Add extra battery

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Adriantx, Jul 1, 2020.

  1. Adriantx

    Adriantx Light Load Member

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    Need some info on how to add an extra battery for extra lights on truck without the danger of burning anything like the ecm or alternator any info would be appreciated thanks
     
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  3. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    How many batteries do you have now? What kind of truck?
     
  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Look at batteries, you’ll see there all connected. Simply add another in the chain, as close as possible. Positive to positive, negative to negative. You’ll need 2 new cables. If there’s room in the battery box, good, If not, you’ll need cables long enough to reach the others. Good time to clean up all the batteries connections, and coat them with dielectric grease, or some permatex ( or similar) battery terminal protection spray.
     
  5. Adriantx

    Adriantx Light Load Member

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    Just one more so I can run all the lights from that one and its a 2016 t680 lot of electric components don't wna burn nothing
     
  6. Adriantx

    Adriantx Light Load Member

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    If i connect them won't that push to much to the alternator or possibly the ecm?
     
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    It's very easy if you have room for an extra battery. You can buy the short cables to connect to the other batteries from a heavy duty truck parts store. Having more batteries won't hurt anything. It will also make your truck easier to start in the winter months
     
  8. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Your not adding voltage just capacity. Think of going from a 3 gallon bucket to a 4 gallon.
     
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  9. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    One or two batteries won't have much of an effect. Four or six more, like for an electric APU , then you need more alternator capacity.
     
    rolls canardly Thanks this.
  10. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    No, won’t hurt a thing.
     
  11. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    No offence but adding an extra battery for extra lights is not a smart move. Let me explain:

    Batteries are for starting the truck, acting as a "shock absorber" for voltage spikes from the alternator and as a temporary backup supply when electrical loads exceed alternator output (ie alternator fails).

    So do yourself a favour and upgrade to a higher amperage output alternator because if you run your current alternator at full capacity for extended periods you WILL cook it.
     
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