Ty

I have a multimeter, but have no idea what setting it has to be on to test a battery, or what I need to do to test it.

The reason why Iask is that I let mytruck sit for about 2 weeks at a time, and the battery is always on, even if I unplug my amp, cb and relays for my lights. Any ideas?

also, what would be a good battery to replace the stocker with? I like the optima battery, and had one in one of out work trucks, but it only lasted 2 years, and that is no better than a 50 dollar battery, so whats the point of spending 100 plus for a optima.

anyone have any other suggestions for a aftermarket battery becised optima?

thanks everyone.

NGM

An Interstate battery is all I use. Those Optimas are good for a race car or mud truck because they will stand up to alot of abuse. They do not last in a DD, as you found out. The multimeter should have settings like 2v 20v 200v. Set it on 20v DC, start the truck and see if the voltage goes above 12.5 if so then the alternator is working. Attach a charger to the battery attach the multimeter to the battery (this is with the truck off BTW.) Set the charger on 20 amps. If the voltage goes above 15 volts in the first 2 - 3 minutes then the battery is sulfated and is bad. Just a couple of things to check.

Ty

sounds good, it is a interstae battery in there right now. Is there a different battery I should run because of all of the draw I am putting on the system, or would that not do anything without a better alternator?

Ty

so what are my options if I want to leave my lights (all of em...) on for a while?

wde3477

Eh, well, how much money you gots?

Could go for a larger capacity battery, paralleling two batteries, adding a second battery with an isolation switch, carrying a generator in the bed to run a charger or other 12VDC supply, or starting the truck every so often to recharge.

Problem with larger capacity batteries for a given size is that the plates tend to be thinner and closer - more susceptible to mechanical failures and sulfation blockages.

Or trade / convert to a manual tranny and either park on a hill or make sure you have a lot of friends around to help push. :-)~

Triton v8

stick your tongue on the battery. I swear you'll know how much power is in it......lol

Ty

no, a wrench works good enough for me...

wde3477

heheh - wrench across the terminals - now THAT'S entertainment! :-)

Ty

well, I got a new interstate for 112 bucks, some terminal protectant, and one of those green disconnect ***** so I dont have to wory a bout the battery if it sits for a while.

I hope i wont have to wory about it for a few years at least.

calvin

Ty,with a new battery and the altenator that came on your truck ..you will be ok to run a few extras ....I think the alt. is rated at 130amps and puts out about 145amps. the f150s 1996 and down had I think about a 75 or 80 amp alt........those are the altenators you wanted to up grade.