Bigger alternator needed for fridge (+winch)? (1 Viewer)

[richmondbob]

Our 80 is running a Painless dual battery setup (newer batteries). We want to run a fridge and, (slim) possibility, a winch.

QUESTION: Do I need a bigger than stock alternator or is the stock one fine? If not, which alternative alternator would go in with minimum work?

Appreciate any responses, especially from those with dual batteries and running fridges. Thanks.

(Yes, I searched and read other threads )
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[canman]

I believe that amp draw on the ENGEL etc. type fridges is minimal (less than 5 A), so while the engine is running your stk alt should have no problems. With your dual batteries, the fridge should run several days from what I've read. Having said all that, I upgraded to 130A alt using Photoman's brkt kit. But this was primarily to support a winch.

 

[California80]

I run a fridge, cb, a couple 12volt chargers, invert-er, and occasionally the winch (Warn 12K)and don't need a bigger alternator. I do however have an IBS dual battery setup. The only time I link the batteries are when I am winching or have drained the main for a jump start. I have run the fridge for over 3 days before the battery has drained. So really, a bigger alternator would be nice but unecessary IMHO.

 

[WildYoats]

Dear Bob, your PM box is full.

 

[richmondbob]

Dear Bob, your PM box is full.

Fixed

 

[Bisonthecruiser]

Lol. Alternator for fridge

 

[CycloSteve]

A larger alternator will help to charge dual batteries faster (depending on the setup), and to help with heavy loads while the engine is on...such as winching, running tons of lights, accessories, etc. Dual batteries take care of household vs. starting issues. As others have said, a larger alternator will not change anything with regards to the fridge, and when the engine is off, but can help when winching for long periods.



Steve

P.S. Many of us have upgraded not because of any actual need, but simply because we can...yes, that is part of the Land Cruiser disease.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

I have dual batteries (group 27 starting and 27 deep cycle) and ARB 50qt fridge and a M12000, the stock alternator has had no problems with this set up. I have run the fridge loaded for 3 days with out starting the truck and the deep cycle battery showed 11.2V. Food was still cold an the fridge was still working fine.

 

[Tapage]

it's just a matter of amp draw .. count it ..

Just for reference I have 6 100/90 H4 bulbs plus AC and intercooler fan .. ( both drawing around 20 amps ) regular stereo and all other stock stuff ..

My amp draw never go over 80 amps ( have 150 amps ) ..

Note: depending on your winch it can draw as much as 500 amps at peak .. so no regular alternator will be able to keep that amp draw ..

 

[Solid Taco]

Get a bigger battery.