Alternators galore!!

[eponator]

Hey guys so I have been mulling an idea around in my head as of late and wanted to get some of your input.

My truck apparently likes to chew through batteries and alternators. So far I have gone through 1 of each every year for the two years I have owned the truck! I imagine its because of the electronics I have installed and am looking for a workaround. I could either go with an alternator on steroids and a deep cycle bat or I could go for the dual alternator / battery setup (I'd prefer this as it just seems more reliable)

The problem is I can only find information on this setup being offered for the diesels while I drive a 5.4 gasser. D you know if anyone makes a mounting bracket for the 5.4 which would allow me to add a second alternator? If you have any input about either setup please feel free to throw some knowledge my way. I'm still not sure which route would be the best to take and your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

The truck: 99' F350 5.4L V8.

[leolkfrm]

To begin with How heavy are the batteries you are buying? the $80 ones don't cut it. 2 heavy batteries with a 140 amp alt should handle just about anything you throw at it. define electronics and draw!

[eponator]

I'm using the Duramax Gold bat from Auto Zone. This is my first big electronic addition to a vehicle so I've never really worried about the battery or alternators before. Just throw in a replacement that keeps it running was the mentality .

I've got a 7" double din in-dash (all-in-one unit), two other TV's, an 1800W amp powerin the subs and a 640W amp for the remaining speakers(Also included is a 1.5 Farad Cap... not sure if this matters). I also have some interior neon lighting going on as well as a game port for the playstation (I imagine most of the draw comes from this thing... people LOVE to play it on trips). I'm not too sure on the exact specs other than what is listed. I can look them up later today if they are needed. (Not sure what other information is required... not very familiar with specifics of electrical systems)

Do you think it would be just as simple as dropping in a better battery? I've heard the deep cycle bats take a heavy toll on a regular alternator... correct me if I am wrong please. I am just trying to make sure this problem doesn't keep comming up! Being stuck out in the middle of knowhere because of a dead battery SUCKS!!

[gmctrucks]

I would just buy a good battery which is bigger for what your truck calls for since you have Auto Zone batteries maybe you should try another brand I don't like anything that Auto Zone has. And to me you have something that is drawing power all the time you need to check it very good maybe by placing a volt meter on the battery and start removing fuses till you see the gauge move down that's one way to find it also have you done much hacking of power wires maybe something is connected wrong. It would be like leaving your dome light on 24 hours a day it will take it's toll even on two batteries. My dad loves working on problems like that you can fly him over there he will fix it. LOL
Good luck! GMC
PS-May the auto GODS be with you. Hey a bad alternator can draw current and drain your battery as well just hang on others will chime in soon that know more than me like everybody.

[eponator]

No Power wires were hacked. A seperate power wire was attached to the battery terminal and connected there. The whole system has been done professionally, fuses, wire gauges and all.

I'm pretty sure there is no hidden draw source, I have tested for that. Besides something like that would kill a battery in much less time than a year. My guess is theres too much of a strain being put on the alternator through constant charging of the battery / running at maximum operating levels to keep up with the electrical demands which causes it to burn up. Because of a lack of charge, the battery shortly follows forcing me to replace the two.

That's why I originally was asking about alternator options. Of course I am no truck guru so if anyone knows anything to the contrary of this please shed some light on a lost soul.

[leolkfrm]

how maney cca is the battery? my olds can run on a 630cca but factory is 800cca for all the toys. Are you running the toys when the motor is not running? cmper pkg has 2 batteries an isolator and big alt, they run with 1 deep cycle and 1 regular. A pair of 6 volt correctly hooked up will also give you more capacity

[eponator]

Not 100% on CCA I'll check that when I get to my truck HAHA!! I used to run some of em (playstation) when the truck was off but only for short periods (no longer than 20 minutes) but ever since I replaced the alternator the second time (1 month ago) I haven't dared to power anything with the engine off. Its a pain when your sitting for 30-45 mins and you have to decide between the gas $ or utter boredom.

The thing about converting to a one alternator setup that the Camper package has is all the horror stories I've heard about it, blowing wires etc... not to mention if it gives out I'm out $300-400, my truck wont startup and I have nothing to entertain myself with while help arrives.

I was thinking of returning to the factory stock electrical system for the truck (return the current setup to normal) and setting up another independant alternator / battery strictly for all my electronics. This way I don't have to worry about my truck not starting if I play too long or if the main bat dies It wouldn't be too hard for me to do a quick swap on the road and get him running again. Added security I guess.

Not to mention if an alternator blows I'm only paying around $150 to replace it and I can go to any auto parts stort to pick it up versus the $300-400 for a performance one and the wait while it ships to my location. I just can't see the single alt system being as reliable for such a power consuming setup.

[leolkfrm]

140amp for my duramax lifetime was about $125. isolaters are about $50. Another idea would be to put a knife switch in the line to the second battery. Have all the toys hooked to the second battery, when you want to play without the truck running run only one battery down

[eponator]

Leo thats a good idea but would the single alternator be able to handle all that charging or would I have to upgrade to a beefier one? It's raining real bad out here so I haven't had a chance to check anything!

[leolkfrm]

That is basically how the camper pkg works with a single alternator.