dual alt setup

pharaoh__90 · 03-05-2009, 03:06 AM

i have a 94 sidekick jlx and was wondering if it is possible to install a 2nd alternator where the a/c compressor is supposed to be. im considering adding 3-4 sets of lights to it, and want to be able to run them all at once.

ranger88den · 03-05-2009, 07:56 AM

Look at this & good luck with your project.

GM alternator install - Zukikrawlers

ranger88den · 03-05-2009, 08:29 AM

Also found this

GM Alternator Bracket

CodyJ · 03-05-2009, 02:19 PM

Just a bigger alt. would be the best choice, along with possibly the cheapest route because you'll still need mounting and wiring and an alt -- unless you just get a GM alt. bracket and an alternator from junkyard that works.

jtgh · 03-05-2009, 08:35 PM

no , you cant. "sorry " (i love guessers. just try it, fry that ECU /radio,etc , no problem).........
specifically.
2 alt's, 1 battery bad news.
2 alt's, 2 battieres, ok. and islolation.

the 2 alternators have internal regulators, and constantly monitor voltage ,current
and battery resistance.

what will happen is the two alts will go to logger heads and try to kill each other.
or just shut down, denping who made the alt.

this is not new info, try any boat forum or RV forum. oldest story in the world.

ok, are you trying to make your own outdoor movie theater? LOL.
or light the grand canyon?

what they use is a huge blocking diode..
are you looking only for more ampereage over head or
are you looking to run these lights , engine off, and STILL BE ALBE TO START.

tell us what you want to do, then ask , how can I do that (a black box example)
be aware you can blow a regulator and the alt can go berzerk and hit a super high voltage.

ps: you never said the lamp amperage so we can do the current budget for you .

the poster that said buy 1 big alt , is dead on.

cheers

pharaoh__90 · 03-05-2009, 08:51 PM

oh, i am planning on running the 2nd alt as a completely different system from whats already there. i.e. another battery. it would be for just extras.

and as to the lights, this project is still in the concept stage, so im not really sure. i just wanted to know how difficult/expensiveish it would be if it was possible.

CodyJ · 03-05-2009, 11:19 PM

How much more lighting do you need? Rear reverse lights for night off-roading and possibly fog lights? Or are you looking for a room lite area for camping? Still easily achievable with the stock battery if the engine is still running. Although I would wire up it to an external battery with a special kit to run off the alternator to charge it once the first battery is charged that way you can always start. Although, telling us the amount of lighting power in watts you plan to use or an idea of which lights you want to use will help.

jtgh · 03-06-2009, 11:48 AM

he wants to look like 747 , landing at night. bet yah. LOL.

your extra batter with a large RV diode. blocks main battery from discharging when you drain the extra battery.
15amps per bar and 6 bars?

they make more heat than light, thus all the Amps wasted.

cheers

pharaoh__90 · 03-07-2009, 01:41 AM

i really dont know how much total, but i think the 747 thing wasnt too far off. maybe a grand total of, say, 600-900 watts of lights. i looked on the boxes of some that ive been looking at, but they didnt say.

and i really would rather avoid messing with my current alt if i could. im just sick of it. when i got it, it had bad electrical problem, battery would go dead about every 2-3 days. after 2 new alts, new battery, and too much money, i finally ripped out the stupid

(and non-functioning) alarm box, (which cost nothing) and the problem vanished.

im also considering cutting part of the body off and making it into a pickup type thing. what do you think?