130 Amp Alternator Upgrade

I have a non-tow-package 2013 OR, and want to start adding some of the tow-package upgrades, starting with the bigger alternator. I have three questions before proceeding:

1. What is the output rating of the standard (non-tow) alternator?

2. Is this a simple one-for-one swap (same mounting points, plugs, ECU program, etc.) or is additional modification required?

3. Is there a trick to getting the serpentine belt off and back on again?

Thanks!

 

Stock non tow package alternator is rated at 90 amps. I had an easy job of changing the serp. belt by accessing the tensioner from underneath.

 

So is it a straight swap?

 

I recently replaced the alternator in mine. But mine has the 130 amp already. I can't imagine it not being a straight swap, and I can't imagine you'll notice a difference either. But I will say it's far easier to remove the alternator if you remove the battery first. You can get the tensioner from the top too which is a little easier than pulling the skid plate. There's a few little brackets that hold the wire harness to the side of the alternator case with 10mm bolts. Don't forget those or you'll never get it out.

 

I'm vertically challenged so I went under, had plenty of clearance with the Prerunner.

Don't know if it is a straight swap, should bolt up but maybe the charge wire guage would be too small to handle the increased amperage.

 

So the non-tow alternator puts out 90 amps. How many amps are needed to run the factory systems in a worset case scenario? Lets assume its winter, night, and raining - high beams, fog lights (did the fog lights anytime mod), wipers, heater on full blast, and radio tuned to local weather. How many "spare" amps would now be available to run off road lights or some other accesory?

I will be putting two lights on my Avid light bar. I was looking at LEDs to keep the draw down, but the ones I like are 90 watts each. At 12 volts thats 15 amps.

http://www.visionxusa.com/LED-Comme...ANSPORTER_18_LED_10º_NARROW/product_info.html

So do I NEED the 130 amp alternator if I want off road lights?

 

subd

 

I have 3 10" lights on a front light bar, and 4 6" lights on a bed light bar (rollover bar "look") and the standard alternator seems fine to this day.

 

That is 90 amps at peak OEM charging system output somewhere above 4000 RPM with a fully charged battery. Please see an example of an Alternator Output Graph in Section 5.1 in the Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ on www.batteryfaq.org. Adding more load will just take the battery longer to recharge, if at all, especially on low RPM trips less than 10 miles. You might consider a dual battery setup with your heavy load on an isolated deep cycle battery should you have trouble starting your engine. You load is satisfied by the alternator output and the difference is made up by the battery until it is discharged. Any power left over is used to recharge the battery.

 

With that said, I'm now leaning towards upgrading to the 130 amp unit. I still can't find any information regarding the swap. Is it a one-for-one deal - are the connectors the same, will I need to change anything other that the actual alternator?

 

one way to find out is see if the harnesses are the same part number. id guess they are but dont know for sure...start there. the physical size of the alternator is probably the same its just wound differently to gain more amperage

 

http://www.mechman.com/

Why stop at 130, these guys make a 270 amp and I sure they could answer your questions about fitment.

 

You wouldn’t wanna go with something so high amps as the stock Tacoma wiring can handle it and when you get closer to higher rpms ppl have experience blow coils and burnt wires. You’d have to upgrade the wiring at that point.

 

Are you positive you have the lower amp alternator? Most of the Tacomas sold in the north already have the 130 amp alternator. My 6 lug Base model had the 27F battery and the 130 amp alternator.

 

If ur truck came with a group 27 battery it has a tow package or was intended to have one. All base models with no tow package came stock with a 24f not 27f. Only ones that have a tow package came with a 27f and a 130amp alternator

 

I paid extra to have the dealer install the hitch and wiring. My understanding is that all Canadian and northern US Tacomas have the group 27 batteries and 130 amp alternator.

 

You may be correct I do have a US truck although u live in Canada, but a lot of base ones I’ve worked on didn’t come with the 130 stock but maybe be the dealer being silly

 

I live in Canada

 

Regardless, I believe a battery upgrade is more important than an alternator upgrade for most people's uses. I used to winch regularly off my primary battery, so I upgraded to the Northstar 27F. I'm pretty sure that's much harder on the system than a few lights.