Supplemental Heater?
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Admittedly, I did only go by the window sticker since in my previous truck the window sticker indicated dual alternators so I made an assumption... and we all know what that means LOL. My bad and I stand corrected. I did in fact go out and confirm 2 alternators are present.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
I had planned to install a winch on mine, but discovered that they require dual alternators (from what I've seen thus far).
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 975
From: Walpole, MA
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,433
I had planned to install a winch on mine, but discovered that they require dual alternators (from what I've seen thus far).
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
The supplemental heater is not worthwhile, even if it is possible to install after build. It's buried inside the dash. I know I wouldn't want my dash tore apart for a little warm air.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
I had planned to install a winch on mine, but discovered that they require dual alternators (from what I've seen thus far).
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
I wonder how much it will run to install the second alternator, or whether it's even viable? If I did install the second one (to support a winch), does anyone know if the supplemental heater option is plug-and-play (for curiosity sake)?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
Like 4WD said, I don't think dual alternators are required for a winch. I've had many trucks, dating back to mid 70's, with a winch and never had dual alternators. I think some of those trucks had about 60A alternators. In any case, a winch is probably going to pull more amps than even a big alternator supplies; the key is to have enough battery power and know when to stop pulling and let things rest.
After looking at what's involved with adding the second alternator, I think I'm gonna take a hard pass on that option (too dang expensive, and way too much work).
Thanks for the feedback (both yourself and 4WD), much appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
It depends on how you intend to use the winch. If you need to use the full weight rating of the winch (say all 12k pounds), you are going to need roughly 470 amps for a WARN 12k pound winch, give or take. Many folks driving around with their factory winch think it will pull what it is rated for but that is not necessarily the case. If you rig it up properly and use various ****** blocks, you can help it out but if you just use the line and small gauge wiring hoping for a full pull, it's not going to happen. It will overheat way before it gets to a full pull. For best results, run as many amps as you can and wire your winch with 2/0, 3/0, or 4/0 wire for best results. They all get hot (some sooner than others) so keep an eye on them especially if you run synthetic line. I have seen a few folks melt their line to the drum because they did not pay attention and the mounting of the Ford winch makes it difficult to gauge what is going on unless you crawl under there and keep an eye on it.
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The Incredible Sloth
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Oct 25, 2011 06:16 PM
