Topic: Battery size for a use with a winch.

[AGUHR]

So - how big of a battery do I need? my little battery bogs down the entire engine - I'm hoping not to have to shell out $220 for an optima.

i have a stock alternator also.
the only other electronics that are on when the winch is in use is the CB normally.

Not sure what else you need to know - any opinions and help would be great!

[Jeffy]

You know, you can get a Red Top for around $100.

What jeep do you have? That will give us an idea of what the stock alternator is.

[AGUHR]

94YJ 2.5 high output.

[Jeffy]

94YJ 2.5 high output.

Well, I would recommend getting a higher output alternator as the stock one is probably around 65A.  If you have the HD package it could be 90A but I forget if that package was a 4.0L exclusive or not.  I don't believe it was though.  You'll have to check your alternator ID tag and see what it is.

You can get by with just upgrading the battery but you'll have to watch your voltage as you use the winch.  Winches are hungry and take a lot of amps to power them.  Short pulls shouldn't be an issue though.

[AGUHR]

so a high output alternator, means bigger surp belt also, and a battery with high cranking amps.
But for the short term a high crank battery will do me ok???

[Jeffy]

so a high output alternator, means bigger surp belt also, and a battery with high cranking amps.
But for the short term a high crank battery will do me ok???

No, a high amp alternator does not change anything other then the output of the alternator.  (see FAQ)

If you watch your Voltage meter and keep your engine running faster then idle, you should be OK for short pulls.  This means pulling then letting the alternator charge the battery back up.  For most situations, short pulls are all you'll really need.

[oldjeep]

I prefer a yellow top for heavy winching.  The one in my jeep is about 8 years old now and in its second jeep.

[Torch_Ind]

go with a deep cycle like the others posted yellow/red top it recuperates much quicker and won't die as fast!! 

I have two and I'm about to put in a battery isolator!!

[b.hog]

arent some of those optimas kinda like a marine battery where you shouldnt have them always being charged by an alt?

[oldjeep]

arent some of those optimas kinda like a marine battery where you shouldnt have them always being charged by an alt?

What kind of marine battery can't you have being charged all the time - something you run a trolling motor off of?

The Yellowtop starting batteries are a deep cycle battery designed for automotive use.  Most of the Blue tops are similiar but carry the coast guard rating that is required for marine use.

[AGUHR]

No, a high amp alternator does not change anything other then the output of the alternator.  (see FAQ)

If you watch your Voltage meter and keep your engine running faster then idle, you should be OK for short pulls.  This means pulling then letting the alternator charge the battery back up.  For most situations, short pulls are all you'll really need.

Ok your not being clear. In the previous post you said I needed a high output alternator, now you say no? A high output alternator only puts out faster - explain please.

I understand the idle - but I'm trying to figure out a eco (being $$) friendly way to achieve a reasonable charge output while making the battery last.

[chardrc]

he was trying to say that the higher output alternator wont require a bigger surp belt.. its a simple bolt on so no modification needed. but it will have a higher output making it better for high power load situations like using a winch.

[AGUHR]

really, the same size belt - interesting, that makes it easier.
thanks for the explanation.

from what everyone is telling me an optima is still the way to go - I see the dust coming out of my wallet already! 

[oldjeep]

BTW - who is trying to sell you an Optima for $220?  Even a yellowtop sells for under $175, Red tops are more like $150

[b.hog]

What kind of marine battery can't you have being charged all the time - something you run a trolling motor off of


  ya, was under the assumption that not all marine bats are the same,have always let them die or get real low before recharge (usually 4 fishing trips)

  I guess somebody told me wrong about the optimas(never really checked into it much)thought you had to run isolaters and all that so they wouldnt be constantly recharged and kill the long term life