are 2 batteries really necessary?

[nubiecanobie]

Hey all, I haven't posted in a while. Hope everyone's ride is doing well.

I have only one battery installed in the 88 7.3 E350 and it never failed to start this winter. I'd wait for the wts light to go out and within 1/4 second of cranking it would fire right up and idle smoothly. The coldest I've started it was 9 F. I installed a reman IP and new injectors last summer and I'm sure that helped but, are 2 batteries really necessary? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

[Mr_Roboto]

Ford (or any automaker) will not spend a dime that is not necessary. That includes your second battery.

Whether or not there will be negative consequences to running with only one battery is hard to say.

[Super_Dave]

I agree. But I did run a couple weeks in the summer with only one battery waiting for another to arrive at the place I get my batteries from.

[bork]

If the engine doesnt start right away or glow plugs stay on too long, I would think the amp drop would cripple you quickly. I used to run the little lawn tractor battery in my race boat (weight saving)But if it doesnt start right away, your stuck. Also, I wander if the starter would get a little hotter quicker with reduced amps/volt drop?