Alternator Idle Power Consumption

I'm curious if anyone knows how much power a second gen tacoma uses when idling. I'm looking for a ball park number, like 10 amps ... 20 amps ...

So say the headlights are off (DRL's too), no dome lights on, stereo off, screen black, battery fully charge. I remember reading on TW that the 130 amp alternator creates about 70 amps of power idling around 800 rpm's. I believe all the tow package/Canadian models have the 130 amp alternator. But how much of that power is actually being consumed?

I thought about measuring this myself, but I don't think I have the tools for it. I have a simple multi meter but it's got a pretty low amperage limit. As far as I know (I'm not a electrician) the only way to measure amps to to have the current pass through the meter (unlike volts). I'm definitely not going to run my $40 meter on the truck when I start it.

As I make more mods to my truck I'd like to understand how much power is being used. Knowing how much power my truck consumes at idle provides a minimum baseline for me to build on.

 

That will depend on each truck, and especially each year.
2005-2008 non TRD trucks with everything off (radio, lights, turn signals, wipers TPMS, heater etc) should be less than 5 AMPS.
Fuel usage at idle on my truck is 0.34 GPH in Summer. If that helps you.

 

I don't have the answer you are looking for exactly but I doubt you have much to worry about. I think you could operate a winch with all the lights on including the KC's on the roll bar while blasting the air conditioner and jamming a normal good stereo (<1000 watts) and brew coffee with the bed outlet all at the same time with no problem. What all do you plan to add?

 

I did some googling. I discovered something (new to me) called a "DC Shunt". Maybe I'll get one and take some measurements when I install the heavier gauge wiring from @BamaToy1997

 

I'm not worried, just curious.

 

Upgraded wiring

 

Fair enough, always good to learn more, looks like you are setting up a more than normal good stereo, LOL

 

Currently my truck is my dd. In a few years that will change hopefully. Then I can really start modding.

 

Typically you can figure that just with the ignition switch on, and the engine running, you are drawing around 5-15A of current depending on the vehicle, as higher end cars have more computers and accessories that draw power, even when off. The best way to measure is by using a inductance probe that will clamp around the cable and read current based on magnetic field strength. The issue you will run into is that the battery and alternator are connected in parallel with the vehicle. Depending on the battery state of charge, and the demands of the vehicle itself, your output could be as high as 25-30 amps.