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Yah, i have my UG displaying voltage but also the USB port i put in place of the cig lighter has a volt meter as well. Whats weird is that they almost never display the same voltage
A new battery is on my wish list..not because I'm having any problems, but because the stock battery just looks too small for a vehicle with heated seats, mirrors, and windshield.
If a group 49 AGM will fit in there, then that is what I need.
Since there is no charging voltage gauge on the dash, do you guys have your ultragauge setup to display voltage? I've never noticed any dimming lights even with everything powered on. Does the ECU control the voltage output from the alternator? Or does the alternator just have its own regulator?
Just to close this up I wanted to share what I found out. I wanted the Interstate because it is the brand I like. I found the Interstate guy in town and we went through his inventory and came up with the biggest one that could fit into the box without and modification.
It turned out to be the Group 27 (MTP-27F) which is 12 1/16" (L) x 6" (W) x 8 7/8" (H). It is considerably bigger than the group 24 and is about 6 lbs. heavier. It has slightly less CCA than the group 24 but the company rep said these were what they run in the big ford diesel trucks and were his most bulletproof battery as far as reliability. The cost was $154.
I did look at there MTZ type batteries which are built like the Optimas and cost about $250. He steered me away from these. They are rated with hellacious cranking amps but the dealer said they were unreliable (like the Optima's) in comparison. And that was coming from the guy who could have made an extra $100 selling me one. Anyway, I think I am good to go for the next blizzard. Photo below. It was a tight fit.
Group 34 Interstate with the bottom spacer has never been a problem here in PA where we get single digit temps in Winter. I do have a brand new (not rebuilt) alternator installed since this truck has been on the road so I'm sure that helps.
I specifically didn't use the 65 because of that. Also the tight fit of the 65 means it is up against the metal which will transfer vibration thru it (not good).
Also the reserve capacity on the 27 is alot higher meaning it will be better for extra lights and stuff.
The fit was perfect and it still has a tiny bit of room all around with no modification.
