Update:
-Kris
I think you might need sunglasses to look at that beautiful bell… Ha Ha …
Dan, my stock alternator is only 70-75 Amp max right now. Adding another battery will only be harder on it. I know stock alts usually leave 10-30 amps (depending on year/make/model) leftover for accessories, but that’s for more modern cars. Just my viair 444 gives my truck hell when activated. I’m not doubting your advice but I believe, from my audio experiences when I was younger, that it’s in need of an upgrade regardless. Besides that a good alternator will last alot longer than a battery.
Marine if that bell gets much shinier imma get burnt. Lol she’s beautiful! BTW I’m just gonna assume this and say Semper Fidelis brother.
Thanks!
And don’t assume, it makes an a$$ of you and me (a$$-u-me) … LOL!
I did 6 years in the Corps and another 6 years playing in the sandbox as an IT guy on a communications contract, and since my MOS school used to be in Quantico, VA (home of HMX-1, aka the helicopters for “MarineOne”) and I’m an avid gamer, the name kinda stuck.
What I would recommend is since you have an older truck, find something like a junked Chevy with a 6.2L diesel in it and snatch the alternator and battery boxes from it. It’s a higher output and will fit almost any GM engine (or grab the brackets, too) and the battery boxes should be a direct fit … if you have a Chevy/GMC truck
The batteries will take the brunt of the power needs, the upgraded alternator will help keep the batteries running, and you’ll have plenty of power. That alternator is made to handle two 1000cca batteries.
-Kris
Unfortunately it’s a Ford and something I’ve come to find from rebuilding it is very little can be cannibalized from different type motors. I don’t think anything (could be wrong) from a diesel will fit my 300. The more I research, the more I’m leaning towards staying with an electric comp. There’s a shop near my house that can rebuild my alternator for better performance. If and when I get an oasis I’ll definitely be getting an audio battery to go with it. Either way this won’t be for at least a year from now.
I can only echo what MarineOne said - If you have the space, a dual battery kit is the way to go. The charge rate is low enough not to bother most alternators and the battery will take the brunt of the load for the compressors. Doesn’t need to be huge - even a mid sized cell will do it.
What year Ford (model, engine, etc.)??
-Kris