New battery

[Bart2500HD]

Okay, I have deemed it necessary to replace the main battery on my truck. I have some questions.

 

1. Does the auxiliary battery (RPO code 8BO) need changing too?

 

2. Since the auxilary battery is for accessories, etc. would it be better to use a deep cycle battery for an auxiliary battery?

 

3. I understand that the two batteries are not connected together and that the alternator is charging both of them, so is is possible to install a disconnect switch to be able to use the auxiliary battery to start the truck in an emergency? Has anyone done this?

 

4. What exactly does the auxiliary battery power? A schematic would be helpful. Some have said the power ports in the dash and the +12V terminal on the trailer plug. Anything else?

 

Thanks!

[Haulin' 8.1]

Okay, I have deemed it necessary to replace the main battery on my truck.  I 3.  I understand that the two batteries are not connected together and that the alternator is charging both of them, so is is possible to install a disconnect switch to be able to use the auxiliary battery to start the truck in an emergency?  Has anyone done this?

 

Thanks! 

 

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That I can tell you, mine won't do anything with just the auxillary battery hooked up, dead. I understand that it's only connected when the alternator is overloaded or it needs charging. So an deep cycle there should be good.

 

Vernon

[builderpaul]

For a jump start no need for a disconnect switch just use one jumper cable from the + of the aux to the + of the main.

I know it powers the trailer power. I am not sure of anything else. I think it is mostly for after market connections. I got this option to power a 2000watt inverter. Some use it for aftermarket sounds.

It is a smaller bat (650 i think) than the main. I would replace it with the same size as the main and replace it at the same time.

[Worktruck]

In my motorhome the aux battery is mounted in the rear footwell and is also charged by the vehicle altenator or the onboard inverter. There is a switch under the dash that allos the aux battery to kick in when the primary battery is unable to start the vehicle. So the answer to your question #3 is yes. I am not sure how this is done but suggest you check with an RV dealer to see how they do it. Hope this helps.

[Bart2500HD]

I made a mistake, after checking, I have the TP2 Heavy Duty Auxiliary Battery option, not code 8B0. How does this change my thinking?

[builderpaul]

I made a mistake, after checking, I have the TP2 Heavy Duty Auxiliary Battery option, not code 8B0.  How does this change my thinking?

 

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TP2 is just 2 batterys hooked together (not isolated) You should for sure replace both at once with identical batterys.

Since they are always hooked together everything in your truck/trailer runs off them both.

[Bart2500HD]

Great! Can you say CHA-CHING! Lookin' at a couple Ben Franklin's for that! Of course, it is a 2001 model and it still has the original batteries in it!

[millerwd]

I don't understand why BOTH need to be changed at the SAME time.. What is the logic?

[ManyCamaroz]

You can go to a marine store like Bass Pro Shops,Overton's, West Marine, Marine One, and etc. and buy a battery switcher that allows you to switch to bat. 1 or bat. 2 or both simultaniously, or all power off. It runs about $40.00. It can be mounted on the fenderwell or anywhere convenient and it's not too big.

[Bart2500HD]

I don't understand why BOTH need to be changed at the SAME time.. What is the logic?

 

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With batteries connected in parallel, a failed cell will drain the other cells because they are being overworked at trying to charge the bad cell. If caught early enough, I suppose only one battery may need to be changed. At this point I don't know which battery is the bad one.