Do I need dual batteries?

Penguin VII · October 27, 2018

I recently received a promotion at work and wanted to splurge a little on the truck with a few upgrades I've been eyeing. I'm looking at adding a bunch of lighting to the truck and wanted to know if I need to add a second battery or perhaps knowing how much overkill it is. Here is what I'm wanting to add (possibly at the same time, possibly later):

Interior lighting kit (just for ambiance)
Front lighting (probably 4 light pods, 2 for distance, 2 for flood)
Rear lighting (flush light pods on the bumper for helping back up when I'm in the woods and for working behind the truck at night)
Bed lighting (factory LEDs are nice but I'd like to add red LED strips for early morning/late night hunts to save my night sight)
Probably rock lights and/or under step lights (again just because I think it looks cool, a little unsure about this one)

Most of this lighting will be used in isolation, however the interior lighting will likely always be on and the rock/under-side lighting may be on in addition to the front or rear lights.

I know that LEDs generally pull a lot less power than their incandescent counterparts but living in new england I'm a bit terrified that one snowy day I'll make a trip out to the range, have the lights on during a evening shoot then have the truck die. I am buying a portable jump start but I'd like to rely on that as a last ditch savior. I'm just trying to figure out if the dual battery is really helpful to have or if it's serious overkill. The cost of a dual battery setup is really the reason I'm not just having it done or DIYing it. I figure even if I do it myself I'm still looking at $500+ as I'd like to get a setup that's as maintenance free as possible.

Would love everyones thoughts or experience here. Only other things I could think of running would be CB or VHF radio and possibly some other electronics.

Donstar · October 27, 2018

Battery technology has improved significantly over the years. This combined with the efficiency of LED lighting and current electronics would render a second battery overkill, imo. Most of your use will be when the engine is running. I would carry portable lanterns for those times your truck is needed as a flashlight. I have dual batteries on my trailer and regret spending the extra money on this option.

Waaazooo · October 27, 2018

I recently received a promotion at work and wanted to splurge a little on the truck with a few upgrades I've been eyeing. I'm looking at adding a bunch of lighting to the truck and wanted to know if I need to add a second battery or perhaps knowing how much overkill it is. Here is what I'm wanting to add (possibly at the same time, possibly later):
Interior lighting kit (just for ambiance)

Front lighting (probably 4 light pods, 2 for distance, 2 for flood)

Rear lighting (flush light pods on the bumper for helping back up when I'm in the woods and for working behind the truck at night)

Bed lighting (factory LEDs are nice but I'd like to add red LED strips for early morning/late night hunts to save my night sight)

Probably rock lights and/or under step lights (again just because I think it looks cool, a little unsure about this one)
Most of this lighting will be used in isolation, however the interior lighting will likely always be on and the rock/under-side lighting may be on in addition to the front or rear lights.

I know that LEDs generally pull a lot less power than their incandescent counterparts but living in new england I'm a bit terrified that one snowy day I'll make a trip out to the range, have the lights on during a evening shoot then have the truck die. I am buying a portable jump start but I'd like to rely on that as a last ditch savior. I'm just trying to figure out if the dual battery is really helpful to have or if it's serious overkill. The cost of a dual battery setup is really the reason I'm not just having it done or DIYing it. I figure even if I do it myself I'm still looking at $500+ as I'd like to get a setup that's as maintenance free as possible.

Would love everyones thoughts or experience here. Only other things I could think of running would be CB or VHF radio and possibly some other electronics.

I would say no while you are on alternator. Unless you leave your lighting on long periods of time. Your stereo will kill you battery faster than most modern lighting arrangements

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KARNUT · October 27, 2018

I don’t know if this means anything. My first diesel 91 dodge came with one battery. We kept it many years. The one battery lasted as long as any gas vehicle with one battery. If things are added after market that causes more drain running I would think a bigger alternator would be in order if required. The only other reason could be a prolonged draw not running.

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Sierra706 · October 27, 2018

If you plan on using those flush mount reverse lights for more than an hour or two with the truck off then it’s a viable option.

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1SLOW1500 · October 27, 2018

These trucks have a programmable alternator amperage output. There is even a draw sensor in there, That said the answer is complex. If you use the high output lights with the car off or extremely cold weather yes dual batteries. I led interior lights are no big deal I left some on all night and one battery started right up.

I have 2 red top optima's with a stinger isolator as well as a 1.5 farad cap in the back for the audio. But I have over 1800watt audio. And I have watched the amperage output of the alternator under max load.

The way my isolator works I have a switch on the dash next to a dual voltage gauge. I can push the button and the second battery kicks in also there is a wire that in the normal system has power it connects the 2 batteries. So every time I start the truck and truck is running I have to 2 batteries. If the truck sits to long one battery can die, push button and start truck. My truck sits for days and doesnt move I have had a factory dead battery a few times. never a issue now.

I say if the ability to run the lights with truck off and still start the truck is for you or you live/drive/hunt way back in the woods it is a very cheap and easy install.

Also with the optima there is a adapter that clicks on the base of the battery and with another $7 part it bolts right into the truck. I will say do not just wire to batteries together. The charging system can kill one off.

Donstar · October 27, 2018

One consideration to add to the mix is I believe these trucks have battery protection software that alerts you and/or ensures you have enough starting power. I haven't reached these limits with my truck and could be wrong but I frequently run my electrics with the engine off while most would keep idling.

Waaazooo · October 27, 2018

One consideration to add to the mix is I believe these trucks have battery protection software that alerts you and/or ensures you have enough starting power. I haven't reached these limits with my truck and could be wrong but I frequently run my electrics with the engine off while most would keep idling.

Side note... if I have a 24v truck, would I use a 24v solar battery charger or can I use a 12v and only attach it to one battery.

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Donstar · October 27, 2018

7 minutes ago, Waaazooo said:

Side note... if I have a 24v truck, would I use a 24v solar battery charger or can I use a 12v and only attach it to one battery.

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I think if you have a 24V truck, your batteries are wired incorrectly! (unless we're not talking about your usual truck)

Nasty · October 27, 2018

4 hours ago, 1SLOW1500 said:

These trucks have a programmable alternator amperage output. There is even a draw sensor in there, That said the answer is complex. If you use the high output lights with the car off or extremely cold weather yes dual batteries. I led interior lights are no big deal I left some on all night and one battery started right up.

I have 2 red top optima's with a stinger isolator as well as a 1.5 farad cap in the back for the audio. But I have over 1800watt audio. And I have watched the amperage output of the alternator under max load.

The way my isolator works I have a switch on the dash next to a dual voltage gauge. I can push the button and the second battery kicks in also there is a wire that in the normal system has power it connects the 2 batteries. So every time I start the truck and truck is running I have to 2 batteries. If the truck sits to long one battery can die, push button and start truck. My truck sits for days and doesnt move I have had a factory dead battery a few times. never a issue now.

I say if the ability to run the lights with truck off and still start the truck is for you or you live/drive/hunt way back in the woods it is a very cheap and easy install.

Also with the optima there is a adapter that clicks on the base of the battery and with another $7 part it bolts right into the truck. I will say do not just wire to batteries together. The charging system can kill one off.

Juat a heads up. That cap you have is actually hurting you.

1SLOW1500 · October 27, 2018

Juat a heads up. That cap you have is actually hurting you.

I know what your saying but I also changed the alternator settings. As before the alternator would click on and off between amperage out put to feed the cap draw.

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Waaazooo · October 27, 2018

I think if you have a 24V truck, your batteries are wired incorrectly! (unless we're not talking about your usual truck)

I guess the duramax is actually 12v x2 in parallel.

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Donstar · October 27, 2018

12 minutes ago, Waaazooo said:

I guess the duramax is actually 12v x2 in parallel.

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Yes, I believe this would be the case. When I upgraded my trailer to the two battery option, I was surprised to see they put two 6V batteries in series!

Penguin VII · October 27, 2018

Well this is some good info. From the sound of things I don't need it unless I plan on running a lot of things while the battery is off, which to be honest is very obvious. From the sound of things it hasn't been an issue for most people, and honestly can't imagine it will be an issue for me. May still look into the second battery for a better safe than sorry thing but I'll have to look into cost for that a bit more.

Donstar · October 27, 2018

1 hour ago, Penguin VII said:

Well this is some good info. From the sound of things I don't need it unless I plan on running a lot of things while the battery is off, which to be honest is very obvious. From the sound of things it hasn't been an issue for most people, and honestly can't imagine it will be an issue for me. May still look into the second battery for a better safe than sorry thing but I'll have to look into cost for that a bit more.

Your portable jump start accessory idea will significantly (and affordably) increase your comfort level when off the beaten path. When I worked in remote communities I learned to take every precaution to prevent me from being stranded. However, you can never prepare for every scenario and sometime blankets and snack bars are your only recourse! Good luck and congratulations on your promotion!