Adding another battery for all my extra lights (I can't spell help me west)

Discussion in 'Exterior' started by backwoodscountryman, Apr 14, 2011.

  1. backwoodscountryman

    backwoodscountryman Broken Truck Edition

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    It does Rick.But after it starts the alternator is constantly engaging.The more load you put on the alternator the harder it has to work.So the more lights,my future stereo that i add will draw more than what my stock alternator can put out.In turn killing my alternator and my truck not turning over.

    Ya I'm sure none of that came out right.So hopefully someone an explain it better than me.

    Hey Cowboy can you explain it better than me?
     
  2. supercrewzn

    supercrewzn Full Access Member

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    You explained it pretty well. The more stuff you add to the battery, the more the alternator has to work to keep that battery charged.
     
  3. rrogers

    rrogers Supporting Member

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    :waytogo:
     
  4. cowboy

    cowboy Sheriff

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    also with certain isolaters if the first battery is dead you will be able to start your truck off of the second one.
     
  5. supercrewzn

    supercrewzn Full Access Member

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    Adding an extra battery with an isolator will not put a huge load on the alternator. In fact, it wont put much of a load at all. The alternator will only charge the battery thats low. Basically when one battery drops to around 11 volts, the alt will charge that battery back to 12.4 volts.
     
  6. rrogers

    rrogers Supporting Member

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    i still cannot put this in my head. the alternator is the power after the vehicle is started in fact you can take the battery out once the truck is started. so what thrives off the battery when its running?
     
  7. supercrewzn

    supercrewzn Full Access Member

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    Thats older cars Ricky. Your truck should die if you unhook the battery with the truck running.
     
  8. supercrewzn

    supercrewzn Full Access Member

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    There is a power wire that comes from the battery and runs to the fuse box under the hood. There is a fuseable link in this wire. If you take power from this wire, the fuse box dies and so does the truck.
     
  9. rrogers

    rrogers Supporting Member

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    good to know thanks thomas
     
  10. iowaredneck

    iowaredneck Administrator

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    well dang, learn something new everyday. i too thought just like ricky and now i know that this is not the case with newer vehicles. thanks guys for the education!
     

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