Dual Alternators, 75 series Cruiser

Out of curiosity, how are you going to alter the output voltage ? Does the second alternator have an external voltage sensor or is it a marine type alternator ?

Yes Craig, One of my team of off-roaders has a very successful dual alternator set up that is a cinch to fit up on a 1HZ engine. We use a small 40amp alt from a Daihatsu Charade (about mid 80's vintage), it sits on top of the air con compressor and a Magna PS belt fits perfect on the spare groove of the compressor. The alt is internally regulated and recharges the aux. battery bank. Alignment is perfect, system is completely seperate to the original and can be removed in 15 minutes if you wish. Dash light/and or voltage meter optional.

Craig you can usually setup your present alternator to charge at a higher voltage and drop back your starter battery to the correct voltage with a 100 amp diode. After all you are only looking at between .4 and .6 volt increase.

We do this fairly often to boost the charge voltage when they are fitting auxilliary batteries in caravans or camper trailers.

Depends on the type of battery you are using. The only viable value for money deep cycle batteries are lead acid deep cycle batteries. The sealed type batteries are poor value for money and low capacity for the size. Do not bother to try and get a warranty claim on sealed batteries. It is never the batteries fault it dies, it will always be yours. They have 101 excuses why you should pay and the battery is not covered by warranty.

Hi
I have a second alternator for the second battery. If you can work out how to drive it, and where to put it, it is an excellent alterrnate method that keeps everything seperate. Most efi alternaters are internally controlled to a higher voltage than usual,(my Toyota is 14.6v) so getting one off an efi car might be advantageous in your endevours:-)
Andrew