100 series alternator
Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:01
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tony.f
does anyone know if there is an alternator available that can
re-charge the batteries at a faster rate than the hundred amp alternator that is standard in the cruiser, we have a solar pannel but due to the 60 litre engel we find that we need to run the car if we are sitting in one spot for a week? appreciate any feedback.
Reply By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:10
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:10
Hi Tony,
There are larger alternators available.
There are also products available that utilise that 100Amps more thoroughly.
For the cost of the replacement alternator you might be able to get a bigger or second solar panel.
What size is your current solar panel?
Geoff
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AnswerID:
341902
Reply By: tony.f - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:17
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:17
it is a 55watt or there abouts. without the roof rack now it is the largest size we can safely carry.
AnswerID:
341904
Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 07:58
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 07:58
Tony - you can readily get 80w folding panels (
like these) and they should keep pace with your fridge. Of course you will need the sun to be out.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:23
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:23
A 55 watt panel will put out 2 amps maximum, so on the most perfect day, if it's in total sun, you will get a maximum of 20 amphours charge into your battery.
A 100 amp alternator can supply this much in 20 minutes of fast idle.
FollowupID:
609633
Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 11:24
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 11:24
Your alternator is at least 110amp, so capacity is not an issue. Charging voltage may be an issue, so its worth measuring it with a multimeter at the battery terminals and say 5 minutes after starting and at 2000rpm. I do not know whether you can increase the charging voltage on a 100series.
Theres plenty of ways to optimise the charging of your batteries:
- thick pos cable to all batteries
- thick earth cable from all batteries to motor (not just to the body)
- AGM batteries will recharge faster than wet cell, but some of the cheaper brands need to be limited to 30amps, and some of us prefer to not have AGMs installed in a hot environment.
Increase battery capacity - you can get more charge into 3 or 4 batteries than just 2 while the engine's running.
- When running the motor to recharge them, idle up to say 1200+rpm and see if the voltage increases. No use idling at 600rpm.
- Make sure the batteries are recent and in good nick - a sulphated battery will not take charge as quickly as a good battery.
AnswerID:
341937