Upgrading the battery

No worries. May have to get some different battery Tie downs as it was a tight fit putting that back on.

 

Many AGM batteries can be discharged 80% (20% left) up to several hundred times. That’s the main reason people buy them, irregardless if it takes 14.7V for full bulk charge. It’ll last longer than two years.

 

Here’s the charger I use, if you buy an AGM battery get a 7 or 8 stage charger

https://www.vmaxtanks.com/BC8S1220A-12V-20A-8-Stage-Smart-Battery-Charger-Maintainer-_p_217.html

 

I'm guessing some of the overlanders have looked into externally regulated alternators. You could change the voltage and charging for the type of battery you have and how you want the charging done. Bulk charging at higher voltage and then ramping down to a float charge for longer periods of time once it's topped off.

But I'm with the thinking that you really should review how you actually use the truck. I find my free time is no longer taken up by camping and 'overlanding' but my daydreaming certainly revolves around building the right rig for it.

 

I've always had good luck with interstate, so I'm going with their MTZ-34R. Looks to be the same footprint as the 24F, but a bit shorter. Seems powerful enough with 1000 CA and 800 CCA and it's got 48 mo warranty.

 

24F Northstar (batteries plus branded).

800+ CCA which is FAR more than the stock battery and much more reserve capacity as well. If you don’t have a lot of lighting and accessories drawing power, 24F AGM will be plenty.

*Note: considerably faster turnover once stock battery was removed (40k miles on it).

 

I’ve been running a
X2Power Premium AGM BCI Group 24F since May and I just checked it using my Schumacher battery charger and it’s 100% charged. Not sure what my alternator output is but it’s doing a fine job keeping the battery at 100%.

 

Not.

 

I dont think thats the case. I think AGM batteries can handle higher voltage, but dont require higher voltage.

 

I'm looking at that same battery and was wondering if you ended up getting the MTZ-34R, and how it is working out for you? Thanks in advance...

 

My truck (and the stock battery that came with it) is only a year old, but I run a dash cam with parking mode that will drain it down to warning level if I don't drive it for a few days. I am reading threads and sorting through options, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

An AGM battery is designed to handle deep discharge better then lead acid so that my be the way you want to go. There of course are some charging considerations but those are pretty easy to overcome with a once a month or so session on a charger. Northstar or the X2 branded version from Batteries + seems to be a favorite, although many like the Optima Yellow tops. And then you can upgrade to group 27f for even more reserve. All of these are quite a bit more $$ than your standard lead acid battery, so let your wallet be your guide.

 

FYI, www.raybuck.com/automotive-battery-dimensions/ shows these dimensions...

24
Length: 10-1/4" Width: 6-13/16" Height: 8-7/8"

24F (in my 2019)
Length: 10-3/4" Width: 6-13/16" Height: 10-3/4"

27F (so yeah, requires trimming the tray or a new one)
Length: 12-1/2" Width: 6-13/16" Height: 8-15/16"

 

Yes and you can also go with a 34R which has more power than a 24 yet is one inch shorter. 10.25 x 6.8125 x 7.875. If you go with the 27f, you can get a Gen 2 tray which will fit the larger battery, or there are some aftermarket trays that can be made to work. Or just grind off the end lips of the OEM tray.

 

Best battery for the money is this one.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/deka,9A34R,battery,2476

 

Good information.. Thanks!

 

I ended up going with any

$385 Odyssey 34R-PC1500T Automotive/Light Truck and Van Battery

Odyssey 34R-PC1500T. It fits in the factory tray, the only thing you need to buy is a new tie down. Rago Fabrication makes one and it worked out perfectly. Got it on black friday for 20% off. I'm happy having an AGM now considering I have a winch. Only thing I had to buy was a 120V wall charger which I'll use monthly, or after anytime I put a heavy load on the winch.

 

I am starting to think that buying a charger is my best first step. I can keep all the family's vehicles' batteries tip top. Maybe with a regular topping off my OEM battery will last a long time. If my OEM battery gives out, I can replace it with an AGM battery, and will already have the charger.

I will do some searching, but while I am posting, what are the good chargers? I see one specific charger recommended so far in this thread.

 

This is the one I got. Seems good.

CTEK 40-206 MXS 5.0-12 Volt Battery Charger

$95 CTEK - 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp Battery Charger and Maintainer 12V

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JcpdEbMKEED6Y

 

I went ahead and ordered this one. Thanks for the recommendation.
Here’s my battery use for the week: