Changing the Battery

bgetz · 11-22-2004, 05:29 PM

On our 2004 I was lying under the truck cleaning the exhaust and frame off prior to putting her away and noticed the battery location.
After reading the owners manual, I still don't see how removal / exchange would be done.
I did learn how to jump it in case of a dead battery.

SSR290 · 11-22-2004, 06:55 PM

The battery cover( plastic) is removed by removing two screws on the lower back of the holder. Pull the cover back just a bit then pull down. It slides into a channel at the top.

To remove the battery, loosen the bolts on each side of the holder, then the bottom of the unit will slide back and tilt down toward the back. The unit will not drop to the ground, but will give you enough room to disconnect the cables.

While your under the back you might want to check to be sure that the plastic door that covers the rear tonneau cover release unit is closed. This is located behind the driver rear wheel. It is a tight area and is hard to get to door to latch. May have come open during shipping if it was not closed right during assembly.
While you are there test your manual release tool.

11-23-2004, 05:34 AM

Any ideas as to where to mount a battery maintainer for winter storage?

Doug Adkins · 11-23-2004, 09:10 PM

Go to Napa Auto or any other auto parts store buy a two sided bolt for battery cables take out the battery bolts in your cables replace with two sided bolt one side is bigger for terminal then tighten it down other side is smaller slide on a battery TENDER wire terminal one on each terminal tighten with nut supplied slide battery tender wire thru space cut out in plastic box replace cover wrap battery tender wire around bottom of frame and when you setting for awhile plug in Battery tender will keep you charged up to 80% all the time will automatic shut off called a floating charge also will prolong the battery life do this with all my Harleys and some of my cars its trouble free and takes about 20min and the cost is around 39.00 or so hope this helps you thru the winter and its good all the time for all vehicles Doug.

joel · 11-23-2004, 09:59 PM

forget messing with the battery; buy the battery tender, cut off the end and replace with a male cigarette lighter power cord end. MAKE SURE YOU WIRE WITH THE POSITIVE LEAD TO THE CENTER OF THE PLUG. Then you just plug in @ ashtray or I use the accessory receptacle in cargo bay. You can leave the bed cover open; the lights go out automatically in a short time.

11-24-2004, 04:38 AM

I already have the maintainer and was wondering where the best place was to mount it. Two good ideas, thanks!

WindsuppreSSR · 11-24-2004, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Miller

I already have the maintainer and was wondering where the best place was to mount it. Two good ideas, thanks!

Here's another even easier. Last year I had one on mine came in under the hood area and hooked up to the spot they tell you to jump start the car from. Worked fine. I didn't have to alter anything.

grimmye · 09-10-2006, 10:15 AM

If I want to buy a battery "maintainer" what do I acutally call it and where is best place to buy one.

Dave Price · 09-10-2006, 10:44 AM

I put my '04 redline in storage for the winter but my mini storage place has no power. Has anyone used a solar powered battery charger ? How well did it work and what would be the best one.

Thanks

The Kid · 09-10-2006, 11:41 AM

I obtained a 115V battery trickel feed from Sears. Installed it under the hood to the L, works like a charm.

On the solar issue -- ck @ Bass Pro shops

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...=SearchResults they have one for $29.00

The Kid · 09-10-2006, 11:51 AM

This looks to be a good choice for the 115V type

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...966270/c-10101

rj5620 · 09-13-2006, 06:00 AM

Battery Tender Plus with optional Cig plug is a great unit. Have used it for two years.

http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?p=DEL-021-0128

Mike in AZ · 09-13-2006, 07:29 AM

I prefer to use the alternator.

I use it at least 4 times per week.

I've never, ever had a battery issue in the winter.

Mikey

XSELER8 · 09-13-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike in AZ

I prefer to use the alternator.

I use it at least 4 times per week.

I've never, ever had a battery issue in the winter.

Mikey

Perfect answer- but we're stuck with Winter. Snow-salt-dead batteries...I'm getting depressed

Mike in AZ · 09-13-2006, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XSELER8

Perfect answer- but we're stuck with Winter. Snow-salt-dead batteries...I'm getting depressed

Lead-acid batteries last an average of 22 months in Phoenix. This is based on statistical data gathered over the last few years. They never get any deep draw usage and form a float charge... but.... The real killer is the heat. They swell on the ends and then suddenly one of the cells becomes open. It happens without much warning.

This is such a common problem that when we pull the battery out and haul it to Costco, they don't even ask any questions. I try to not let the battery go past 24 months between changes.

Regards

Scheide · 09-13-2006, 08:03 PM

Joel is right. Buy your Tender, plug into cig. lighter type receptical in cargo area, (R.R. corner) leave t-gate ajar, plug power cord into wall and forget. I used mine all last winter, checked for the green light couple times. Stored inside with form fitting cover. All was well at spring time. Only problem, "Winter was too long"!