New member in Philippines

[Chris Edwards]

Hi! I'm a British Expat Sport Trac owner here since 2002. The vehicle's main purpose is a biennial trek to the province,on-road but at times that is close to off-road, given the state of the roads here! The rest of the time the vehicle doesn't do very much as we economize on gas by using a car. Which has prompted a question because this style of usage has meant, amongst other things, short battery life...and this question prompted me to find explorerforum.
It looks really useful, especially for anyone here in the Philippines where it's a bit difficult sometimes to get repairs done on such a vehicle.
Having starting problems the other day I found that it could start with a smaller 50AH battery substituted. And so I just wondered if I could use a smaller battery than the 65AH size Ford recommend on the next battery change? We have no extra electronic equipment. And certainly a lot cheaper! Given my usage perhaps easier to keep charged? One drawback would be in the case of alternator failure. Are there any others?
It would be good also to connect with other Sport Trac owners here in the Philippines.

Chris Edwards

 

[IZwack]

Mabuhay fellow Filipino. Yes you can use a smaller battery. However, for long trips to remote places, either carry another battery or travel with at least one more vehicle in the group so you can jump start the vehicle should you find yourself with a dead battery.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You should use the size that is recommended for your vehicle.

 

[LONO100]

also a fellow filipino here! have fun, that country is beautiful. hoping to make my first trip there this year or next.

 

[MaBs413]

Hello guys. I thought I was the only Filipino on this blog...

 

[SLewis]

I'm not Filipino but I was stationed at Clark AB Mar 87-Mar 90. I enjoyed MOST of my time while there....summer of 87 was when the NPA (I think that is what they called them) killed 5 American Airmen. So we spend different times with different levels of curfew (even if you lived offbase). It was roughly 50/50 with the locals wanting us there...beautiful country and loved the scuba diving there!

I would also recommend the battery called for your truck. Yes a smaller one might start it but as it ages it will get to where it won't. If your battery is dying because of non-use then disconnect the battery when you know you will park for long period of time or put a master shut-off switch on your truck.


Steve