large alternator, 2 batteries, battery isolator & big wires


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Posted by mannyc on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 08:53:37 :

In Reply to: Re: Think of it like plumbing posted by Jerry in Idaho on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 02:11:13 :

that's how boats & properly constructed service trucks do it. most cars and trucks do not have a big enough battery from the factory. good big batteries are expensive. we use interstate brand on our fleet. they have proven themselves in service and the route guys keep the stock fresh - dont accept an old battery! if you can find a good alternator shop, they can make you an alternator (typically in your same case so not bracket mods are needed) that makes many more amps than stock. tell them your need and your application and they can configure a charging rate that will exceed your use. heavy cables with good end connections are really important. i personally use ancor marine tinned wire and ancor end connections as a plow or service truck will encounter the same salt and water a boat will! i use dieelectric grease in the fitting before crimping and use shrink tube on all ends. soldering is not actually the best end termination because it makes the wire brittle and prone to break after flexing. a battery isolater is really important too. you should have a dedicated starting batt for the truck (there is a diff in batt types) and a dedicated battery for plowing (deep discharge). the isolater will direct the charging amps to the battery needing juice. that way, you never drag both batteries down together. a selector switch would allow combining the batteries in an emergency, but properly designed, that should never happen. the boating world refers to the setup as a staring batt and a house battery. checkout bluesea marine products for good switches and isolators. they make a kit called an add a battery kit that provides a high amp battery switch and isolator combination. i used one & was impressed with the quality and performance.

i went one wire with a low speed cut in the command car because my amp needs are not high and i did not want to cut into the stock harness. i would have kept the generator - they work fine - but it was so big that it prevented power steering bracketry.

check all of your connections!



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