Dodge diesel with dual batteries, want more reserve battery power!!

[Xfactor]

I've been lurking for a little while. so much to read on here, so much to learn, through it all, it got me thinking...

2007 dodge with cummins, already has dual batteries. i believe the truck needs both batteries for starting.

so here's my question. How can i add additional batteries, I want to rewire the current electrical items i have on board (winch, air compressor, audio, video)? I want to have the security of knowing my truck will start if some things are running while parked, plus have the options of an inverter for a fridge and maybe some other items. Also for this application are the deep cycle "RV" type of batteries the right way to go?

I know what your thinking, just another truck, if i could get the picture posting thing down i would post some, but i'm technologically challenged! I use the truck for camping with the kids, fishing and hunting trips.

thanks in advance.

 

[Regcabguy]

By your post heading led me to believe you were seeking more hp. A Smarty will take care of that.
I'm thinking only a relatively quiet small Honda generator will be necessary.

 

[Xfactor]

thanks, edited title. engine mods are done, don't want to carry the generator all the time.

thanks

 

[Surfy]

You have to setup a 2nd Powersource, wich is seperated, because your Car need both stock batterys for starting.

For my transafrica i had the same problem to solve, with my V8 Diesel.

http://transafrica2012.blogspot.ch/p/einige-details.html

The NationalLuna PPP have worked well, together with a 95ah AGM Battery.

http://www.nationalluna.com/PPPack.htm

The PPP has all stuff in a box, you just have to plug a cable from one of your starting batterys to the box. Isolator, Voltage Booster - everything needed is included.

Surfy

 

[bulrid8]

Think of the two batteries as one. Then hook up a third using a relay or isolator. Hard part is finding space for third battery.

Sent from the all knowing box!

 

[sett]

XFactor:

I run the same rig (2008 CTD) and faced the same problem. The answer, as above, is that you need a 2nd powersource. My first question is are you running a camper of any sort? For me the answer was to put a stick-on solar panel on the roof of my older Alaskan and add two batteries. I also rejected the generator plan. If no camper, then the National Luna setup or a home built version would seem to answer the question. Perhaps a little more information on your setup would help us all.

 

[Texan1983]

I have an 04 dodge CTD and ran into the same thing. Like said before, just think of your two battieries as one. Run your third battery off of one of your two starters and use an isolator of some sort (auto or maunal)

I am putting either one very large rv battery or two smallers ones (haven't desided) under my sleeping platform in the back since that is where most of my acc electronics are.

One thing i would do is keep your winch hooked to the primary starting battery. They need the truck running and batteries full charging while in use, not a good ideal to run that through an isolator.

 

[goranvolvo]

You can put bigger batteries or make battery box on the frame