Alternator Amperage Output Of A 2010 Trd Off Road With Tow Package

What is the amperage that the truck uses, and can someone explain the variables to me and what to expect? I have the towing package so I know the alternator produces 130 amps. However that number doesn't exactly mean much to me other than I'm GUESSING it generates up to 130 amps when driving.

I've bought two amps and hoping to add off road lights and maybe a winch.

• Does anyone have an idea of how many amps a full set of off road lights would use?
• How many amps would a winch pull when operating?
• How many amps roughly does two amps operating at 1700W, 1600W use?

 

Converting Amps to Watts

The conversion of Amps to Watts at fixed voltage is governed by the equation Watts = Amps x Volts

For example 1 amp * 110 volts = 110 watts

so guessing 130amp * 12v = 1560 watts.

 

I saw a post for an alternator putting out over 1000 amps, what all are my options in selecting one?
How many amps does the stock truck use? How much room do I have with the stock alternator is what I'm wondering.

 

Alternators also only generate max current at usually fairly high RPM, or at least well above idle. At Idle speeds their current output will be considerably lower. (you can google alternator output vs rpm for some pichurs)

Alternators also generate this current by using engine power, and thus put a load on the engine leaving less for other uses regardless of whether or not you're using the current at the time.

With a winch (assuming electric), you'll almost certainly be using battery power rather than alternator power. That is, the current draw will vastly exceed the alternator output, and so will drain the battery when used.

You will probably be better served with a dual-battery setup. Possibly a third battery aft as well.

A Ram 3500 Diesel can come factory with dual 220 amp alternators. I'm not aware of any factory option more than that (for lighter duty trucks). 1000amp@12v is 12kilowatt, or about 16 HP. That's not an alternator, that's a generator.

 

^^^excellent post

 

It only makes me want to know where I need to be upgrading my truck that much more; so I don't waste more on gas with a larger alternator or pointlessly spend money every few years on too many battery's. I absolutely plan on buying a big 3 upgrade kit, however unsure what gauge and ofc or not.
Right now I'm looking at a Big 3 Upgrade kit rated for 350amps. It might be a little more than needed but it is only $70.
Can anyone tell me based on the fact I potentially need around a 275AMP alternator if I'm right in thinking this?

 

Well, you probably don't need to run the two amps in series. (i'd guess, depending on what you're trying to do).
If that's the case you wouldn't need wiring to handle 275amp, but just two separate circuits that can each handle 150-175amp each.

Here's a chart with wire sizing guidelines.

Oversized wiring is not bad, though. Undersized wiring will be a hazard. Going larger just costs more. As the chart notes, distance is an important factor as well.

I wouldn't worry about gas consumption with any reasonably normal sized alternator. Going from the stock 130amp to a 160 or more will use a little more gas, but not really all that much. You may/will have fitment issues with larger alternators, though, and may need to have custom mounting brackets made. The drive belt may be an issue as well.

I really do think a second deep-cycle battery may be the better option. Then you'll wire up your accessories to the second battery only. This is not difficult, but there are a few things to be careful with (making sure both batteries are charged properly from the alternator, isolating accessories to one battery or the other, or both etc.). I haven't done this in many years, but I've seen several threads here on the subject. Search dual battery.