Hello,

I plan to put in a 300 watt audio system in my van. Do I need a higher output alternator?

For my Jeep Grand Cherokee, I ordered a Durango 130 amp alternator to replace the stock 90 amp one.

Don't know if any other Ford alternator with higher amp output will fit this van.

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Kin

 

Oreillys lists a 130 amp reman but it depends on your engine size. Need more data. jim

 

Your stock alternator should be sufficient. A 300 watt load@ 12v only draws 25 amps. Music, not being a steady demand, would average less than 25 amp.

 

What size fuse do you suppose the "300 watt" amplifier has protecting it? Betcha it ain't even close to a 25 amp fuse.

 

If you like to crank it up loud and are using a large subwoofer, I would spend a few dollars for an audio thumper capacitor and wiring kit, which will help smooth out the surges on the stock electrical system, but your stock 90-120 amp (I assume) alternator should be ok.

 

Thats a good point, some of these amps are rated at say, 300 watts PEAK.

Which means the actual music power (RMS) is much less.