Voltage drop/alternator question

[Midgetclown]

Just temp installed my new "system" as well as a big 3 upgrade. Still notice a decent voltage drop but nothing terrible. Just wondering if i should buy a high output alternator to get rid of any risk of electrical issues. Not too familiar with all this stuff though. In the future im planning on adding more accessories like a carputer and some other stuff so im just curious if the stock alternator will be able to handle all the accessories or if i should swap it out. Any input is appreciated. Like i said i dont know too much about the strain to the alternator of adding more electronics so any criticism is helpful.

Luke

 

[Sir-Lancelot]

What amp/s you running?

If it's not bad, I would just upgrade the battery under the hood or add one in the rear. You can fit one behind the driver rear quarter panel if or under the rear seat.

 

[blueflamed03]

agree with Lance, add secondary battery first, if that doesnt help, then get an alt.

 

[waxworkz]

i think adding an upgraded alt would be a better idea. sometimes adding a secondary battery is more of a drain on the electrical system. it in essence has to work twice as hard and some times causes alt failure. a second battery is great for extending play time with the key off, but with the engine running you need more voltage, say running at 14.4 and more AMPS to supply the system. if you add up how many amps you are using vs how much your alt puts out, you'll see how it wont be enough

 

[Midgetclown]

Right now ive just got a Kenwood X1200m wired to 800w for my SSD12. Im workin on gettin a mac mini and a touchscreen (deal might fall through), and plan on adding a few more things. But even the amp alone i can notice a decent voltage drop.

 

[sparg93]

i think adding an upgraded alt would be a better idea. sometimes adding a secondary battery is more of a drain on the electrical system. it in essence has to work twice as hard and some times causes alt failure. a second battery is great for extending play time with the key off, but with the engine running you need more voltage, say running at 14.4 and more AMPS to supply the system. if you add up how many amps you are using vs how much your alt puts out, you'll see how it wont be enough

+1

what alternator (rating) is in your rig now?

 

[Midgetclown]

I cant see any of the numbers to figure out what it is so i believe it could be either 100A or 130A.

 

[sparg93]

unless you have issues with your grounds, my guess would be a 100amp if you are already seeing drops in voltage.

Unless you plan on adding some heavy duty items, you could stay in the 140a - 160a range w/o issues. I have a 140a (stock) on mine and it's handled the power from my 1500w subs, Mark VIII fan & HIDs w/o any issue (until recently, but i think i need a new alt).

I'm no pro with electrics, this is just my experience and there are guys on here w/a bit more knowledge then me

 

[NoPh33rRaCiNg]

its probably a 130 amp alt, when i first bought my tahoe i was running about 3000watts RMS on the stock alt with the big 3 and 1 extra battery in the back just fine. Get an extra batt in the back first then go from there. Our stock alts are great compared to some tiny ones that come with other vehicles.

 

[Midgetclown]

Sounds good.... ill have to try to come up with the extra $$$ to slap another battery back there + the new wire. Thanks for all the input guys. Much appreciated.