Squeeze a bigger battery in?

Having some talks in other threads about batteries and powering fridges and such. Got me wondering.... looks like the first gen fits a 24f or 35 group size battery. Sounds like 2nd and 3rd gen trucks come with the same but can fit in a 27f. I’m wondering a couple things...


1: Can we fit a 27f or another “larger” battery in?

2: Is there a real advantage to a larger batter?

3: Am I risking messing anything up but increasing the battery size?


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

You can fit a group 31 in with a little finagling.

 

The quality and type of battery is important to. At times more then the size of battery. Take a look at the x2 battery from Batteries Plus. Also has a great 5 year free replacement warranty. Many people are seeing 5+ years of life out of them in diesel pickups.
They're pricey, but 10% online curbside order and $20 mail in rebate online.

 

1.) Take measurements of the space you have, and then look at the dimensions of batteries you’d like to put in there. There is quite a bit of extra room for something larger, but measuring will be your friend so you don’t have to deal with returns and guessing.

2.) In theory more capacity, more cranking amps, longer draw times. However, as was mentioned, the type of battery and quality of battery plays a big role. An anecdotal example would be a standard lead-acid battery vs an AGM battery - a larger lead-acid battery likely would not perform as well as an AGM battery. So pay attention to the stats on the batteries, no sense in “upgrading” if it’s not an actual upgrade.

3.) The only thing that could get messed up by running a bigger battery would be due to it being a heavier battery and cracking or denting the inner fender apron upon which the battery rests. However, upgrading a single battery probably wouldn’t be enough to do anything like that, you tend to see things like that happen when doing dual batteries in that spot. The increased weight from a single upgraded battery should be totally fine.

 

Didn't our trucks have the option of a cold-weather kit that included a larger battery?

 

If you going to add a battery that is wider then the stock battery. I recommend cutting a piece of 1/8 inch aluminum or 14g sheetmetal the size of the battery and place it under the battery for support. The stock battery hangs over the edge about 2 inches with nothing to support it, other then the plastic tray. A wider battery would hang even more out possibly deforming the bottom of the battery.

 

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There are two types of batteries a starting battery and a deep cycle some thing to think about if you are going boondocking with a fridge etc.

 

The X2 battery from Batteries Plus covers both.

 

As soon as my wallet allows it, I'm going with Northstar 24F for my dual battery set up.

 

the X2 is made by Northstar. Don't know if there is a price difference.

 

Highly recommend an isolator, relay type is the cheapest and easiest no dead truck battery when it's time to go home.

 

1 Just why do you need more battery??

What type of new loads for the battery ??

You can install any battery size you desire most likely not under the hood .

Are you needing a dual battery system ??

It all comes down to just Why you need more battery ??

 

that’s what I thought to! On my 2008 dbl 4x4- I could have swore I paid for some bs upgrade that included a better battery & other key investment components (alternator maybe?).... but I can never find info about it.


I do remember that all the different upgrades I was getting there was some issue with them not working in combination together...things canceled each other outt‍♀️...it caused an issue with my bucket seats I couldn’t used the $200 oem seat covers I wanted/bought; the dealer couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t work with the seat design! I was so pissed!

 

Older thread I know, but...

If you're looking to add overlander accessories, fridges and all that stuff, as others have said, 100% go with a 2nd battery with some type of an isolator system. If you're looking for "more storage" don't get a bigger battery.

Let the main battery start the truck, and all your other junk should be powered by the 2nd battery. Or just get a Jackery.

 

Tow package has the group 27 battery all ready. By the way don't buy a starter relay if you are going to use for two it will burn up day one make sure it's an isolator one.