Dual alternators?

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Jul 1, 2004 | 06:27 PM

#16

Saxon

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Tuned

Joined: Oct 2001

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From: Pelzer, SC

Thanks a lot blackhat620. That was most informative.

Jul 2, 2004 | 12:44 AM

#17

blackhat620

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZBeeble

I don't know how many people have thought about alternators in this forum, but an option to dual alternators is a replacement higher capacity and higher efficiency alternator.I've been keeping a list of mods that I'd like to do and the alternators available at http://www.ceniehoff.com/ seem like really good units.
The Ford dual alternator setup involves an extra serpantine belt ... which is giving problems by some posts ... and isn't available for the 'X, among other things. These guys are offering more efficient and higher capacity alternators ... which is certainly an option for people wanting more power in their trucks.

Here is a Broadcast from FMC for single alternator trucks.

Low Charging System Voltage Under High Load Conditions--Single Alternator Trucks:
Some trucks with single alterantors may exhibit low changing system and battery voltage during high load conditions, such as plowing snow, spreading salt, or running lighting. If the condition occurs only when running these added accessories, there is a 140 amp replacement alternator available--P/N 4C3Z-10346-BA; that may be purchased. Keep in mind the effectiveness of the larger alternator will vary due to component age design and use. Broadcast Message 1036

Jul 2, 2004 | 08:19 PM

#18

mobandy

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Joined: Apr 2004

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Quote:

From blackhat620: When both batteries are wired in parallel the voltage remains the same 12V but the storage capacity and cranking amps are increased. Do to the properties of DC electricity when the batteries are hooked in parallel they always try to have an equal amount of storage between each battery (the batteries always want to be at equal pressure). Therefore the stronger battery is always trying to charge the weaker battery. Think of DC electricity acting the same way as water. If a series of water tanks are hooked together they will always have an equal pressure and stored amount among all tanks.

Actually with both batteries in parallel they only have to be the same voltage. There is no reason that the storage capacity (Amp-Hours) has to be the same, electrically speaking. The water analogy is an excellent one and if you consider that you could have a 12 ft tall (representing 12V) swimming pool connected to a 12 ft tall drinking glass you can easily visualize that both will equalize at 12 ft and at that point neither will "charge the other" and they have nowhere near the same capacity. I'm not saying that it is a bad idea to replace both batteries at the same time. In practice it is sound advice. There is just no electrical reason that the batteries have to be "matched" other than being the same voltage.

Regards,

Morris

Jul 4, 2004 | 11:17 PM

#19

Mud Doc

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Texas

One reason for the dual alts is the extra power available for extra electrical loading--I have a 2000 watt inverter hardwired to the battery and so far I haven't found anything that I can't run as long as the truck is idling. Really nice for mudslides and margaritas when drycamping.

Jul 5, 2004 | 08:21 AM

#20

rocknmud

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From: N.H.

Mud Doc, I like your thinking!

Jul 5, 2004 | 01:12 PM

#21

tn mac

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There may not be a electrical reason to replace 2 battery at the same time but I can tell you from experience if you replace 1 in less then a week you will replace the other. so you might as well replace them both.

Jul 5, 2004 | 02:52 PM

#22

jasfaa

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From: Snohomish, Washington

the reason is the weaker battery will drain the new battery because it is trying to compensate to the same level

Jul 6, 2004 | 02:02 AM

#23

Orangeoutlaw

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 152

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From: NorCal ,ca

I bought the dual alt option in my 04' 6.0 because I plan to put an insane stereo system in the rig. What I would like to know is if I should hook up the stereo to just one alternator, i.e. the 140a primary, or to both?

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Jul 6, 2004 | 02:05 AM

#24

Orangeoutlaw

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: NorCal ,ca

P.S. The stereo system will be running around 3000 watts RMS continous power (appx. 6000 peak) at full volume.

Jul 6, 2004 | 09:22 AM

#25

ZBeeble

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Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 319

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From: Oshawa/Ontario/Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by coogan1

The point is likely moot: I don't believe you can hook up to only one alternator. Given the description of how the PCM works the two alternators, it's not likely wise, either.

That said, 3000 watts is 250 A at 12V (obviously 6000 watts is 500 A at 12V). You might want an auxilliary idle controller since each alternator might only make 80 or 90 amps at idle.

Jul 7, 2004 | 07:54 PM

#26

mobandy

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Joined: Apr 2004

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Quote:

From coogan1: P.S. The stereo system will be running around 3000 watts RMS continous power (appx. 6000 peak) at full volume.

I think "insane" is an extreme understatement. Zbeeble's assessment

Quote:

3000 watts is 250 A at 12V

of your power source requirements is quite accurate for what you are saying. I think you need to have a look at the cable size required for 500 A. If you do what you claim you are going to do, (and yes it is conceiveable), I think you need to hang as many alternators and batteries on the vehicle as you can possibly make room for. When you get it done crank it up so I can hear it. It shouldn't matter where you are, as long as you are in the USA, (lol).

Good luck,

Morris

Jul 14, 2004 | 06:37 PM

#27

mikeyG9

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Joined: May 2004

Posts: 37

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From: Morris, CT

Mud Doc
I have the dual alternators planning for an inverter install. What brand do you have and how is it installed? Remote outlets/switch? Where is it located?
Thanks,
Mikey G.