How much before voltage drop becomes a problem.

[sackamous 10+ year member]

Was just wandering if my system was safe. I noticed my lights flickering the other night so I checked it out today. I got my meter out and with my truck idling I was getting 13.8 volts. I put on a bass track and cranked it all the way up, it had a steady bass line clean through. It would play up and down but the lowest I seen it drop on the meter was 12.6 volts. I hardely ever play it fullblast like that. Would I need some up grades or is it ok?

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[Phoenix Risen 10+ year member]

having your voltage sit at at least 13.8 with the system on at idle is optimal, but the drop to 12.6 shouldnt give you much of a problem especially when you are driving and your alt is putting out more power.

 

[BrownVanMan 10+ year member]

when you were test the voltage with the system up what rpm's were the truck at? big 3 done?

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

If you're idling and only dropping to 12.6V you shouldn't have any issues when driving around.

 

[Bassin Buick]

Yeah , if you ever get to the 11's then you got to worry

 

[Phoenix Risen 10+ year member]

if you are really worried about it run the big 3 in 1/0 and call it a day

 

[sackamous 10+ year member]

Thanks for the advice guys I'll get the big 3 done as soon as possible. Just glad I don't need an alternator.