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Mason
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2002
13:31:34
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 Subject: Off Road Lighting
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If i wanted to install 6 or more off road lights on my 2001 4WD QC, do you think i would need a larger battery or more powerful charging system?
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Sparky
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2002
15:42:06
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
both
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Mason
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2002
15:59:49
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
Anybody have an idea of who i could go to for the high power needs. I have 2 4 wheel stores owned by the same company near me but it took these guys over 2 weeks to NOT get me the right front bug deflector. I would not trust them at all with electricity.
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2002
21:11:39
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
Something to consider... I've used many brands of lights (KC, Hella, Warn, Pilot...) and the biggest difference I have found is WIRING. On my Jeep I used 4 Hella 500 series, rated at only 55 watts each, and they out-perform many other lighting set-ups. I use relays and the correct gauge for the wires, which is better than just bolting on more wattage. The best part is... with all four lights on, I'm only running 220 watts!
I also use Optima Gell Cell batteries religously and that works great with just a stock alternator. So...
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mason
Dodge Dakota
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4/20/2002
00:03:57
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
Do i need to get an upgraded output alternator?
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
4/20/2002
09:50:54
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
Now would be as good a time as any. If you have that many lights your probably goign to end up with a winch. With the combination of all of that it's best to put in a larger alternator.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
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4/20/2002
12:26:56
| RE: Off Road Lighting
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Message:
Yeah, I agree. Winches will KILL the stock alternator if your not carefull. Upgrade now if that is your plan.
If you are just going to run about 400-600 watts worth of lighting (depending on the amps your stock alternator is rated at), then you shouldn't need a new one. There is a formula to figure out what your total amp usage is on the vehichle paired with off-road lighting that adds up to a total AMP number. Compare that with your Alternator AMP rating to see if it meets those needs. If you use more amps than rated, you will end-up using your battery and alt. until the battery is dead. All of this is stress on the electrical system, too.
I don't remember what most trucks use AMP wise with headlights, AC and all... but I do remember that I was within limits of the stock electrical system with these set-ups:
(4) 100 watt KC Daylighters
(2) 55 watt Pilot fog lights
(2) 100 watt Hella headlight bulbs
(1) 200 watt Amp. for the stereo
And...
(4) 55 watt Hella 500's
(2) 120 watt Hella headlight bulbs
(1) 300 watt Amp. for the stereo
These two set-ups worked fine for over two years on each vehicle with just a red Optima battery and good wiring. And just so you know, the Hella's worked great for the money and the wattage!
Sorry for the long post... I'm bored. I figure more info is better than less!!
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