i think my stock battery or alternator is dying?

[hayden55]

Hi, so I've had my current system since the end of march. Kind of just a starter system nothing special. Pioneer head unit, Rockford 6x8. Kicker zx750. 0 gauge wire. Cheapo 1.5f cap. Sundown sa-8. I have noticed the cranking performance of my truck has declined the last two months. Just poor performance but will crank and my headlights would dim when I had my system up. Now its been two weeks since I punched a hole in the dust cap in my sa-8 so I havent used it since and my truck still has a hard time cranking. It sound like its not going to crank at all but always cranks on the first try. Do you think I might have issues with my electrical system? Does anybody know of any good deep cycle batteries? What are your opinions on big three upgrade?

[Pioneerchuck]

If it still turns over and fires right away then it doesnt really sound like you have a problem at all. The companies most are going to recommend for batteries would be XS Power, Kinetic, Deka, Duracell, and sometimes Odyssey(iffy). As for big 3 upgrade if you plan on going big in the future just get it out of the way now and do some Sky High 2/0 OFC cable for your big 3. Itll save you time and money later on down the road.

[hayden55]

so I just have a junk battery. What level should I go for for under 300$?

[Wicks]

Have a DMM (voltmeter)?

What is the resting voltage of the battery?

What is the voltage with the vehicle running?

Big 3 is always a great idea regardless of the level of aftermarket equipment.

[hayden55]

I can't do big three right now because of my parents. But on the next vehicle I will. I figure I can take the battery with me and my speakers to the next vehicle. Or upgrade to nicer speakers... But Yeah I be seen big three. Very cool.

[Josef344]

Don't cheap out on electrical.
It's the most important part of the system.

Go look for the biggest AGM battery that can fit under the hood.

Big 3 is a necessity, as Wicks stated "it's a great idea".

Just pay attention to your voltage and get a better battery, you should be good.

Remember even a .02 voltage drop could possibly dim your head lights.

[hayden55]

Don't cheap out on electrical.

It's the most important part of the system.

Go look for the biggest AGM battery that can fit under the hood.

Big 3 is a necessity, as Wicks stated "it's a great idea".

Just pay attention to your voltage and get a better battery, you should be good.

Remember even a .02 voltage drop could possibly dim your head lights.

cheap out? my parents will flip the f****. they told me im borrowing my truck from them and not to modify.

I hardly got in my stereo equipment. Im getting a new car in the fall and im gonna go all out then.

[kandiman71874]

2 worst times of year for a battery to do its job are summer do to the heat and winter due to the cold, If you have a jacked or weak battery, this is the time of year it will show its issues.

And considering where you live, i know the heat is affecting it...

[ROLEXrifleman]

I think the biggest factor affecting you right now is your parents!

Unless they are mechanics tell them to stay out from under the hood and mind their business. a good split loom job and they will never know the difference. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission.

[Bradprobert]

I would just continue to save your money for when you get your new vehicle. If your parents said no then so what; they said no for a reason weather they know anything about what you're wanting to do or not.