High Output Alternators?????

[JCurtis]

Fact finding time !!!

Has anyone installed a Powermaster or similar make High output alternator on their plow rig? How do you like it? How difficult was it to install if you had to use a wiring harness adapter?


Or has anyone installed a second alternator to run the plow and warning lights?


I am tired of lights dimming when activating the plow

I am currently running a stock GM ( delco ) 100 amp alt. in my 2000 GMC 2500.

and Don't say its the battery, its a brand new Optima yellow top deep cycle.

[Z71]

i installed one called MEAN GREEN and 100% satisfied with it. Made a big difference in my battery charging. Prior to install, my stock GM 100a unit could not keep up but the 140a MG handles it well and I was able to get by without a 2nd battery which everyone insisted was the only was to go. I still plan on installing a 2nd battery when I find time this summer.

btw
Simple bolt on replacement, nothing to change, perfect fit and size as OEM. Time to install=30 minutes more or less

[wyldman]

Whatever you get,make sure it's a step up in case size,or it will overheat.The GM's already have too small a case,so stepping up the output will make it even worse.

Small case sizes also mean poor slow speed output,so a high amp rewind may have more output,but it will most likely be way up in the RPM range.When plowing normally,the RPM's don't usually get up that high.

[Big Nate's Plowing]

www.motorcityreman.com

we have a custom wound alternator for the durango, those guys do good work, it will put out 90 amps at idle all day long and 200 @2000 rpm

as for the optima you should have a red top in your truck, the yellows are a marine starting/ trolling motor battery and IIRC is only 650-750 cranking amps..... the red top is 1000 cranking amps and can take a higher load before a voltage drop shows

and as a reminder, no alternator will completely stop the lights from flickering because it takes about 3 tenths of a second to fully energize all the field windings and get the alt to put out the full power. but it will reduce the dimming greatly

[JCurtis]

Nate, not to be disagreeable but I read all the specs on Optima batteries before I purchased it.

"The OPTIMA Yellow Top™ Deep Cycle Battery should be used in the following cases:

Starting applications in high-accessory vehicles/High Cycling Applications. Vehicles with computers, extra radios, electronic components, lights, winches, etc. will create excessive amperage drain that can damage a starting battery. Recommend the OPTIMA Yellow Top to provide fast recharging and longer life due to its' ability to cycle over 300 times.


Starting applications with low amperage draws. If your customer has a vehicle that sits unused for long periods of time, either OPTIMA will provide longer life due to reduced corrosion and sulfation. However, if the vehicle has an alarm, computer, or other low amperage drain, the Yellow Top will guard against deep cycling damage that can occur over long periods of time. "



Remember:
Dark Gray Case means Starting TechnologyLight Gray Case means Deep Cycle Technology


Click on any use to learn more.
Passenger Vehicles
Red Top/SLI batteries

Car Audio
Yellow Top/Deep Cycle onlyRed Top/SLI will not be covered by warranty

Generators
Red Top/SLI batteries

Tractors
Red Top/SLI batteries if used with an alternator

Commerical Vehicles
Yellow Top Group 31 Deep Cycle

Ambulances
Yellow Top/Deep Cycle for both Starting and Deep Cycle use

Fire, Police
Yellow Top/Deep Cycle for both Starting and Deep Cycle use

Solar Power
Yellow Top/Deep Cycle batteries

Marine/RV
Blue Top Deep Cycle and Starting

[wyldman]

The deep cycle would be better suited to a plow truck that is struggling to keep up,and the battery is always being drained.The constant run down,and recharging is what a deep cycle is designed for.

If you have a good alternator,you won't see the battery being run down much,so your better off with a starting battery.

So basically,if your electrical loads will exceed the normal hot charging output of your alternator for long periods of time,then a deep cycle is the way to go.I don't think you will see this much on your truck.