Want to get my electrical straight

[-Hobby-]

I have a handle on everything Im doing but im still unsure just how many amps I need for my system and what alts and batteries to get.

I am putting 2 RD 3250v2's and a 500 watt Polk 4 channel in the truck. 7000 watts total. I adjusted for 85% efficiency which would require 5950 watts.

I was using DC Kyles numbers for idle and max output for his alts and came up with needing 2 180/270 amp alts along with my stock 95 amp alt. that would give me 5884 watts at idle +- and 8598 amps max output.

I was wondering if I could use a MLA module and 2 160/230 alts That would net me about 5700 watts at idle.

Now where I get confused. If i have enough amps being supplied by my alternators to run my system full tilt at idle do I need to fork out for a bunch of batteries too. Would the 3 BatCap 800's I have and the 2 added alternators be enough to keep my amps happy and running cool?

I dont want to waste a bunch of money on stuff I dont need. This is the last stuff I need to complete my system so I really could use some help.

[-Hobby-]

To many questions I guess. How about this.

1. Is it better to get a set of alternators that will produce my required wattage at cruising speed with out tapping into my battery reserves. Then adding enough battery reserve so that I can bump it when Im running at idle.

2. Or would it be better to size the alternators so that I have all the power I need at idle and a lot of headroom when Im cruising?

With the price of these big batteries compared to the alternators its a wash. I can see needing big ass banks of batteries when 4 - 300 amp alts only covers half of the wattage you need at idle or cruising speed. But what about somebody that can get enough juice from 3 alts to cover their needs at idle and or cruising speed.

Is there a problem with producing to much amperage with the alts than your system needs at any given time?

[Iraggi Alternator]

name='HobbyWerks' date='Oct 4 2009, 10:56 PM' post='795604']

I have a handle on everything Im doing but im still unsure just how many amps I need for my system and what alts and batteries to get.

I am putting 2 RD 3250v2's and a 500 watt Polk 4 channel in the truck. 7000 watts total. I adjusted for 85% efficiency which would require 5950 watts.

I was using DC Kyles numbers for idle and max output for his alts and came up with needing 2 180/270 amp alts along with my stock 95 amp alt. that would give me 5884 watts at idle +- and 8598 amps max output.

I was wondering if I could use a MLA module and 2 160/230 alts That would net me about 5700 watts at idle.

The MLA module does not really make the alternator put put more current. Very little. Only because it makes the rotor a little stronger. The voltage will be higher tho. Until you pull more current than the alt can handle.. then it doesnt matter anymore.

Now where I get confused. If i have enough amps being supplied by my alternators to run my system full tilt at idle do I need to fork out for a bunch of batteries too. Would the 3 BatCap 800's I have and the 2 added alternators be enough to keep my amps happy and running cool?

No, you wouldnt need anywhere near as many batteries if your current is being supplied by your alts. If your voltage never falls below the low 13's your batteries are not doing anything besides taking a charge from the alt. I would still do a battery or two in the back. Small batts. I dont recommend the BatCaps. I would rather see you u use X S Volt.

I dont want to waste a bunch of money on stuff I dont need. This is the last stuff I need to complete my system so I really could use some help.

I would personally use 4-260-280 amp alts and two small batteries in the back. Ill be in the office all day today if you have any questions. 615-287-7991. Just ask for Dominick

[-Hobby-]

Thanks Dominick. I still have your quote in my inbox so you will probably be hearing from me when I get the money together for the alts and triple bracket.

One of the main reasons I was thinking about the MLA was peoples comments I have read about the Chevy trucks throwing codes from the computers from the big increase in amperages generated and that the MLA was solving those issues.

Looks like I was on the right track. I can easily fit 2 batteries in the back 1 would be easier on my wallet though. Will probably put the BatCaps I have in my Son's car. He actually needs them.