Hey..so check this out... im having to get a jump every 2-3 weeks...then the battery will run fine.

Alternator?

Sparks and wires?

Bum battery?

I have no idea whats causing the problem...anyone have any idea?

Colin

 

Check the battery to see if it is at the correct voltage. When was the last time the battery was changed? Also check the posts for corrosion as well loose connections.

 

Most auto parts stores will load test the battery and charging system for no charge. That would be a good place to start. Or for a quick charging test, see what your battery voltage is before and after starting the truck. Should be 12-12.5 volts before and 13.5-14 once the engine is running. And if the voltage checks out fine, might be a problem with the wiring to the starter (if it is not cranking over when you can't start):

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

no corrosion on the posts, the battery is about 6 months old. Ground connection appears to be solid.

Could driving gravel roads kill a battery?

 

excess vibrations to a normal lead acid battery could cause the plates inside it to short out. making for a "dead cell" in it. Like 4crawler said, get a load test done on it. Jjust because its new that doesnt mean its good. I have bought batteries in the past that were bad.

 

Yes, vibration can kill the plate-style batteries. That is why I always run an AGM (absorbed glass matt) battery like the Optima or my old Black Panther/Odyssey battery:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/BlackPanther.shtml

With no thin lead plates, the AGM batteries are very good for high vibration applications.

 

Me too, I have had the same Optima for 8 years now. No problems at all.
Now the wife has one in her car too.

 

I've seen more than my share of alternators "on the verge" of failure over the past 2-3 months. Do the test like 4crawler described but also kick on as much load as you can (i.e., high beams, a/c, etc.) and see if the voltage still holds at 13.5-14 volts.

 

alternator is replaced...we will see if the problem goes away.