 does the same thing but only when lifting the blade. I have trained myself to only lift after I've changed gears and am just starting to back up...this way I'm increasing the rpm's slightly while I'm lifting and it seems to help with the power dimming...I am due for a battery soon and will stick with the single battery on recommendation from my plow dealer.
And yes it's normal to have some dimming of the lights when using plow functions.(with a single battery setup)
My 04 does the same thing but only when lifting the blade. I have trained myself to only lift after I've changed gears and am just starting to back up...this way I'm increasing the rpm's slightly while I'm lifting and it seems to help with the power dimming...I am due for a battery soon and will stick with the single battery on recommendation from my plow dealer.
And yes it's normal to have some dimming of the lights when using plow functions.(with a single battery setup)
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2,555 Posts
Well I know I do let engine run for 10 min then turn off. Or use that then park in garage then put those float charger that keep battery full of power. I think it float charger it deliver 1.5 amp or less. It be good for overnight then battery will be full of power.
I do lot with my ford 601 since they have 6 volt and they lose power fast when use light so I let run for 10 min to let itself recharge battery plus cool engine then turn off then next week battery still work good.
For your system it really use lot electric than I do so I agree add 2 batterys but you will need idle for 10 min to let charge battery to 13 volt when turn off it will down to 12.60 volts.
I do lot with my ford 601 since they have 6 volt and they lose power fast when use light so I let run for 10 min to let itself recharge battery plus cool engine then turn off then next week battery still work good.
For your system it really use lot electric than I do so I agree add 2 batterys but you will need idle for 10 min to let charge battery to 13 volt when turn off it will down to 12.60 volts.
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88 Posts
I agree......Milwaukee;472526 said:
I usually go for a short drive after plowing just to charge up and cool everything down....
Seems to help:salute:
Joined
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15 Posts
My alternator slowly died recently. When plowing it used to last most of the night, then drive around to re-charge. Then it slowly got worse- to the point that it would dim the lights after doing a single driveway. Now its sitting in my shop waiting for a new large case alternator from www.alternatorparts.com to come in.
I called alternatorparts on the phone- very helpful! I will update when I get it installed.
I called alternatorparts on the phone- very helpful! I will update when I get it installed.
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