Electrical Question

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

Alright, I got a 2001 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 SLT Laramie, blah blah blah. Ive been looking up what kind of alternator I have, most have the 117 amp and a few have 136 not real sure which, but Im gonna go with the 117 because I dont think I have the upgraded one.

Now my question is do I need to get a new alternator and a second battery in order to put in about 2000 watts of power? Im almost positive Ill be puttin in the second battery but will I need an new alternator, and is there even anything that can support that kind of power? Sorry Im a little confused on the whole electrical set up.

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Obviously there's a way to support the use of gear with that kind of wattage output or else it wouldn't exist. There's not much sense in producing a product that no one can use, is there?

Also bear in mind that even if an amp is capable of producing X amount of wattage that you will rarely, if ever, actually see that level of output under normal, daily driving, listening to music use.

So, to answer your question, a second battery on top of a 117a alternator should be sufficient.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

Will I see dimming and such?

And when I say 2000 Im not sayin like peak or anything, Im saying RMS... right now its just 2 12 Mags and probably a SAZ1500D. Plus a new HU new comps (rear and front) I dont know yet. I may downgrade though, because I dont want to have to invest that much money into a new electrical system.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

So, I dont need a new alternator? Final Answer?

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Will I see dimming and such?
And when I say 2000 Im not sayin like peak or anything, Im saying RMS... right now its just 2 12 Mags and probably a SAZ1500D. Plus a new HU new comps (rear and front) I dont know yet. I may downgrade though, because I dont want to have to invest that much money into a new electrical system.

Re-read the second sentence in my original post closely.

Even if you have an amp designed to actually output 2kW RMS @ whatever resistance load it is designed to output 2kW you'll rarely, if ever, actually see 2kW worth of output under normal, daily-driving, listening to music use.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

Thanks Prowler I

 

[woody89 10+ year member]

My new setup is going into a lot of money on my electrical system. After trying to run many watts off a small stock alt. I say do it right or don't do it at all.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

But the alt kills gas mileage, and I already get 10 mpg...