3rd Gen High Capacity Alternators

I have a CB radio that dims my headlights when I key up on the mic. It’s not a problem with the radio, it’s just that big. I’m looking to replace the alternator but I don’t know which one to go with. Any advice?

 

mean green... there are others... but.. 200 amps is a lot.. you couple that with a dual battery setup you will want not for power...

you could also look into running a capacitor bank for the CB to lessen the loading/draw (lights dimming) on the electrical system.\

something like this.... they use them for car stereos...

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.8.628....0.x0VsdrgzUks

 

Do you have the tow package? If so, you already have the bigger alternator, if not I would start there.

Also the stock battery has been known to be weak sauce and need replacement after only three years which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing.

 

Yeah they battery is only rated to 580 cold cranking amps. I do have the tow package with the 130A alternator but it’s not enough. A new battery will be coming soon after the alternator. The problem I’m running into with the alternator a listed on other forums is that the companies don’t seem to carry them for the 3rd gen tacos with the 3.5L. Maybe I’m reading into it too much?

 

Is this a stock CB configuration? There is no way a 5 watt CB radio should cause headlights to dim. If you have a power amplifier, then that could possibly cause headlights to dim. A lot depends on the amount of power you are running, and how you have it wired. You should have the radio wired directly to your battery.

If you are running a stock CB radio with no external power amplifier and your headlights dim when you transmit, you have a big problem with your electrical system. Replacing your stock battery with a higher rated amperage battery is also a good plan!

I have used a 100 watt amateur radio in my truck and never had a problem with the headlights dimming.

The below link will take you to a website that contains a lot of good information regarding radio installations.........

http://www.k0bg.com/

 

With this being the case, I would recommend that you install a second battery and run your radio equipment off the second / auxiliary battery.

https://www.genesisoffroad.com/TacomaDualBatteryKit-p/172-ttdbk.htm

https://www.**************/collections/dual-battery-systems

 

Any alternator shop can have it re-wound for higher amp. Whatever casing it will allow.
Hell of a lot cheaper AND easier than trying to source one out that will fit.

 

was thinking the same about the battery.. wasnt sure what type of CB setup he was running... maybe its one of those 100watt trucker setups.. didnt get enough description. also may want to check that your terminals are clean and tight on the battery posts. if the terminals are caked in white fuzzies.. clean with a brush and spray some white vinegar on it.. make sure the body ground is clean, and making good contact too... if you installed any type of light or connector between any bolt double check them....

 

What CB are you running? Stock cb or modified? Even if it's modified to 100w (way high even for a modified CB) you shouldn't have power issues. How is it wired? It doesn't have to go straight to the battery but running it in parallel with another system is just going to draw more amperage from the battery or alternator when the truck is on. I am more curious to know how it's wired.

What is your antenna grounded to?

 

Modified to 230w into a 1000w amplifier. The amp is wired to the battery with 4 gage wire. The radio is wired to the battery with 6 gage wire. It’s not a problem with the radio. It’s just a lot of power.

 

Holy cb!! You trying to talk to a buddy in China?

Yea, lots of power. At 1000 watts on a 12v system is drawing about 83 amps. You either need a secondary battery as suggested above or modify your current alternator.

 

I'm also curious about the antenna!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Stryker SRA10 magnet mount. If you go with that antenna, get the coax replaced. It’s shit. Really good antenna but they cut that corner.

 

holy crap! nowonder they dim!!!! you would too if the alternator had to kick on everytime you mic up.... jesus... I was thinking 5-50watts.... maybe a 100watt setup... but geez.... you definitly need a 200amp alternator, and possibly 2nd battery, or at least a really good primary...

 

Yeah I know all that. I’m going to upgrade to an agm battery and get the new alternator. The problem I’ve been running into is that all the companies I’ve looked at for alternators don’t have any compatible with the 3rd gen listed on their websites. I’m hesitant to buy something that’s not meant for my truck. And it’s gonna have to be 240 amp or bigger to run this radio.

 

With just one battery, each time you transmit you are putting an enormous strain on your alternator and charging system with an 83 amp draw. Your battery should be powering your configuration, not your alternator. That is why you need a second battery. A lot of people use a second battery to power a winch and refrigerators, etc. Get the largest AGM battery that will fit in your truck! You will actually need two batteries of the same make if you go with the two battery system.

 

thats what i was thinking too.....lots of draw there

edit for spelling....i cannot type

 

doesn't the FCC limit the power out on CBs......100w CB is a big f-ing unit......but not equal to some short wave or Ham set in trucks nowadays

 

holy shit !

 

Once the engine is running, the battery becomes a load, not a power supply. The alt is constantly trying to keep it charged. I agree that it needs to be replaced with a very large agm battery, and that is coming at the same time as the alternator, but that’s just a temporary fix. Does anyone know where to get a high output alternator for the 3rd gen Tacoma’s with the 3.5L V6? Mean green alternators doesn’t have anything listed on their website for my engine.