I am currently running the Diehard platinum battery now, looking to add a second battery now though. Do I have to use the same battery? Or can I opt for something different, maybe a diehard gold?

 

I'd use at least another AGM, even if it's not the Odyssey/Platinum.

 

does not have to be the same brand but should be the same spec.s

 

First, can I ask why, what sort of amp issues are you dealing with?
I have always read, in the past, that if you are running duals, especially if not using any sort of switching device, that you always run the same.
I run dual Yellow Tops, non-switched, and they have worked well for me. What other battery were you thinking about using instead of that great Sears battery?
Then of course there is the issue os switching or not, I never did, why pay all the experience, but that is my feeling?

 

u use a VSR so that if there is a drain somewhere you dont have two dead batteries. you always have one to start the truck.

 

That is the normal response, awfully expensive fix and I have never had a dead battery in 10 years with mine. I just have a hard time justifing a couple hundred expense when there are so many areas on our Disco to put that money.

 

It all depends on how you plan on using it. If you plan on using it for times your truck is off for things like light power tools or lighting, then a deep cycle (ie yellow tops) with an isolator circuit would be your best bet. This way it'll charge when the truck is on but not drain your starting battery when in use. You can also wire a bypass switch in place for a self jump start if the situation ever were to arise.

If you're looking for a setup to deal with high load situations such as winching, running tools, or any other high amp configurations then you'll probably want dual deep cycles since starting batteries aren't meant to have sustained high current draws.

 

Says the guy that says he has FIVE hid lamps in his signature.

A lot of stuff people put on their trucks is either "nice to have" but not required or just plain bling. If you want something, you'll find a way to justify the cash. If you don't want it, you'll justify something else for your cash.

 

Well, if you liked to do night runs like many people, then yes, I have a handle full of HID's actually having recently changed out my head light HID, I now run dual HID in each head light for a total of 70 watts a side, giving me 7 HIDs.
So what does this have to do with the issue of dual batteries and different set ups?

 

if you are spending $200 on a second battery spend another $80 for a VSR and protect your investment.