I just installed an electric fuel pump and I have an aftermarket radio, but I'm looking to install a cb. will all that be to much for the stock charging system or should I get a bigger alternator...
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More important than having a hi-output alternator is ensuring the CB is properly installed with adequate grounding and bonding. I want to eventually do a CB radio install in my Bullnose truck, but I've already done a 3G alternator upgrade (I also installed a ham radio in my classic Oldsmobile). Just make sure your alternator and battery cables are healthy and you should be set. BTW, what year is your truck?

 

1993

 

Your truck came with a 3G alternator from the factory. That will have plenty of current capacity for a CB radio install. Have you decided what CB, mount and antenna to buy?

 

I'm thinking about getting a cobra and a 50" antenna

 

If you want an antenna about 5ft. long I suggest a Firestick.

Firestik II "FS Series" CB Antennas

You can use the VSWR function of your radio and tune the length of the antenna for a minimum value.

 

Alrighty thanks for the suggestion, do you think it would be good to mount on my mirror

 

Ideally, the antenna should be mounted in the center of the roof.

Here's a good supplier of CB radio equipment. They'd be the place to get a magnet or mirror mount.

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/c...ns/cb-antennas

 

the CB only uses a 1 or 2 amp fuse. fuel pump under 5 amps. aftermarket radio the same, under 5 amps.
so the three items will draw less power than a single headlight bulb, which is nothing for power drain on alternator.

 

Maybe the unspoken part is a 200 watt or more linear.

 

Well than that is a different animal!
but even that should not draw more than around 20 amps or so.

 

Even the fancy Cobra 29 XL only draws 4 Watts of power.

https://www.cobra.com/products/29lx

I'd definitely recommend watching some videos on installing a CB radio. There's alot to know about mounting, grounding and bonding.

 

Cobra 29ltd

 

dads 70 Nova with 30 amp alt had no issues with a CB when i was a kid.

Think he still has the CB in the garage

 

when running a linear you want low output from the radio. between 1 and 2 watts output. that will give you best performance from the linear. anything over around 4 watts out of the radio will destroy the linear.
i run a connex CX 33 HPC in my kenworth. AM-FM 10 meter transmitter. running rite around 75 watts. with twin Wilson 5000 antennas i am good for around 20 miles AM and at least 300 FM.
i have it limited at 75 watts because i learned many years ago anything more than 100 watts interferes with the trucks computer and tends to shut the engine down