Truck alternators
I've noticed that truck manufactures offer alternators with different outputs. Can anyone please explain to me why a truck owner might want, or have the need, for an alternator that has these higher o...
Forum Discussion
bwlyon wrote:
...The thing to remember is that the battery in the car is a power reservoir used to start the car not run other electronics. The alternator is what runs the electrical components in any vehicle, and top of the battery after it has been used to start the engine. When you start running aftermarket accessories you can easily use all the alternator’s capacity and drain the battery, hence the need for an alternator with a larger output.
On a related note.... Had to replace a battery a few months back. I have always paid the premium for the "100 month" battery. I could not find them. Started asking around. With modern vehicles relying more & more on electrical/electronic systems and high power demands, the battery manufacturers were having a tough time meeting the 100 month warranty commitment.
I guess it makes sense. Look at these golf-cart style cars that shut the engine off at every stoplight (stupid, IMHO). The car will then draw all its electrical load off the battery - radio, wipers, lights, HVAC, etc. A quick stab of the gas pedal and the starter hits it too. Then it gets 30-45 seconds of charge time before the next stop light. Yeah, that has got to beat the snot out of battery longevity.
-Eric
