snowplow,,,,,,,battery gets drained
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
snowplow,,,,,,,battery gets drained
I have a 2000 Diesel Ford truck,,,,the last few years,,,maybe twice a year the truck dies while plowing snow,,,,lights flash,,,the truck gets a jump and it is ok again,,, its starting to become an issue,,,,has anyone had this problem?? My ford Dealer has replaced the alternator and batteries twice,,,,,do I need a bigger alternator? My dealer says I don't......but what does he know? Thanks for any replies......
NH snowplower
NH snowplower
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
No plow experience here (TX), but i know that with a killer Sound system, you need to run multiple batteries, and at least on hardcore alternator to keep them all charged. The draw from the amps in the system will deplete the batteries faster than the alternator can keep them charged.
Definately get a bad boy alternator...I think.
Definately get a bad boy alternator...I think.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
yes we got the option on our 6.0 to use dual alternators, because it is a full-time plower in the winter. plus it has lots of lights to flash
it uses two belts (one off a main pulley, the tensioner, and the second alternator is all it contains) but the lights DO NOT dim at all when moving the plow, like our other trucks with single alternators do.
it uses two belts (one off a main pulley, the tensioner, and the second alternator is all it contains) but the lights DO NOT dim at all when moving the plow, like our other trucks with single alternators do.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Dual alternators is an option on the 7.3 as well as the 6.0. Should be a simple matter of going to the dealer and ordering up all the parts. Or you can get ont of the big dog high amp singles.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
you also should chk the condition of your plow motor hydraluc pump !
Have you ever changed the fluid in the resavoir(sp)?
Chk all wiring an grounds also!
We have plow trucks that have single alt.an they run just fine! yea lights dim alittle but don't shut down.
you have something else going on
Rich
Have you ever changed the fluid in the resavoir(sp)?
Chk all wiring an grounds also!
We have plow trucks that have single alt.an they run just fine! yea lights dim alittle but don't shut down.
you have something else going on
Rich
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
i have been plowing for years with several superduties, all diesel with duel batteries and i have zero problems with them and only one alternator. i know a lot of guy with one alt/bat and they ahve no problems. yes duel are better . don't waste your money it sounds like the brushes on your snowplow motor are worn . they cost approx 150.00, also check your ground wires.if your plow is 4 or 5 years old and you used it a lot the electric plow motor most likely needs to be replaced.put a amp meter on the motor and have someone use the plow and see how may amps it draws.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: Cave Springs, AR
The last few replies are dead on. Dual batteries in that diesel are plenty, there's nothing wrong with the truck. Change the fluid and filter in the plow. If that doesn't help then replace the motor in the pump. Also check all power connections, make sure they're clean and tight. Use some electrical grease to make sure they don't corode. Make sure you're using a heavy enough gauge wire. I'd say 4awg minimum. Also when I plow I leave my headlights off and try not to angle excessively. It's just habbit now, but when I had a single battery truck I had to do those things to keep from killing the truck.
Good luck.
-Jay
Good luck.
-Jay
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
What kind of plow are you running? I had both of my trucks die out and during storms. I finally figured out the '90 F250 was dying from too much draw from running the defrost on high the whole time I was out. The lights will dim but no more problems with that truck. My '00 F350 V10 dump starts out great in a storm then starts to slow down as you are plowing. New alternator and battery last year also. I run a Blizzard plow on that truck and it draws plenty of juice. I just set up another Blizzard plow on my '03 F350 5.4 pickup and was told by the mechanic to have at least a 140amp alternator to run these plows. Does anybody have 140 amp alternators and plow? Or is the route with two batteries the better way to go? Are ther kits out ther to add the batteries? Snow will be here before you know. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 5
From: NJ
tonyv781, I'm not sure about the 1990, but the 03 should have a 130A alternator already. I just installed a second battery on my 04, this is the first winter with this truck/plow for me. Perhaps check you grounds as other's have mentioned. In my one season of plowing it seems from the guys I have worked with, those with dual battery's are o.k., those without have problems.
I just posted info for a dual battery mount if you are interested, look here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=415979
The problem with high-output alternator's is A their cost and B their reliability, I have tons of experience with high output charge systems and they truly are horrible. In the limo's we service if we cannot get the oem alternator to keep up with the load, the customer get's dual oem alternators, we will not install after-market high output charge systems! In fact we remove them all the time.
I just posted info for a dual battery mount if you are interested, look here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=415979
The problem with high-output alternator's is A their cost and B their reliability, I have tons of experience with high output charge systems and they truly are horrible. In the limo's we service if we cannot get the oem alternator to keep up with the load, the customer get's dual oem alternators, we will not install after-market high output charge systems! In fact we remove them all the time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 6
From: Western New York
Check out your plow setup first because it sounds like that is your problem. Both of my plow trucks were single battery and alternator setups and I never killed either one. Because I do my plowing at night (as it is not my primary job) I plow with all my lights on along with the heater and defroster some times on high. Yes raising the plow will dim the lights a little, but I have never been stranded with either my 1977 F-150 or my current 1999 F-350 while plowing. My F-150 ran a Meyers 7.5 foot plow while my F-350 has a 8 foot Western Pro Plow and both came from Ford with the snowplow packages.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks,,,
I do remember the last snow storm last year,,,,I had to replace my electrical motor on the fisher plow ,,,,,,,,, I have read many replies that this could be the problem,,,,, I am going to see if it was the motor or not,,,,always can replace the alternator this winter if it is not the motor,,,,Thanks for all the replies,,,What a great Site!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mgjfam
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
10
Apr 19, 2017 07:39 AM