Battery upgrade?

So I am diving down the rabbit hole of batteries. I see many people saying group31 Odyssey Extreme. I was on board with that but I started really thinking what am I going to be using it for? The biggest upgrades I plan on doing to the electrical system are to upgrade the sound system (new header + speakers + anything else for much higher quality sound) and probably going to get a winch. Other than those two things I upgraded the interior lights to LED and installed a footwell light kit and the puddle pods. Probably not going to do anything else electrical. I also dont think ill be blaring the sound system while im using the winch. So basically what batteries to people recommend for my planned usage? I have a feeling the Odyssey G31 is a bit overkill and I also saw that I might need to upgrade my alternator to make sure it stays charged.

 

You don't need to upgrade your alternator, but if you're going to run an AGM battery you do need to get a alternator voltage booster, as a 3rd gen you may be able to change the voltage in the computer to output around 14.1v, it may require a dealer scan tool but I know I've read you can do that on here.

Basically the stock charging voltage of 13.7 when running isn't enough to keep AGM's happy and they will sulfate.

May as well get the best and biggest battery you can, kind of a buy once cry once deal.

I'm partial to my X2 Power Batteries from Batteries Plus, unbeatable warranty and top of the line performance, they're rebranded NorthStar AGM batteries, I'm running a 27F X2 Power battery.

 

Ok so did some more searching and reading, it seems that regardless if I go with 27/31 or even a 65 I will need to increase increase the alternator output. Ive noticed the biggest difference between the 27/31/65 is the CCA, HCA and the Reserve capacity. The reserve I dont think will matter for my purposes because I do not plan on using the winch/stereo for several hours without turning the truck on. So comes down to CCA/HCA. looking at most winches rated for 12k they generally say 650+ CCA which even the 27 has 930 almost 150% of the recommended. Once again I dont think id ever use the winch for more than an hour at a time max without starting up the truck. So id have to say it comes down to stereo and what the sound system requires/wants. No idea on any of that so time to google some more stuff.

 

I upgraded mine to a new Toyota True Start 27F over the 24F. It has more CCA and reserve. I bought the battery tray for a 2nd gen. as it drops right in. The Toyota true start was $120 and the tray was like $30. It has a 84 month warranty and its made by Johnson control aka its an Interstate Battery per Toyota Parts. It may be in my head but it starts faster. Its all I need, I have an amp, OEM puddle light kit and no issues.

 

Cracked sheet metal above radiator body bushings | Tacoma World

Be careful about adding a battery that weighs too much as you can possibly end up with cracks.

 

I think I've decided that this is mostly just an issue of hardcore offroading and little to do with the battery support.

I went with 27F to be on the safe side, though, since that's what the 2nd gens run and there's an OEM battery tray to fit. I asked Off Grid Eng if they made a battery tray to replace the starter tray plastic and they said no -- there's no need because it would just bolt into the same sheet metal and provide little benefit anyways.

 

Any AGM battery is going to require a charge voltage increase. Only way to do this on a 3rd gen. is with a tune which is worth it in and of itself. That said, you won’t regret having a better battery, especially if you plan on getting a winch and actually using it. You’ll be future proof for any future electrical upgrades you don’t think you’ll ever do.

I have an AGM and my core support support is cracked to shit. I also wheel my truck pretty hard. HOWEVER, my passenger side where there is no battery is also cracked, so the battery has nothing to do with it. Wheeling definitely adds to the problem but I’ve heard of it happening on stock trucks that don’t get wheeled too.

 

already got it tuned and talked with the tuner guy. He is going to be in town in a few weeks and up the voltage output for me. I just need to get the stuff to put it in before he is in town. I ordered the 31 odyssey and a new box to hold it as well as terminal upgrades to make adding stuff easier. As for the support cracking, I have to agree with the past few comments that it is probably hardcore off-roading related. Not saying it won’t happen but I’m not planning on going rock crawling or flying through the air. I’m much more of the light to medium duty off-road and only want a winch as a last ditch “if I can’t get out then fuck it I’m using the winch” kinda why I’m looking for a cheaper winch for 10k.

 

Have you removed the sway bar? My theory is people adjust the suspense for extra flex. The extra flex is what causes the cracks.

 

Running a NorthStar 27F since 1/2018. 4+ years with stock charging. My Scangauge says that the stock voltage regulator charges up to 14.3 volts and after awhile drops to 13 something.

 

At this time yes my sway bar is removed. At the time of this picture I still had the bar installed.

 

Can toy provide links to the terminal upgrades?

 

I have the SDHQ ones and they’re solid.

 

I’ll need a new tray for the 27f, right?

 

My Odyssey 34R fits the stock tray.

 

Save yourself some money and just buy a lead/acid deka battery.

 

I got the SDHQ ones.
https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/sdhq-built-complete-billet-battery-terminal-kit
That doesn’t include the ground wire for some reason. Gotta get it separate.

Already ordered. And now I don’t gotta worry about electrical shit anymore.

 

Probably. The 2nd gens came with the 27F tray iirc and at some point 3rd gen OR’s did as well. My 2022 TRD OR did not, though and I ordered

$58 74431-0C020 Battery Tray

74431-0C020 which is the OEM 27F tray.

The OEM trays are just plastic but it doesn’t matter. They sit in some divets on the sheet metal and the tie downs hold it down so the fact that it’s plastic doesn’t matter. If something were to fail it would be the sheet metal or the tie down.

I don’t know if you need an upgraded tie down for a 27f. My gut says no but I grabbed the off grid engineering one anyways.

 

You are just wasting money. Your stock battery would have lasted 5+ years and functioned perfectly.

 

No new tie downs needed when upgrading to the 27f battery and tray. I never saw a 3rd gen come from Toyota with a 27F in the off road. I did the upgrade to a 27F and what's not to like about a better,stronger more powerful batter. If it's good enough for a 2nd Gen then it's good enough for a 3rd. Gen. I swear mine starts quicker than my original 24f at four years old. I did it for a peace of mind for another four years.