Battery help

Hey guys, I’m new here and am looking for some advice! I’m looking to change out the battery in my Tacoma, but I’m having a tough time making a decision. The truck has the stock Toyota battery in it still, but I don’t know if I should go with an AGM battery, or stick with a lead acid battery for now. My truck is a 3rd gen TRD Off-road with tow package (doesn’t have the tech package.)

I’m planning on modifying the truck more next year to do some off-roading, and remote camping that is why I’m considering an AGM for running a fridge, lights, winch, etc.. I just discovered though that my alternator cannot charge the battery more than 13.8v because the the 3rd gens are all ECU controlled... I know that I can’t boost my alternator like the 2 gens can by adding a diode to the Atl-S fuse which sucks.

I’ve read that AGM batteries need more than 13.8v to fully charge, but I do have a battery tender (Battery tender 4amp charger) I could use to charge it when needed until I can modify it more to my liking. For an AGM battery I was considering the X2 Powerbuilt 24F because it’s a rebranded Northstar, but I’m not sure if I should go that route..

Any comments or suggestions for me? Any help is greatly appreciated! My dad was going to help me modify my truck, but unfortunately recently passed away from COVID-19..

Thank you guys! -Adam

 

sub i'm interested in some free info

 

Welcome to Tacoma World . Sorry to hear about your dad . RIP .

 

Sorry about your dad.
I'm installing a dual battery system with 2 AGMs, and I've got a 2018 SR5 so I'm in the same boat as you. If you look through the threads you'll see several people that did AGMs and never even knew there was a problem; their batteries just don't fully charge.
I'm going to put a NOCO charger/tender on mine and just once a month run the AGM circuit on it to keep it charged up and maintained. Several people are doing that.

 

Welcome and well done doing some research. You are correct in that the alternator is not going to be able to fully charge an AGM battery. That said I have multiple lights, a winch, ARB Element fridge and compressor hooked up to the stock lead battery and it's been fine for 4 years. Even on long camping trips there's never been an issue.

If you replace your battery with an AGM I recommend purchasing a RedArc battery controller. The RedArc can regulate voltage to the battery to ensure the AGM is charging effectively. Otherwise, a larger lead acid battery should suffice.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-northstar-agm-battery-voltage-booster-upgrade.604478/ this is a good write up

 

Thank you guys for your comments and advice so far I really appreciate it! Can you give me more info on the OVtune? I’ve heard of that, but I’m not sure what specifically to get for that. Also, if I go with the X2 AGM battery, how often should I put the battery on my battery tender and for how long?

 

If you check out that thread that @BalutTaco posted there's some info in there. There really isn't a set standard for doing it, but it appears that once a month would be a good start point. And there are people that drove for months or more with an AGM and no charger/maintainer use and have been just fine.
Welcome to TW. Say goodby to your disposable income.

 

I was going to go to a dual battery setup, but finally settled on a rebranded Northstar AGM group 31 battery. You can get them from Batteries Plus under the X2 name. The Group 31 is larger than the stock, and provides about double the capacity... so it's almost like a dual battery setup. You'll need a new battery tray/cage to house the Group 31 though... it's a monster and barely fits, but provides tons of power without the hassle of a dual setup.

If you can wait for a sale/coupon, it's even cheaper. I got mine for $50 off a couple months ago.

I love this battery! https://www.batteriesplus.com/product-details/marine_rv/battery/x2power/sli31agmdpm

Find a local guy like me to reprogram your ECU to handle AGM for about $200ish, which is what I charge to do engine tune and I'll charge a minimal or throw in an AGM tune for free.

 

cost me 5 bucks and a part of a morning for the voltage sense wire relocate
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-booster-upgrade.604478/page-19#post-22177473

 

where are you located? I got a OVTUNE my tuner, Didn't have a program for my AGM battery

 

yes, and I think it's highly insane what some are paying to increase 0.5v when all it takes is a very simple and inexpensive diode.

 

That doesn't work on 3rd gens. The ECU controls the alternator voltage. There's no easy way to do it, other than reprogramming the ECU.

 

which is very unfortunate

 

Replaced the stock battery for a Northstar one.....you wont regret it.

 

Sorry for your loss. May he rest easy.

 

I put an AC/Delco battery in my 2016 SR5 6 cyl SB and it listed for $151.00 and I paid $90.00 for it. I have had good results with AC/Delco.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma-agm-tuning.689652/

OVtune has been an excellent investment for drivability reasons, with the AGM voltage boosting, it’s definitely something to consider. Could be cheaper if you find local to you friends to tune for you.

I just put a x2 27f in to replace the stock battery. It’s an easy fit and sits in the existing tray just fine.

 

I went with the 27F X2 cause the specs are really similar to the 31, but you didn’t need to get a fully built up battery tray. I ended up with the 2nd gen tray (plastic btw if you were wondering). You can reuse the hooks from the factory. It runs my Dometic CFX3 75dz with no problem for my overnight trips. Anything longer though and I use my GoalZero 1500x to run as much as possible. I’m sure the X2 can handle way more, but since I have the GZ, I might as well use it.