Securing A 2nd Battery Under The Hood Without Connection

[nedor]

Okay, after doing some research, the extra battery compartment towards left front under the hood is for diesel engines and / or as an option such as adding a snow plows. Some folks even uses the empty space to secure small tool box.

 

I was wondering if I can just purchase a second battery from R&S Strauss near by and just mount it there. I have read buying the same original battery and run a parallel connection gives extra battery drain protection but with my limited knowledge, I would probably hurt the truck and dealer would probably say your warranty is now voided.

 

I was thinking to mount the 2nd battery and remove the cables from the original battery, use an extension battery booster cable and connect it to the 2nd battery, start the truck, let it run for about 15 minutes to fully charge the second battery and put the cables back to original battery. I would make sure to cover the plus and negative connection on the second battery and let it just sit there in case I accidentally drain the original battery and need a quick boost. Of course, I would use the second battery to boost the original battery using the booster cable. Every other month or so, I would charge the second battery...

 

Is there anything dangerous by doing this?

 

TIA,

Ned

[GARB55]

Okay, after doing some research, the extra battery compartment towards left front under the hood is for diesel engines and / or as an option such as adding a snow plows. Some folks even uses the empty space to secure small tool box.

 

I was wondering if I can just purchase a second battery from R&S Strauss near by and just mount it there. I have read buying the same original battery and run a parallel connection gives extra battery drain protection but with my limited knowledge, I would probably hurt the truck and dealer would probably say your warranty is now voided.

 

I was thinking to mount the 2nd battery and remove the cables from the original battery, use an extension battery booster cable and connect it to the 2nd battery, start the truck, let it run for about 15 minutes to fully charge the second battery and put the cables back to original battery. I would make sure to cover the plus and negative connection on the second battery and let it just sit there in case I accidentally drain the original battery and need a quick boost. Of course, I would use the second battery to boost the original battery using the booster cable. Every other month or so, I would charge the second battery...

 

Is there anything dangerous by doing this?

 

TIA,

Ned

 

Here is some info about Dual batteries already discussed.

(Click Here)

[nedor]

Hi,

 

I actually read that thread and was the main reason why I should not do this myself. When it comes to vehicle repairs, I do more damage than good -(.

 

I was just hoping to add a second battery and let it sit there until jump is needed and I was wondering if there is any safety concern....

 

TIA

Ned

[Zembonez]

Hi,

 

I actually read that thread and was the main reason why I should not do this myself. When it comes to vehicle repairs, I do more damage than good -(.

 

I was just hoping to add a second battery and let it sit there until jump is needed and I was wondering if there is any safety concern....

 

TIA

Ned

The second batter really would serve no purpose if used as you propose. Why not buy a jump box and keep it in your vehicle if you are worried about this? A jump box would come in handy for helping others as well if they should need a boost. No sense in having a second battery slowly dying under your hood when the likelihood of ever needing it is very slim.

[rogerf]

Hi,

 

I actually read that thread and was the main reason why I should not do this myself. When it comes to vehicle repairs, I do more damage than good -(.

 

I was just hoping to add a second battery and let it sit there until jump is needed and I was wondering if there is any safety concern....

 

TIA

Ned

There is no issue with having a 2nd battery but would be a better idea to wire it up in parallel as described. If you want to isolated the 2nd battery, add a disconnect switch to the 2nd battery circuit. Then jumper cables won't be necessary to use or charge the 2nd battery.

 

Puzzled why a 2nd battery would be needed unless using some high-draw accessory like a plow pump, air compressor, winch, etc...? If something is discharging the factory battery, need to find the problem and fix the truck.

[nedor]

I guess my main concern is dealer seeing what i've done under the hood and them telling me, GOT YA!! Your warranty is now voided.

Ned

[Outbacker]

Hi,

 

I actually read that thread and was the main reason why I should not do this myself. When it comes to vehicle repairs, I do more damage than good -(.

 

I was just hoping to add a second battery and let it sit there until jump is needed and I was wondering if there is any safety concern....

 

TIA

Ned

 

I agree with Jim on this one. Yes, you could have a second battery in the tray sitting there, but there is nothing charging it. It would slowly lose its charge and guaranteed when you need it, it would be dead, and that is just a waste of $100.00+ bucks. If you were going to do this, you should hook up a 3 stage battery charger to it every few weeks to ensure that it is good to go, and that would be a PITA. I am not saying you should not do this, but you would need to maintain the battery on a regular basis.

[Zembonez]

I guess my main concern is dealer seeing what i've done under the hood and them telling me, GOT YA!! Your warranty is now voided.

Ned

No worries there Tony. They would have to PROVE something you did was the problem. I still say a jump box is your best solution.

[MarkD]

+1 on the jump box. I keep one in my toolbox. Works great as a good samaritan tool too, without risking damaging your truck.