96 F150 with plow Batt ???

[K_Josh87]

Ok, i have a 96 F150 with a 5.8l 351 in it that I put a plow on this year... and I am having power issues with it, i do have a cheaper (advanced auto) 900cca amp battery in it at the moment... My question is this, do I look into a higher output alternator and just go that route, and replace battery when it croaks... or do I look into a dual battery set up? it seems to me its stupid to put in a dual system if you do not have higher capacity to charge them... (can only use what you can recharge...) So, in my findings online I am finding high output alternators at 160 amps, 200, and 220 amps... any one deal with these set ups? is it a plug and play set up? or is it going to require a wider belt and pully set up... ( i think i saw that mentioned on the 220amp option..) And will a higher output alternator pretty well just solve the issue? Seems it should with a battery that holds a good charge yet... thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

[SHAWSKI]

My humble opinion, add a battery. Dual batteries is the way to go for a plow truck.

It's about storage more than anything. Leave the alt alone but invest in some dual battery rugging and a second battery.

Hate to add more, but I also like to have matching batteries when I run dual batteries.

[K_Josh87]

would you run an isolator or just run two new matching batteries just like in a diesel? (that was my original idea i guess)

[SHAWSKI]

I don't run an isolator in mine. Its been set up the same way for 25 years. Still working. (Many sets if batteries during that time)

[SHAWSKI]

Just be careful to not hook them in series. You don't want 24V lol.

[K_Josh87]

yes, That would not work to swell! Well, that was kind of my original plan, and probably what I will do, then I got looking and found the high output alternators, and also when looking up videos and what not saw the isolator switch blah blah blah... however, originally figured I could find room for second battery, find a way to fasten it in, a couple new cables and there ya go... seems simple enough to me...