How strong is the stock battery??

tex · 11-19-2006, 09:13 AM

I am thinking about putting some driving lights on the front of my truck and was curious if I should look at getting an Optima battery. I bought the truck used about a month ago and it looks like my 05 has the stock battery is in it. I don't have BT so I don't have the upgraded battery from the factory.
I was looking at putting 4 lights on the front and 2 fog lights in the factory locations.

**TitanBlue** · 11-19-2006, 09:56 AM

Don't assume the Optima battery is stronger than stock, it has advantages and disadvantages (cost). Some have less CCA than stock batteries of similiar physical size. They are mostly capable of being drained further and recovering, able to mount sideways, etc. Some are sensitive to recharging. They are excellent products though, no doubt.

Yours is 650 CCA, the BT battery is 710 CCA. Not a real significant difference. The battery only stores electricity to start the engine and power equipment if the key is on ACCESORIES instead on RUN. It is the Alternator that is actually providing power to all your lights. That is the more important item to upgrade if needed for excess lights while running. The 06 is 130 Amps, the 04 is 110 Amps. I don't know about the 05.

10 Amps per set of lights if 55 Watt bulbs are used, so 30 Amps are being added to your load by what you listed. Headlights and runing lights are about 15 Amps total, so your at 45 Amps in lighting, and you've got the engine and sound system to run too. Alternator Amperage Rating is not at idle, but about 2000 RPM . You are possibly OK for now, I'd just realize you may want to upgrade the Alternator, not just the Battery if you find the system doesn't handle the load.

The Battery is important to maintain the lights when you come to a stop light or otherwise are idling the engine. Search carefully to select the best Optima or Odysse (sp?) Battery for your application. Some excellent threads are here somewhere on the details of these batteries. Also, Rebuilt Alternators or having your current Alternator rewound at an Alternator/Starter Repair shop could boost your capabilities very affordably. Maybe beyond 130 Amps. Aftermarket has 200 Amps available IIRC. This was posted in past few months. Likely not best to go to dealer and buy an 06 Alt.

PortlandTitan · 11-22-2006, 07:06 AM

I have a 2004 with the BT package. When I took the truck in the dealer for a 45K mile maintenance they told me that the battery failed the test and I should get it replaced. The only thing I run is 2 Warm SDB-210 during hunting season when I am off roading. A factory replacement battery will cost around $85. I am planning on getting a yellow top Optima battery to replace the factory. Although it's very pricey in the long run I think it will be worth it.

**Kronos1965** · 11-22-2006, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortlandTitan

I have a 2004 with the BT package. When I took the truck in the dealer for a 45K mile maintenance they told me that the battery failed the test and I should get it replaced. The only thing I run is 2 Warm SDB-210 during hunting season when I am off roading. A factory replacement battery will cost around $85. I am planning on getting a yellow top Optima battery to replace the factory. Although it's very pricey in the long run I think it will be worth it.

I've got an Optima Red Top:for my 2004 BT-it's worth it! eyebrow: