2nd battery for winching

Tundra_Hick · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2007, 05:48 PM

Snakeii and I were just discussing winches and my only experience using one is on an ATV. In my case it was a Warn.

I have noticed when using the winch that it sucks a lot of power.

On one occasion I had to use the winch to pull myself out of a creek after stalling...WITHOUT the motor running. I was able to get the ATV through, but the battery had lost a fair bit of power in the process, so I restarted the ATV by pulling the cord.

Obviously in a pick-up there's no cord to pull, so I was wondering if adding a second battery would be worth doing?

Jwitz · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 11:47 AM

yes it would... I have a warn winch and without a hi output alternator, you will quickly kill a normal battery. Optimas fair better, but I've killed those too (not really because of the winch)... I would recommend getting a bigger alternator if you dont already have the larger one that comes with the towing package, but that is EXPENSIVE.. If you can find a spot for it, run a second battery and either use a boat switch or better would be painless wiring's battery selector. Keep in mind that your second battery doesn't need to be the same size... Size pretty much determines amp hours, and while that is necessary for your prime battery, if you use a smaller battery (like a racing battery) it has similar CCA to start your truck, but just not for as long (less amp hours).