WHICH are the best batteries??

Freightliner tried using deep cycle batteries of a solinoid to separate them yet charge them when the truck is operating, They ran three truck batteries and one deep cycle, it did not work, the deep cycle battery would end up dead. the main batteries would end up over charging.
You really want to try the separating the batteries and individually charging them, time each battery, you may be amazed. All of you with diesel pick-ups, separate your batteries and charge them independently, I am on the sixth year of my batteries, in my Duramax. It gives you a good chance to clean the connections and cables

 

Even the cells in the same battery may be different voltage than the rest which is why you do an equalizer charge once in a while. Basically overcharge (above 14.4 V at 77°F) the higher cells to bring up the lower ones or eventually the lower cell which never gets fully charged slowly dies from being constantly undercharged and can actually reverse polarity which is a shorted cell.

Ideally you want a battery charger with a real amp gauge and a voltage control. A temperature probe is the ultimate because because voltage drops .003 volts per cell per degree Celcius above or below 25°C (77°F).

Battery charging is a science in itself. I've been doing some reading since I bought a pile of new Deka batteries.

 

when i was buying my truck for 3 years the batteries (alliance) ,was in my truck the batteries not was new ,and now after 3 years works without troubles,and i never charged or do somethink with my batteries

 

Even if you do not separate them keeping the tops clean, will give them a longer life and a lot better performance.

 

If you were an O/O pulling your own trailer with solar panels covering the trailer top, you could do away with the APU altogether. Zero diesel. Zero oil changes. No moving parts to wear out. The box where the APU used to live could carry extra deep cycle batteries. Party on!

When in a truck stop at night... Park under on of the lot's lights! (he he!)

 

http://www.petrasolar.com/products/...tions/sunwave-roof-and-ground-mount-solutions

i was looking at these, they are posted all over new jersey, i dont know the specs of how they are made

if i could put them up like yours, i wonder how long would they pay for themselves? are there better or worse? (i presume so, like anything else)

 

Another vote for Optimas. All my vehicles have them. I took a Yellow top from a Monster Truck...put it in my pickup...and used it for another 2 years after 2 years of solid abuse. For the $150 I paid...I am happy. I have a Red Top in the car as well.

 

That panel has a mini-inverter that turns 200 watts DC converted to 120 volt power that you may not want because you can't store it in your batteries. Better to have panels that put out around 18 volts to store all energy collected in your truck batteries and then invert to higher voltage with your truck inverter to use with TV, Microwave, fridge, etc.....

The panel will be cheaper without mini-inverter too. That panel works great on a house if hooked to the power grid with power already inverted to 120 voltage.

 

Hummmm..... I have nine years on my Duramax and so far I have not touched the batteries..... Maybe I should give them a good cleaning soon.

 

So in other words, just be a dishonest thief.