battery systems

[Angie]

On my build I have an unorthodox battery placement and wiring system were I am/was using a 4D system. Reason being the reserve is 400 minutes. will the higher cranking amps hurt anything in the system? if so, is there a way to decrease the amperage in the starting route. and what is a better way to power up the system for long life with out the alternator running?

 

[sheep herder]

 

[Angie]

and my usage is a problem because?

 

[RonD]

No, not a problem

Usage/demand is set by the device that needs the power, the power available can be 200 times more than is needed but that doesn't matter

i.e. your house has a 200amp panel(usually) but all the lights(1amp) and other electrics use much fewer amps, doesn't hurt anything

But not sure what you mean by "4D system"?

If you are using a battery for slow drain then Deep Cycle is better, the thicker plates inside are better for lower amp/longer drain than "Car batteries" that have thinner plates for high Amp discharge(starter motor) and quick reCharge

 

[Angie]

thanks ron. the cca is hitting 1200 so wanted to make sure all ok. killed off one of these batteries already by just party hardy with the stereo system and not running the proper charging system. need to replace the "cat4d" battery and wanted to know if it will be ok, instead of going the deep cycle route, this seems better for my application. cheers thanks.

this pdf shows the batteries

https://caterpillar.scene7.com/is/content/Caterpillar/C338971

 

[Angie]

sorry 4d refers to battery size diamentions

 

[RonD]

If you have more than one battery then I would run a smaller car battery just for starter motor, then larger deep cycle for engine off use, with isolator so car battery is disconnected when engine is off

Car battery is ONLY used to start engine, after that alternator takes over, alternator outputs 13.5volt minimum, and batteries are 12.8volts maximum so ...................with engine running voltage can only flow TO a battery, so not being used at all, but they will absorb spikes in voltage from a failing alternator, which can protect electronics

But the 1,200CCA won't hurt anything

 

[Angie]

reason asking ron, is the reserve time is 400 minutes on the 4d, and with the amps and stereo draw on my system, was looking for the easiest route to power the amps at a party giving longest time and still have enough juice to fire the starter to get home with. being a truck, there is lots of room for the 4dbattery and that's how i set up the system. battery built into the under part of the head unit section. thanks

 

[RonD]

Nice looking setup, that should rattle a few windows

If you have the room I would add a smaller car battery, just for starting, then no worries, party until 4D battery volts drop too low

What engine do you have?
That would determine how small a battery would work to crank it, 9.0:1 ratios don't need that much

 

[Angie]

302, there is room to add a small battery under hood, just wasn't wanting to do it. 1 battery keeping it simple. thanks ron

 

[RonD]

Well if its a manual trans you can always bump start it
If battery is not too dead