31M Rabbit hole and questions.

Hello,
First off let me start by saying I went down a 4-6 hour rabbit hole last night researching dual battery setups vs single. I'm the type of guy that likes to plan and think things out but unfortunately my battery took a sh*t yesterday which is forcing me to rush. I plan on running a ARB fridge soon as well as a winch and compressor, I will of course eventually go to a full dual because of accessories i'm going to be running and the ability to jump myself if the need arises.

This is what i'm considering buying for the now situation though. the Pelfreybilt Battery cage which comes up a lot around here. I'm also looking at switching to the 31M Optima, because i'm in Montana and the other compatibly batteries aren't as available that would work in the battery cage.

Will my standard leads work switching my 2009 Tacoma Group 27 leads over? (I realize this might be a stupid question however I do not mix with electrical)

Should I change any other components out?

Things I should know about a Optima Maritime blue top in Montana Winters?

Will my stock alternator do OK will the increase in Battery Size and charging? Is this going to have any negative effect on the battery?

Thanks as always for the help as you guys are bad for the bank account but good at helping me not mess things up.

 

Subd for interest in responses.

 

Just ordered the Pelfreybilt cage. Fingers crossed i'm making the right call.

 

Here you go OP. This may help you decide.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-31-battery-long-term-user-experience.454781/

 

If you're going to 31m. Might as well get the Northstar. My 27f Northstar runs my winch regularly and the alternator has no problem recharging it.

Replace your radiator support mount bushings with the Energy Suspension poly bushings since you're adding so much weight up there

 

The stock grouping is a 27 my concern was that the jump up to a 31M might cause issues for the alternator also im not sure how the alternator handles a Maritime battery and if its truly different. I would love to get a Northstar however they arent available in Montana locally as I stopped everywhere today and struck out every time.

A Lot to research still.

 

I've never heard of a alternator problem moving to 31.

If you spend much time off road even the weight of the stock 27 will eventually start tearing sheet metal below the battery in the wheel well and possibly radiator supports as well. The 31 will accelerate that process. Sadly there seems to be no practical way to reinforce the battery supports and the PB cage doesn't help with that. Many eventually relocate the battery to the bed.

This isn't to say "don't do it" but rather to warn you to read up on the issue so you know what spots to monitor for cracks/tears over time.

 

That's why i'm here is to learn from the guys who have been around and learned those painful lessons its much appreciated.

 

Batteries and Bulbs sells Northstar batteries rebranded under the name X2

I bought mine in Kalispell

I kinda wish I had gone 31m, but no problems with my 27 yet. Once in awhile I throw the charger on it and it's already full.

V6 Tacomas sold in cold weather areas have the 130 amp alternator. It does a good job charging the battery.