I want to install four l.e.d strobe lights (two front in the grill and two rear against the inside of the rear cab glass) as better emergency flashers (really just for kicks) and I want to install a police or fire type siren on my truck (again for kicks).

Also contemplating four driving lights on my roll bar as well as a digital scanner and a cb radio.

For all these electrical add-on's will I need to upgrade my alternator or what would be the best approach.

I wouldn't be using these gizmo's very much simply because there more for fun so because they won't be used all the time I want to install them proper so when i do play they will work.

Suggestions?

 

I'm sure it could be done, but to be honest, if you're only going to be using your toys occasionally, I don't think you'd need a higher output alternator.

Even if your toys drew more than the alternator could put through, it would start drawing against your battery. And with your alternator plugging away it would take a LONG time to drain it.

I'd install your stuff and give it a shot...I think you'll be surprised....

 

try alternator parts.com.bought a high output for service truck a year ago.good people to deal with.

 

'05 F150 SCAB.

I'm currently running a Motorola mobile radio; scanner; siren w/siren control box; conventional flashers behind the grill; LED Slimlighter above dash; flip down LED lights on sun visor (auto on when dropped down - mercury switch); Sirius unit. I didn't see any need to upgrade my alternator and I live in "hell" very cold climate, lots of snow.

 

Pinky and ISU . . .PLEEEEEASE make galleries . . . you guys (all of us) have no idea how helpful they can be to those planning similar things to what you already have.
for instance. . . i have wanted to see what a rollbar would look like on our trucks and im sure there are pictures out there somewhere but every picture helps. you'rs might be a different design or different brand that a person might want to try. Also, all the lights and gadgets attached to your truck ISU might help someone contemplating the same thing.

etc etc etc

thanks guys

as far as the topic goes . . . i thought these trucks already came with a high output alternator??

 

Define "high output"

My 2006 Freightliner Columbia tractor has only a 160 amp alternator...F150s come with a 130....

 

Not familiar with your area, but here it is against the law to put a siren in your vehicle " just for fun......". If you are not a police officer, fire department officer, or EMT you can be arrested...................

 

LEDs require very little energy. The siren is a bad idea all around. In most states it is in fact against the law for a private citizen to have a siren installed on their vehicles and some restrict you from having scanning capabilities of police/fire/ems agencies in your vehicles if you are not affiliated... be sure to check your states laws... if you care. Your "just for kicks" could get you in a lot of trouble! The lights on your roll bar of course would only be able to be on when you are off road, so I don't really see any need for an upgrade unless you plan on having them on for hours at a time.

 

high out put anything over 100 . . . compared to my old 94 that had a like 65 or 70 or something.

i remember one of the most coveted "mods" was to put a 90 amp alternator from like a lincon or something or hell a 110 or something from some other truck . . . lol

 

It is illegal to have such equipment on your vehicle if you are not officially authorized to use it.

The only reason why we have such high output alternators on our emergency vehicles is because of charging issues when at idle...in which case we activate a high idle switch which is usually tied to the emergency brake. The other reason is for the rear A/C compressor. Some LEDs and sire box would not necessitate a new alternator.

 

Again, forget the idea if it is " just for kicks "; no one wants to hear a siren on any vehicle " just for kicks. " That is what official vehicles for fire departments, police departments, and emergency response vehicles are for!

 

I just reread the post a little closer....are you serious man? Spend your money somewhere else. That equipment you're talking about is not "for kicks" or for "playing around".

I discourage all of you from contributing information to this post to help this guy succeed with his modifications.

No lay person needs to have emergency lights, a siren and scanner in their car. This is just asking for trouble.

We don't need any more people impersonating public officials...with all of the added homeland security stuff, impersonating public safety WILL LAND YOU IN JAIL.