Mounting an Alternator to a frame rail? (1 Viewer)

[_Walker_]

I am in the process of installing a 2nd alt to a BJ74 (13BT) for charging a third battery RE 12volt system.

Iv sourced a reasonably small Nippondenso unit that I think MAY be small enough
Lester:12180
Example of size:

my first thought was to somehow fab a bracket to replace the power steering tensioner with the new alt; however clearance etc is going to be tight; and making this whole thing work may turn into a major PITA;

SO, how unwise would it be to mount the alternator to the frame rail rather than to the block; I was thinking directly below the tensioner; leaving all the stock pulleys in place, the install would be a breeze, but im just wondering if im going to be opining myself up to a world of problems in the future...

Would the shake rattle and roll of the engine put too much strain on the belt?
am I going to be sacrifycing too much belt-to-pully contact with the new angles?
is mounting an alternator that low to the ground in a 4x4 a very stupid idea?


any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated....

 

[motorcoach123]

SO, how unwise would it be to mount the alternator to the frame rail rather than to the block



I think you may have a few problems going this way......the torque/lifting of the engine/drive pulley while that alternator is securely mounted to the frame would make it tough to keep belts on....prolly other issues as well.
If you are just trying to get more 12V source.....I suggest a good battery balancer/equalizer...... http://www.vanner.com/client/images/manual_Battery_Equalizer.pdf
They are not cheap, but they are the 'proper' way to get 12V from a 24V system, and they are used in most 24V commercial equipment....also they will equalize the charge of your two existing batteries. FWIW

Cheers,
Gord

 

[RufusTheDufus]

One of these 24v to 12v units might be the way to go too:
Products :: Battery Chargers :: Digital Mobile Charge40 - 24V to 12V Battery to Battery

 

[Stone]

I was going to say the same thing as Motorcoach. I doubt there would be a way to keep the proper tension on the belt and still allow the engine to move relative to a static alternator on the framerail.

 

[_Walker_]

Ya I figured that may be the main issue; has anyone here actually mounted a 2nd alt to a 13BT while maintaining the factory AC unit?
any bright ideas for location/ alternator selection?

Iv been running an equalizer for a few years but have had a few blow out on me; Im kind of leaning towards a dedicated 12V battery and the most fool proof system I can find, and figured after I had gone through all the headache of making a bracket this would be the more reliable way to go... worst case senerio if the alt fails I loose my 12V system, vs if the equalizer pops and I dont catch it im stuck out in the middle of nowhere with cooked batteries....

 

[RufusTheDufus]

That's the nice thing about the Promariner unit. It's not an equalizer. It's a dedicated charger that will take a 24v input and properly charge and maintain a 12v battery bank. It connects to your alternator.

 

[hj herby]

AC pump location

I have been thinking of doing this to my 61 and have guessed that putting the alternator where the AC pump is/was would be a good idea? A second alt is the best and most reliable way of getting a totaly independant 12v system,even better if you have a insulated earth alternator.

 

[eleblanc]

That's the nice thing about the Promariner unit. It's not an equalizer. It's a dedicated charger that will take a 24v input and properly charge and maintain a 12v battery bank. It connects to your alternator.

x2, that is the way to do this....

see here
http://www.promariner.com/productFeature.php?ProductNum=05503

 

[Stone]

In terms of simplicity, I think it would be a x3 for me for the Promariner and similar units also. You will find a lot of solutions available in the marine world...so look around there.

 

[Turbo45]

if you were still thinkin of mounting the alternator to the frame if you used a serpentine belt with a tensioner that might help getting more wrap on your pulleys and also keep the belt tension when the engine is moving around

 

[Turbo45]

I was just looking in the 45 section and there is a thread from a guy in Finland who has pictures of two alternators in his Landcruiser
his thread is pretty close to the top of the list

 

[Granite Grinder]

These guys make 24 -> 12 battery charger as well. Available in 15A increments, I know they are in the UK, but shipping to Canada was easy. I think the 30A version cost me around CA$300.00 landed.
Battery Chargers - Step Down