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2024 Ram 1500 — second battery versus portable power station — Chicago owner question

BrakeGuy390Community StarterMar 26, 20262024 Ram 1500 LimitedChicago
2024 Ram 1500 Limited, about 42,500 miles. I want reliable fridge/lights/device power for weekend trips without making the vehicle electrical system unnecessarily complicated.
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10 replies

BatteryLearner102Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 26, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Ram 1500 and see if the fault moves. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “second battery versus portable power station —,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
BatteryWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMar 26, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2024 Ram 1500, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
DieselGal547Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 27, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2024 Ram 1500, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
BrakeGuy390Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 28, 2026permalink
I went back under the 2024 Ram 1500 and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. Checking again after work.
DieselGal547Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 27, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Capture voltage while the 2024 Ram 1500 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Save the big job until that test fails. On “second battery versus portable power station —,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Chicago with 42,500 miles. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
TowEnthusiast444Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 28, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Ram 1500 is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. I'll update if anything new shows up.
BatteryLearner102Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 27, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Ram 1500 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Chicago with 42,500 miles. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
BrakeGuy390Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 27, 2026permalink
Cleared nothing. I want service to see the alert on the 2024 Ram 1500 first. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
WeekendDaily603Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 27, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Ram 1500 is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Chicago with 42,500 miles. No need to make it theatrical. Make the next action something you can finish this week. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
TrackCommuter97Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 28, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Ram 1500 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “second battery versus portable power station —,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
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