Do I need 2 batteries?

So far I have 2 led bars (one 50" and one 20") and 2 ridgid dually led spot lights on my truck. But I have two more duallys on the way with hood ditch mounts and might be buying 3 more small led bars for the front and 2 small LEDs for backup lights. That would be 11 led lights on the taco. Now I'm getting concerned that my battery won't hold up to that many LEDs. I don't use them to much just sometimes at night when no one else is on the road but I mainly have them for goose hunting so I can light up fields and don't have to use flashlights. I also have a winch but almost never use it. So I'm just wondering if you guys think I need a dual battery setup. If I do need a dual setup I have no idea how to hook it up or anything so if someone could point me in the right direction there would be awesome.

 

I would say it wouldnt hurt to have a second one

Start here:

http://www.columbiaoverland.com/dual-battery-kits-by-columbia-overland/

Here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/au...s-lets-see-them-multiple-batterys-thread.html

Here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/252533-2013-dual-battery-install.html

And:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/80688-2nd-Gen-Tacoma-Dual-Battery-Install

That should set you in the right direction. Goodluck and post pics!

 

Unless you are planning on isolating one of the batteries to use for running the lights when the engine is not running there really is no need for dual batteries. Technically you could have a small 12 volt lawn mower battery and everything would still run as long as your alternator is large enough to carry all the load you are using while the vehicle is running. Your alternator is what should carry the load not the battery. If you use the battery to carry the load than you need Marine deep cycle batteries or you will shorten the life of a regular vehicle battery.

If you are drawing more than your alternator can put out then you need to look into a larger alternator. If you are running the accessories with the engine not running you should consider a deep cycle battery that is isolated. The battery or batteries are only needed when the alternator is not putting back as much as is being drawn. Add up your total watts needed and then decide how to proceed.

Sometimes one alternator is not enough. Ford offers duel alternators on some of their trucks. It all depends on the load and application.

Lastly I would add that your load should never be more then about 75% of the max output ability of your alternator for any extended time or you will be going through alternators. Also keep in mind that for every 33 amp draw you will be using about 1HP of engine energy.

Setting down and calculating how much watt draw is needed as well as for how long and whether it will be when the engine is running (alternator doing the work) or engine off (battery/batteries carrying the load) it might save you a lot of frustration and unneeded expense as well as tell you what amp hour battery you might need or if you even need an extra battery, another alternator, or both.

 

Do 4 battery

 

They're relatively low when compared to traditional halogen but it's still significant with the larger bars. A 50" bar can draw between 15 and 20 amps alone and if you start adding all the other stuff the OP has, there's a very significant draw on the truck's electrical system with everything running.

 

Please see Section 5.4 in the Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ on www.batteryfaq.org. A dual battery comes in real handy if you use your lights without the engine running and you need to restart your engine.

 

LED's draw about 1/10 that of a comparable lamp. You heed to check the watts on the light bars etc. add them up and divide by 12 then decide if your alt. can handle it. The current draw is a lot less than any bulb with a filament but they are not 100% efficient so you can’t just keep adding them thinking you’ll be fine. Don’t forget to add in whatever else you are running like the heater, ac. Or a killer sound system.

 

Some one posted a LED light bar the other day rated 288 watts that's 24 amps.

 

OP, I would consider more along the lines of making sure that your alternator puts out enough. You can have 5 batteries, but if the alternator can't put out the amps you need, you will still kill them all eventually. Calculate out your expected current draw, then find out the amp output of your alternator. You want to max output to be in the general area of 200% of your load. So if your expected maximum load is 80 amps, then you need 160 amp alternator. If you are pushing 100 amps, then a 200 amp would be your best bet.

 

Ok do you know what the stock alternator can handle on the tacoma?

 

I recall a guy on here offering modded/upgraded alternators with 2 or 3 options of output...

Basically you sent him some cash, he sent you the upgraded alternator, once you receive the upgraded alternator you send him back your factory alternator.

Of course I can't find the thread right now (on my phone)

 

Bamatoy offers alternator / electrical system upgrades

 

I think you will be totally fine in this modern era of LED. But do the math with your Amps as everyone else mentioned.
Back in the 80s we used to run dual batteries and isolator, but we had tons of 130w halogen KC daylighters. The rule of thumb back then was...if they start to dim while the truck is at idle in drive and are only at full brightness when you have the gas pedal down, then you need 2 batteries. so if they are not dimming, then I think you are fine.
The only other purpose duals/isolator would be if you use it as work truck in the field at night.. you can shut your truck off, leave your LED bars on to do whatever work you need to at night and then it will start up with no problems.

Also if you have the towing package..you should have the heavy duty 130 amp alternator.

 

If you have the TRD package, I believe the stock alternator has a max output of 130 amps, with an idle output of 50-60

Mine do not require that you send a core back. When I sell you an alternator, you can keep your original as a spare.

Why I do believe you are correct sir!