Battery Upgrade Needed?

Purchased the Badlands Apex 12K lb winch, and the spec sheet calls for a minimum of 650CCA battery. Just looked at the OEM on the truck which shows it's 582CCA battery. Is this difference enough to justify a new battery? Not an issue, but would like some clarification from someone who knows a bit more about the juice than me. Costco has some good deals on Interstate.

 

I'm not expert but that's a huge winch. Electric motors pull less current as they approach their max rpm for a given voltage. For example an electric motor with no load will pull almost nothing.

Since the truck is so light for the winch size, I can't imagine it would be loaded up very much. My guess is that it would be just fine but again, I'm not an expert on the subject.

Get a voltage meter, engine off. Run the winch with no load (or very very little load) and log the battery voltage drop. Repeat this with a winch load. Report your results.

 

This is one of the best quality batteries for the money.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8936996&cc=3443373&pt=2476&jsn=377

I ran a badlands 12k winch for over 10 years without issue. Worked really well for pulling Jeeps out of ditch's.

 

Thanks for the insight. I'll do that once it's installed, which will be a few weeks and post the numbers...if I don't get a new battery.

 

Thanks. I haven't read anything bad on them yet, actually the majority of the reviews are pretty impressive.

 

Leave your truck running when using the winch. I have a Apex 12K installed with the stock 582cca battery and have no issues. I haven't pulled anything max with the winch yet, but don't think it's going to be a problem with the battery.

 

THANKS - That's what I was thinking - if and when the situation occurs, just leave it running - let the alternator help. Decisions. Going on a 2-3 day excursion in the Ozarks in August. A winch & chainsaw are on the "must have" list. Still gonna look at the meter like @soggyBottom suggested. I'm interested in seeing how the stock battery is affected if I go that route.

How do you have yours mounted? Winch mount or bumper?

 

In a Hiline bumper. See below:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/body-armor-hiline-series-bumper.625719/page-16#post-25872831