do both batteries charge with 1 trickle charger

[walesmarine]

I am leaving my truck parked for 6 months and want to install a charger so batteries don't fail do I need a charger for each battery

 

[crash68]

The batteries in the Cummins trucks are wired in parallel to each other, only one trickle charger needed for both batteries.

 

[walesmarine]

Thank you last year I didn't put a charger on it and lost both batteries

 

[Wild one]

Thank you last year I didn't put a charger on it and lost both batteries

If it's gonna sit that long,disconnect both batteries,and put a trickle charger on each battery.

 

[Tulecreeper]

If it's gonna sit that long,disconnect both batteries,and put a trickle charger on each battery.

Why need to disconnect them. The trickle charger should maintain both even when still connected. Besides, I think he may have some initial problems if he disconnected them for that long and then hooked it back up again. I'm envisioning all sorts of bells and whistles and codes popping up after sitting so long without power to the ECM and everything else. But I could be wrong.

 

[crash68]

If it's gonna sit that long,disconnect both batteries,and put a trickle charger on each battery.

I'm not sure I'd separate the batteries, it's best to keep the charge level identical as much as possible. If one battery goes bad on a Cummins truck, both batteries should be replaced at the same time.
Something like the NOCO Genius 5 (or 10) model will have no problems maintaining both batteries. It can be "hardwired" with just having to unplug the charger cable.

NOCO - 5-Amp Smart Battery Charger - GENIUS5

The GENIUS5 is a 5-amp battery charger, battery maintainer, and battery desulfator for 6-volt and 12-volt batteries.

no.co

 

[Wild one]

Why need to disconnect them. The trickle charger should maintain both even when still connected. Besides, I think he may have some initial problems if he disconnected them for that long and then hooked it back up again. I'm envisioning all sorts of bells and whistles and codes popping up after sitting so long without power to the ECM and everything else. But I could be wrong.

I disconnect the battery on both the truck and 2019 Challenger every time they're gonna sit for more then week,and every winter both are disconnected for upwards of 6 months.I've never had any issues,the Challenger has to sit for an hour or 2 after a battery disconnect to regain it's Drag mode with it's factory line lock and transmission brake,but that's the only issue. Most he'd encounter is having to let it sit for a few hours after hooking them back up. Why keep all the modules engerized for 6 months if the trucks gonna sit,if anything that's gonna hurt them more then anything.
I'm no fan of keeping the batteries hooked up,if you're not using the vehicle,as i don't think it helps prolong any of the electrical system.

 

[18CrewDually]

Plus the added level of anti-theft when they're disconnected.

 

[Wild one]

Plus the added level of anti-theft when they're disconnected.

Now thats a good point,lol. When i'm staying at a hotel with the truck,i always turn both disconnect switches off on it,with the idea they'll move onto something else that's easier to steal. The one in the back bumper is to make the truck NHRA legal,as it shuts the truck down,but doesn't kill the whole electrical system,the other one on the battery box kills everything on the truck .

 

[James T Collins]

My 1998.5 Ram has an automatic transmission. For those who are unaware, electronic noise from the alternator can cause unwanted shifting. I've worked on this issue for many years and feel somewhat knowledgeable.

So... what does this have to do with battery maintenance? Very little, but I've learned a lot about batteries. Since the two batteries in parallel are wired together, the alternator will focus on charging the weakest battery whether that battery is accepting the charge or not. Lesson #1 - buy new batteries in pairs.

Lead acid batteries should last indefinitely if properly maintained. Cleanliness and proper charging is only the beginning. What ruins a lead acid battery in 3 or 4 years is sulfur deposits accumulating at the bottom of the cells and growing like stalactites on the plates. These grow slowly during the charge/discharge routine.

Although these deposits can be physically removed (1970's technology,) now it is possible to do it electronically. This is accomplished by subjecting the sulfuric acid solution in the cells to a high voltage or high frequency pulse which induces the sulfur to leave the deposits and go back into the solution.

This process is slow since we are moving individual atoms/molecules. I like to use a trickle charger that is also a de-sulfator. Any time you are not using the vehicle, trickle charge and simultaneously de-sulfate the batteries together with individual connections to the batteries via a "Y" harness.

My favorite charger/de-sulfator is made by BatteryMINDer. Northern Tool sells them. Note that there are many different manufacturers with similar names. BatteryMINDer uses the high frequency pulse. AGM/glass matte batteries are lead acid, but require a slightly different device than their flooded brethren.

Lesson #2 - use these things religiously on every thing from your truck to the lawn mower. An abused battery may or may not recover. A new battery is a no-brainer.

I have not had to replace a properly maintained lead acid battery on any of my many machines in 15 years. The oldest is in my classic Datsun pickup which recently tested at 96%.

 

[06 Dodge]

My 1998.5 Ram has an automatic transmission. For those who are unaware, electronic noise from the alternator can cause unwanted shifting. I've worked on this issue for many years and feel somewhat knowledgeable.

So... what does this have to do with battery maintenance? Very little, but I've learned a lot about batteries. Since the two batteries in parallel are wired together, the alternator will focus on charging the weakest battery whether that battery is accepting the charge or not. Lesson #1 - buy new batteries in pairs.

Lead acid batteries should last indefinitely if properly maintained. Cleanliness and proper charging is only the beginning. What ruins a lead acid battery in 3 or 4 years is sulfur deposits accumulating at the bottom of the cells and growing like stalactites on the plates. These grow slowly during the charge/discharge routine.

Although these deposits can be physically removed (1970's technology,) now it is possible to do it electronically. This is accomplished by subjecting the sulfuric acid solution in the cells to a high voltage or high frequency pulse which induces the sulfur to leave the deposits and go back into the solution.

This process is slow since we are moving individual atoms/molecules. I like to use a trickle charger that is also a de-sulfator. Any time you are not using the vehicle, trickle charge and simultaneously de-sulfate the batteries together with individual connections to the batteries via a "Y" harness.

My favorite charger/de-sulfator is made by BatteryMINDer. Northern Tool sells them. Note that there are many different manufacturers with similar names. BatteryMINDer uses the high frequency pulse. AGM/glass matte batteries are lead acid, but require a slightly different device than their flooded brethren.

Lesson #2 - use these things religiously on every thing from your truck to the lawn mower. An abused battery may or may not recover. A new battery is a no-brainer.

I have not had to replace a properly maintained lead acid battery on any of my many machines in 15 years. The oldest is in my classic Datsun pickup which recently tested at 96%.

I got almost 14 years out of my batteries in my 2006 Dodge 2500 w/5.9 Cummins, I never once put them on a charger of any kind, they were used in temps from -30 below winter to 95-105 Midwest summers...