dual batteries

[djelica]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently upgrading to a dual battery system and was looking for some info/reviews/feedback, so I thought I would ask here.

*Note: I had more links in here but I guess 4 is the max, so I must edit.*

I know there have been discussions before and if anyone can direct me to an appropriate thread that I did not find in my search I would appreciate it. (I have seen lots of threads talking about going from dual to single battery, and lots of for sale “comes with dual batteries” threads, but not a lot about going to a dual from a single battery threads. However, I may have missed something, and if this is the case then let me apologize in advance).

So some input from me before I start.

I want two batteries for one reason: cold weather starts. I don’t have big draws on my power supply and I usually disconnect the battery when I am leaving the vehicle for some time and I cannot plug it in. I have been slowly upgrading the system (ceramic glow plugs, better glow plug wiring, upgrade other wiring, using 0w 40 oil and so on) and going to a second battery seems to be the next logical next. But how to proceed?

Right now I have a single Optima (Johnson Controls) that I have not been overly enthused about and for the price I would probably not buy two of them.

I may be still interested in AGMs, but if I need to buy two new batteries so that they are matched, then two new Odysseys (EnerSys) would be a great way to go, however a bit on the expensive side (like $700 total from around here).

http://www.odysseybattery.com/hdspecs.html

I have read about the Platinum Sears (US) Die-Hard being a rebranded Odyssey (if this is still true). They look to be about $100 less (each) from what I was quoted for the equivalent Odyssey by a shop here in Calgary (but you need to get them in the states so that’s a bit of a drag, but doable).

http://www.sears.com/diehard-automotive ... 850065000P

They also sell these in the same Calgary store mentioned above:

http://www.northstarbattery.com/batteri ... /index.php

Anyone have any experience with NorthStar? Not sure of the manufacturer. Any good? They have the same 4 year warranty as the Odysseys, so that is nice. I was told they are being made by a group that left Odyssey and that they are virtually the same (they do look similar for about $75 less and I could get them here, no problem).

There is also Deka’s AGM to think about (Mega Crank I believe is one rebrand, but have not seen them around here). Have read conflicting reviews.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-Mega-Crank ... ttery.html


What about going with just two old style unsealed lead-acid batteries? I can get two matched up from the same guys in Calgary for about $110 ($55 each with hopefully at least 800 cca each).

So, is AGM so much better that it is like $500 better? What would you do in my case?

Twin AGMs and only Odyssey will do.

Go to the states and get the die-hards (because they are the same as the above for $100 less each, but you need to stay in the states for x amount of time or else you have to declare…).

Go with the cheaper NorthStars (or avoid them).

Go old style and save probably $500 (or do not because….)

Thanks in advance for any insights. I appreciate it greatly.

Darren

[jessef]

I want two batteries for one reason: cold weather starts. I don’t have big draws on my power supply and I usually disconnect the battery when I am leaving the vehicle for some time and I cannot plug it in. I have been slowly upgrading the system (ceramic glow plugs, better glow plug wiring, upgrade other wiring, using 0w 40 oil and so on) and going to a second battery seems to be the next logical next. But how to proceed?

Hi Darren,

If you need two for colder weather under -50 Celsius, you'll have other things to worry about such as your fuel turning to jello and your oil solidifying.

A single Odyssey is what the SARS ambulance trucks use cranking over 5.7L diesels in the backcountry.

Get one Odyssey and be done with it.

[mrdueck]

Check out my comment down this thread.

http://www.delica.ca/forum/cold-startin ... -9807.html

I went the the biggest battery shop in Winnipeg (supply ambulances and police in Wpg) and picked thier brain. That combined with past experience here in Wpg left me with my Walmart decision (easy warrenty exchange was the motive here, I normally don't shop there). I have had a single 1200CC batteries in my Jetta and nothing comes close to two batteries that combine to more CCA (have read this and heard this from those experienced with cold). I can buy new batteries every 3 years and still save $ compared to Odyssey, etc. and have what I believe a dependable battery system.
my .02 from Winterpeg resident of 45+ yrs.
Rudy

[Manitoba deli]

Hey Darren, I would definitely agree with Rudy and recommend a dual battery set up if you experience -30C temps, and can't always plug in. Just because some Government agencies use a single set up doesn't make it the best. You cannot compare the cold cranking amps or reserve cranking amps of two batteries to any single battery, unless it is a huge Cat battery (about 1ft wide X 2ft long) You want your engine to crank over as fast as possible to create the heat required to ignite the diesel. A single battery can only do this for a limited time. I run dual AGM"S (Exide) , but only because I expect to get 10 years out of them. My last Optima's lasted 15 years in my 86 F350 6.9l diesel. I choose the AGM"s because the vibrations from diesel engines tend to vibrate the lead plates loose in conventional batteries. This being said, if you don't mind changing your batteries in 4 years or so, go with the conventional. And don't worry about your fuel turning to jello in the cold. If you live where it gets cold and buy your fuel there, it is blended for winter use. While my lwb l400 had dual batteries, I had to convert my swb to dual bateries. I bought marine terminals for the batteries (they look similar to the one on your positive post) They clamp onto the post, and have a threaded stud on the top of them. To join the batteries you use a battery cable with an eye on each end. 4ga. is sufficient unless you increase the size of the factory cables going to the starter and ground. I got my parts from Piston Ring (1 of only 2 parts suppliers in rural Manitoba)and here are the parts I used:
"Quick" is the brand
2 of 5516-2001P (positive marine terminal)
2 of 5518-2001N (negative marine terminal)
2 of 7410-2001 (4 GA 10" starter cable) these are to connect the batteries.
Hope this helps you. As for a hold down, I fabricated my own.

My 2 cents
Jason

[jessef]

you did you research
if you can't find Odyssey's for the price you like, the sears rebadged ones are your cheaper alternative for the same battery
either way, I would go with a good AGM because they can be discharged deeper than conventional deep cycle batteries without major damage if they are run low (cranking over and over if you have a starting issue in the winter)

[tonydca]

My Odyssey has been terrific on my L400. Can't comment on a -40 start, but first crank at -15 without plugging it in.

Clean filters/injectors, good glowplugs and 5W40.

[mrdueck]

-15C is when we stop putting the garbage out in bare feet and put on sandles and save $ by opening our windows instead of using the AC here in MB.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

[djelica]

Hey thanks for all the replies. I knew I could count on this place for some feedback. Jason I really appreciate the detailed response.

I am not planning for -50, but -15 can be a daily occurrence in winter here and -30 (and lower) is likely. I would like to prepare for that inevitability.

Anyway, no one has any experience with the NorthStar, eh? I’ll let you all know how this go if there is anything to report, but I still have not decided the course of action just yet.

Thanks again,

Darren

[tonydca]

-15C is when we stop putting the garbage out in bare feet and put on sandles and save $ by opening our windows instead of using the AC here in MB.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

Yes, well, I guess that's why I live in Vancouver..
Sorry, couldn't resist either!!

[djelica]

I am thinking about upgrading the battery cables on my L400.

This is my only ride and don't have a great place for repairs and mods so I like to get things done in a day.

This is why I am asking if anyone has experience with this (did some searching here and the UK site, but not a lot on this).

It would be great to have some idea of cable lengths (battery to starter, battery to ground) and what ends to put on before I tear things apart. Plus any insider input before I tackle this (like is this in fact worth the effort).

Cheers, Darren

[jessef]

upgrading the cables for better or like size as stock is a good idea.

I haven't seen any issues on the L300 but on L400's, the main cable going from the positive/battery to solenoid/glow plugs is not only thin but usually in poor condition within the sheath.

the lengths you should be able to ballpark just by following the routing at the battery down to the starter. If you're going to replace it outright, that gives you other options on where to route and if you will tie in any other accessories along the line.

[madmazda]

I've been driving my delica l400 for three years now in calgary winters, the only problem i had was crapped out glow plugs and my stock battery from japan went flat last year. bought a battery from canadian tire 800 cca and so far so good just make sure you put 0-30 or 0-40 synthetic oil and you'll be laughing . Many times left over night out in the middle of nowhere in cold tempa and with a good cycle of the glow plugs and a bit of chugging and smoke the ole girl fireed up straight off....

[djelica]

I've been driving my delica l400 for three years now in calgary winters, the only problem i had was crapped out glow plugs and my stock battery from japan went flat last year. bought a battery from canadian tire 800 cca and so far so good just make sure you put 0-30 or 0-40 synthetic oil and you'll be laughing . Many times left over night out in the middle of nowhere in cold tempa and with a good cycle of the glow plugs and a bit of chugging and smoke the ole girl fireed up straight off....

This will be my third winter for my L400. Not the same experience as you however. I have upgraded the busbar, new AGM battery (optima with 800+ cca), good ceramic glowplugs, run 0-40 in winter, etc. but still have starting problems when it is left in the cold for multiple days without plugging in (parking at high passes for extended winter ski tours, etc).

I always disconnect the battery and when I get back out I want it to start without having to worry about it the whole time I am gone. I figure dual batteries are simple piece of mind. Upgrading the battery cables also seems logical.

Anyway, if anyone has experience with replacing the cables I would appreciate any insider info (cable ends to use on starter, rough lengths so I can pre-purchase cable (expensive and nice to get the right amount) etc.)

Thanks again, Darren

Cheers, Darren

[madmazda]

when i leave my van for a while in the mountauns in the cold I bring with me a batrey booster just in case so would be like having a second battery but without the hastle of putting it in... also I gought form kirkham auto the coveted ngk cy55 glow plugs so far so good

[djelica]

also I gought form kirkham auto the coveted ngk cy55 glow plugs so far so good

Got mine last fall from CC Auto.