Twin Alternators

[beatle_bayly]

Anyone fitted a second alternator ? I'm buying a dual-fuel 80 and would like to have a completely independent second battery setup.

Pics would be great for ideas. Doesn't have to be of a petrol 80.

[hillbilly]

Unless you are wanting a 24v alt. to run winch etc. I can't see the point
as most dual batt. systems are isolated from each other
with ignition off anyway.
What are you up to?

[Clown Boy]

I know some people with an excessive number of lights, etc, do this mod.

[Ruffy]

I've got a 60 series with a 2H. Standard alternator pumps out 55 amps at max.. Not enough to keep up with lights and winch during a tough night event. Short of spending 600 bones on fitting a decent alternator i chose to fit a second alternator. Befinits are more charging power than a single Alt. Got two alts if one fails. Two completely seperate circuits. I fitted an 80 amp job off an EA Falcon.
Cheers. Dan

[beatle_bayly]

I'm not 'up to' anything except thinking out loud. However, having two systems COMPLETELY independent of each other has advantages. No matter which battery management system you have it is still possible to get stuck, particularly if one battery shorts out and it takes the second one out when they are switched together.

Another reason to run twin alts is that a lot of older vehicles have low output alts and there isn't a lot you can do to improve things if your alt is also driving your vac pump. You can also run a modded second alt for welding, and if the alts are identical it gives you a spare which can be connected to the main system by simply swapping the loom over (assuming it will reach of course).

Lastly, if you can do a little fabrication yourself, twin alts would be cheaper to install than a lot of dual battery managers.

[Dyna Beast]

Same as Ruffy.Got a H diesel with only a 35 amp alternator.Fitting a 85 amp bosch ford unit.Sure is a cheaper option and as Ruffy noted you have a duel charging system.
Cheers