Dual Battery, or not to Dual Battery

Here is the question that I am stuck on. Do I really need a dual battery? I run several LED lights in the back for camping, I would like to add a couple bigger LED's for flood lighting. We will also charge ipods, and phones back there in the bed. I have a winch, but really only use it to move trees out of the trail. I do have a 1000CCA starting battery up front. I was thinkng about running everything in the back (maybe at the most 5AH) off of the starting battery and having a litium ion jump starter pack IF the starting battery goes flat. What does TW have to say?!

 

I'm always out in the forest miles away from other people or cell service. My battery is ALWAYS on my mind when I flip on my camper shell light, open car doors at night, etc. If you find yourself in a situation where you're always worrying about your battery and have nobody around to jump it then I'd say yes, do it for your peace of mind. How well does the jump starter work?

 

I agree totally, I will have the jump starter pack. Is that piece of mind worth 400$? That is the real question.

 

this guy right here knows his shit

 

I have duel batteries in my runners ( my wheeler ) only reason I put them in that is I use my winch a lot and under heavy pulls it draws a lot of power. Other then that I haven't found a need for two in my taco yet.

 

dual batteries and a knife switch
low voltage alarm
go solar powered light n chargers

 

Or if you're worried about having a dead battery you could just buy one of these:
https://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/

Just get the right size. They'll jump start up to 7L Diesel engines on their bigger packs.

I have their XP-3 in my truck. Haven't used it yet but my boss has the same thing and I've seen him jump start a forklift in the winter with it!

 

I dunno, but I have a smaller jump starter that i bought from one of Ramons group buys. I've jumped Two vehicles with it. F150 and a Pacifica. All good still for another or two more.

@jberry813 knows his stuff obviously, but if you're not into figuring up AH'S then go with a jump starter and play it out. Maybe be sure you're with someone else's rig and not all alone.

 

I assume that I am under 5AH now, and probably wont go over 7AH (planed as of now, highly likley to change). At most 4 hours a night. I think tha tI will roll with the jump starter pack for the "Just in Case" situation. I dont winch enough to need a dual battery. I contacted Anti-Gravity Batteries and asked them if there jump starter packs would work well as a power supply for lights and such. They said it would, but the slight discharge then the slight re charge would kill the battery way sooner than useing it as just a jump starter.

 

And what battery does @jberry813 use or recommend?

 

No dual batteries in my truck either,never needed it.

 

So dual battery or group 31M dual post AGM?

 

One idea behind a dual battery system is to use the 2nd battery as back up in case the primary battery dies. Another reason is to keep weight off the driver-side.

 

Group 31 AGM and a jump pack! Runs all my stuff with no issue, and have yet to have a problem.

 

I’m in same boat. Noticed my battery isn’t starting truck as easily. I don’t buy all the hype though. For the price of those battery jumper kits you can buy a trickle charger and battery and keep it at home. Then when on a trip throw it in bed. Not as sexy as dual battery kit. But if you ever then needed a second battery you already have it. A few bucks in welding cable and some terminals and a $40 blue seas switch you can build a simple kit.

That being said I like the slee dual battery/ group 31 tray.

 

I had an extra battery in a highlander once but I was running a 100w ham radio in it. If I was winching all the time maybe. Otherwise no.

 

I have 4 old motorcycle batteries that I run in parallel to power a 2000 watt inverter. Then it’s 120v 18 watt LEDs all night long! Then I charge them when I get home! Don’t need to charge often. Can run tools, or a air compressor for flats or my bait cannon! I prefer to stay out from under the hood. If it ain’t broken no need to go breaking it! Leave her alone! Lol