larger alternator
 

i just installed (4) 130 watt kc daylights along with a jl audio 300 watt amp...is my stock alternator ok or do i need to upgrade? how can i tell if my alternator is having a problem keeping up? thanks in advance.

Re: larger alternator
 

How often do you use the lights? If you dont turn them on for more than a couple of minutes per day, I would worry about the alternator. I ahve 4 PIAA 580's and have had no problems. Plenty of folks have added amps w/o issues here as well. You should be fine unless you use all of those accessories all the time, at the same time!

Re: larger alternator
 

agreed

Re: larger alternator
 

i used them last sat night going thru the desert for a about 2 hours. i didnt have the stereo running, just the lights.

Re: larger alternator
 

i used them last sat night going thru the desert for a about 2 hours. i didnt have the stereo running, just the lights.

Re: larger alternator
 

DDWH suggested this site - http://www.trailduty.com/products/wranglernw/index.html


also, I started an alternator thread a few days ago which has a few good replies - ck it out.
I'm running 55W fogs in the front, 4 130W KC up top, 4 55W KC work lights on the side of my roof rack, removable Ramsey winch and a 15" monitor for a DVD player. I obviously never have everything on at the same time, but my worst usage would be the TV and top lights on at the same time. Rare that I would do this, but why not have a HO alternator?

Re: larger alternator
 

I may be off a little as I am relying on memory..... an that sucks.

The stock alternator is rated at something like 145amps but only puts out about 65 -85 amps at 1000RPM and idle. You chew through battery capacity if you run your lights while offroad along with running the rest of the trucks electronics and A/V. You do this several times and you diminish a regular battery's capacity to hold a full charge.

The battery is acting like a "backup" to your alternator in those situations when you draw more than the alternator can provide.

Getting the dual-battery setup and the HO alternator puts you in a failsafe position. Because even if you drain your main battery, the second would provide the cranking power to get you going and then it would take no time for the HO alternator to get your batteries back up again.

Re: larger alternator
 

Agreed. dual batts will complete the failsafe mode. Thanks.

Re: larger alternator
 

thanks guys. i am looking into the dual battery/ho alternator.