Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?

[Ericb760]

How many do I need for a 89' Winnie Chieftain on a P30 Chevy 7.4 liter 454?

[akeagle]

Here's an arguably simplistic but adequate description of the need for high CCA batteries:

When in a cold climate batteries tend to lose some of their power due to the increased resistance in the wiring, circuitry, and the starter. Thus, having a battery with the greatest CCA capability will give an extra cushion of power to compensate for this potential loss.

On the other hand, in hot weather locations such as yours obviously the cold isn't a significant issue, but the heat sure is because the A/C(s) will be running a lot. That causes a high drain on the batteries and strains the whole charging system. Again, high CCA batteries will more easily withstand the more constant high demand for power.

I just bought an 880 CCA Interstate battery partly because the original 720 CCA battery in our 2016 Minnie Winnie was starting to give out, and partly because we anticipate extended travel in the Southwest in the summer. It cost about $170.00 but I now have confidence we won't have any battery issues either here in Alaska or on the road in the Southwest.

[Ericb760]

Originally Posted by akeagle

Here's an arguably simplistic but adequate description of the need for high CCA batteries:

When in a cold climate batteries tend to lose some of their power due to the increased resistance in the wiring, circuitry, and the starter. Thus, having a battery with the greatest CCA capability will give an extra cushion of power to compensate for this potential loss.

On the other hand, in hot weather locations such as yours obviously the cold isn't a significant issue, but the heat sure is because the A/C(s) will be running a lot. That causes a high drain on the batteries and strains the whole charging system. Again, high CCA batteries will more easily withstand the more constant high demand for power.

Considering that more CCA's cost more $$$$, and I'm working within a budget, what would be the recommended CCA for my hot weather environment?

[Eagle5]

When CCAs were introduced in the early 70s, they were meant to be an approximation of the displacement of a gasoline engine with a typical compression ratio. So, for your 454, you need a battery with at least 454 CCA.

[Ericb760]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[rverosloff1]

I took my batteries out last fall to store inside for the winter now I can remember exactly how they go for the coach ones. there are three, two for the engine but they are easy. It is on a 2006 journey.

[carlwatson]

Originally Posted by Ericb760

How many do I need for a 89' Winnie Chieftain on a P30 Chevy 7.4 liter 454?

everything I can find on the 450 States you need 750 cold cranking amps also keep in mind you're going to be running running lights headlights marker lights and so on plus your main engine alternator also charges your house batteries during operation I have a 1999 chieftain of course mine has the V10 do not scrimp on amps for your starting or you will pay for it because of voltage drop during starting and your 12 volt system will suffer due to low voltage and higher amperage.

[carlwatson]

Originally Posted by Eagle5

When CCAs were introduced in the early 70s, they were meant to be an approximation of the displacement of a gasoline engine with a typical compression ratio. So, for your 454, you need a battery with at least 454 CCA.

CCA stands for cold cranking amps that is the required amperage to be put to the starter to be able to turn the engine over fast enough to cause ignition has nothing to do with the cubic inches . It is determined by the gear ratio between the starter and the flywheel and the horsepower needed to turn the engine over.

[carlwatson]

Did find one site @ 540 CCA but be sure your AC is off and no lights are on!