I have a 2003 Z71 Tahoe that I'm starting to fix up. As far as adding components to the truck that need power, I forsee putting in an in-dash navigation system, but not a big audio audio system (amps, speakers, etc.). I also will probably have at least 4 or so 6" off-road lights. Lastly, I have a Warn PowerPlant HD that I will be installing once I decide on a bumper. The winch will most likely see intermitent use (a little bit of offroading, use in the mountains occasionally). Can some of you give me some advice on batteries for all these components? Is one heavy duty enough or should I go with a dual setup? If any of you recomment dual, can you point me to some kits and batteries as I don't know anything about duals. And yes I read the dual battery thread below, but I just wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
Recommendations on battery setup (need dual or not, etc.)
- Thread starter brasskey
- Start date
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
I'm a fan of dual battery setups in electric winch equipped vehicles. Especially if has an automatic transmission, since you don't have the option of a rolling jump start.
It just totally sucks to do a lot of unexpected winching, stall your engine, and not have enough juice to start it.
As for which battery(s) to use, I like deep cycle for aux electric needs. Regular starting battery for normal running.
Exide SpiralCell, Odyssey, Sears Platinum are all good. Optima is the "cool" battery and widely sold, but I've heard way too many complaints about them.
I'd look at the three mentioned, and get the one that's most easily replaced where you're traveling.
I know Exide are sold by Exide worldwide, Exide in the US, NAPA auto parts and some chain tire shops. Obviously the Sears at Sears (and Kmart now). I don't know the distribution network for Odyssey.
It just totally sucks to do a lot of unexpected winching, stall your engine, and not have enough juice to start it.
As for which battery(s) to use, I like deep cycle for aux electric needs. Regular starting battery for normal running.
Exide SpiralCell, Odyssey, Sears Platinum are all good. Optima is the "cool" battery and widely sold, but I've heard way too many complaints about them.
I'd look at the three mentioned, and get the one that's most easily replaced where you're traveling.
I know Exide are sold by Exide worldwide, Exide in the US, NAPA auto parts and some chain tire shops. Obviously the Sears at Sears (and Kmart now). I don't know the distribution network for Odyssey.
Tucson T4R
Expedition Leader
I love having the back up of dual battery set up. the only time I really needed it so far has been in my driveway. My primary battery died and at first I was bummed when I heard the dreded "click". The I remembered my dual system and flipped the switch to engage the secondary battery and it started right up. It will be a life saver if you alone in the back country and need it.
I run an Odessey 1700 primary that my lights and winch are attached to and an Odessey 925 secondary for the reserve starting power when I need it.
I run an Odessey 1700 primary that my lights and winch are attached to and an Odessey 925 secondary for the reserve starting power when I need it.
rambrush
Adventurer
I am running the hell roaring kit with dual oddessy 1200's with the metal jacket. 2/0 welding cable for all major cables. Soldered and crimped at each connecting point.
Went this way and did not have to tap and splice into any factory wiring. The solenoid kits seem to need the alternator wire tapped into etc.
Went this way and did not have to tap and splice into any factory wiring. The solenoid kits seem to need the alternator wire tapped into etc.
So would that be the BIC-95300B?
rambrush
Adventurer
Yes that is the one I am using, just make sure to support all the wires running to it.
thank you
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
As mentioned try a local welding shop. Also might look to see if there is a battery specialty store local to you.
Failing that try delcity.net or waytechwire.com
This topic has been covered quite a bit here. I think that searching the topic will offer a lot of options, most of which are not "one size fits all" kits. My cables, marine battery switch, and Voltage Sensing Relay cost just a little over $100 and it works the way that I want it to work. That would be set it and forget it until I do something stupid, when it then can rescue me.
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01tundra
Explorer
I just completed a dual battery install in my Tundra last night, using the National Luna Smart Solenoid & dual battery controller. I purchase 1/0 wire & lugs at a local welding supply store. Install was easy and the in-cab controller / alarm was a feature I really wanted, the controller has an override button that will temporarily parallel the batteries for large draw situations - like winching. I purchased the solenoid & controller from Equipt (http://www.equipt1.com/h/), Paul was great to work with by the way.
