My First Question: Alternators

[Dusty T.]

Hey I'm new to the boards here. Searched first, and posted this question in the 12v section, but no replies in the last couple weeks... Since it's Tacoma related, I thought to try here too.

I just bought an '02 Tacoma 4X4, TRD package, ARE shell, 5-speed, with 50K miles. I'll try posting pics when things slow down a bit. It is everything I've been drooling over for the last 4 years, and I finally now had the funds to buy. The outfitting for the Tacoma looks just about endless, but I'm keeping it relatively simple for now.

First off, I installed a dual-battery system on my trusty '91 Ranger which has worked very well for the past several years. It was nothing fancy- just a 95 amp heavy duty relay actuated by the key turned in the "run" position connecting the starting battery with a marine battery via #8 wire. The marine battery is contained in a battery box with a custom-built distribution box containing a volt meter, fuse block, and cigarette lighter plugs. In addition to that, I had a 200-watt sub, and driving lights. My Ranger came with an 80-amp stock alternator which was known to be a small fire hazard, so I upgraded to a more superior Explorer 130-amp alternator prior to adding these items. This, of course did fine for powering all my electrical demands, and then some.

Now, I will be transferring that dual-battery system and sub over to my Tacoma- all of which will be supplied by the main starting battery. The aux battery will be used mostly for 12V lighting within the shell, powering a small mini fridge (Kragen Special), and a 120V 1000 watt power inverter. Unlike the Ranger, the Tacoma already has power windows, locks and mirrors. Now, it's my understanding that these trucks came with an 80-amp alternator. I'm just not sure whether this will provide enough wattage to power these accessories, and even a small air compressor to boot.

So, what's you guys's take on this? I'm feeling border-lined on my power demands. Will that little 80-amp alt work fine to run the sub, fridge, lights, power windows, AND charge the aux battery? On the other hand, would it be worth my time to get it rewound, check out Mr. Alternator, or try adapting that GM or Celica 150+ amp unit? I looked at BajaTaco's truck, but couldn't see whether or not his setup includes a beefier alternator.

Thanks in advance!

Dusty

 

[Willman]

Good question....

With what you got.....I'm sure you will be ok.....It's when you start adding more aux. lighting, winch, compressor and other stuff...=Dual battery!

Over on TTORA a fairly popular place to have your alt. rewound is at Boyle Tech......their number is 530-888-6290. Apparently a rewound alt. was clamped at over 150 amps.

Boyle tech is my next stop......


Welcome to the ExPo!!!

:ylsmoke:

 

[ntsqd]

Ideally the alternator can meet all of the power demand when driving plus some extra for safety margin and some for charging the battery(ies). You can only run so long on battery before they're empty. If the alternator can't keep up, then you have a finite distance that you can go. Effectively it's an extension cord.
For driving you need alternator. For camping in one spot you need batteries.

Would be worth base lining what the stock night time driving demand is to figure out how much extra Toyota allowed.
Then add up the power demands that you're adding and try to find a stock or nearly stock alternator that exceeds the total demand by roughly what the stock alts does now. I say stock or nearly so because the further away that you get from a stock part the lower the reliability of the part. My starter-generator-alternator guy told me that he could get 250 amps out of the Sub's alternator, but that for where I go he wouldn't sell me one. They're fine for the sound system competitor, but not for deep back country excursions.

 

[Dusty T.]

So, it sounds like the stock alternator will do fine for what I'm asking it to do. I'm not exactly sure how many amps to assign toward charging the aux battery? I'm guessing it depends on how drained the battery is, and how quickly it is being recharged via the #8 wire I have running to it. There are no plans on using the aux battery to start the engine. Other than that, I'm probably putting an additional constant 300 Watts on the charging system, NOT including charging the aux battery, running an air pump, inverter, etc. Keep in mind I don't plan on hooking up the sub, radio and air pump to the aux battery.

I am a bit nervous about modifying the stock alternator to produce additional output- especially since Toyota doesn't seem to make a factory alt over 80 amps for these trucks. Well, one that fits anyway.