What alternator amperage?
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
What alternator amperage?
- How do I determine:
- The amperage spec of the installed alternator
- The actual amperage output of the installed alternator
- If I add an extra 50 amps of continuous draw, then will it kill my alternator -or- result in it dying sooner?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 221
Likes: 84
The build sheet on the truck should tell you what the spec is on the alternator (assuming one). I think there is a tag on it, but haven't looked.
50 amps is a lot to add to the existing load. I have a dump truck with electric over hydraulic bed, and the hoist draws about 5x times the current. It draws enough at idle to cause the batteries to begin to discharge in about 30 seconds. Voltage will drop below 12 volts. If the motor was running continuously, it would drain the batteries in 10 minutes. Yours may sustain the electric load, but I would expect to wear it out (the bearings!) much sooner than normal.
50 amps is a lot to add to the existing load. I have a dump truck with electric over hydraulic bed, and the hoist draws about 5x times the current. It draws enough at idle to cause the batteries to begin to discharge in about 30 seconds. Voltage will drop below 12 volts. If the motor was running continuously, it would drain the batteries in 10 minutes. Yours may sustain the electric load, but I would expect to wear it out (the bearings!) much sooner than normal.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 814
Likes: 292
From: KY
Just think if your truck had a winch. Pulling loads can be in the 100+ amp draws on the system. Sooner than later your battery or batteries will die otherwise its just working the alt to full capacity till the batts are charged fully or normal system voltage is seen.
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