Twin Alternator's

[Kevigizmo]

Lots of rigs get setup with a twin battery system or other power source such as Solar ect for topping up,
But sometimes having the main Battery and Main Alternator charging everything could add strain to it over time and subsequently fail leaving you high and dry with no working alternator to charge anything - especially the solenoid for starter motors or fuel injection! DOH!

Having a 2nd Battery is pretty standard these days with the use of fridges, camp lights and heaters ect, but with the single alt system it's 50/50 on how long some may last..

I've recently installed a 2nd Alternator on my 300tdi Land Rover Defender,
Nice and easy as its a simple plate adapter where the aircon unit would normally sit.. and theres spare teeth on the cranks! WINNER!

So with having that in there, it means I can turn on the "charge 2nd batt" line to get power to the camp battery without the worry of over doing it with my main battery for startup or my main alternator
It also means that in a Jam i will always have a "spare" alternator already with me.. and not taking up valuable space for everything else!!

Not sure whether this is possible in other types of rigs like the Jeeps and Toyota's... i could be wrong!

Lets see!!

 

[Kevigizmo]

Still need to wire the top one in, add a resistor for the 12v line to the correct voltage to "enable" the charge circuit on the alternator to generate

 

[Mike W]

no room on an LR4 from what i can tell. good plan though.

 

[bailcraftca]

Still need to wire the top one in, add a resistor for the 12v line to the correct voltage to "enable" the charge circuit on the alternator to generate

Question(s) / Comments:

In your post in reference to the second alternator, there was a mention of just putting a bracket where the a/c unit would normally go... If I am understanding this correctly, there is no a/c in the vehicle, correct?

There was also mentioned that a single alternator would fail over time if the strain of having an additional load (2nd battery), or something to that effect; however, doesn't everything/anything have the potential to fail over time? (say your fuel pump fails - is there a second one?).

Just a little food for thought... If the concern was something failing, there would be two, or more of each item on board. Having a contingent plan in the event of an unforeseen event, and the tools to get in "limp home mode," including communications may be a good idea.

I like the idea, but realistically, a dual alternator system seems to be the exception, not the rule. Dual batteries, solar charging, battery jumpers, tools and knowledge of whatever you are using to get to wherever you are going, is key.





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[Kevigizmo]

Question(s) / Comments:

In your post in reference to the second alternator, there was a mention of just putting a bracket where the a/c unit would normally go... If I am understanding this correctly, there is no a/c in the vehicle, correct?

There was also mentioned that a single alternator would fail over time if the strain of having an additional load (2nd battery), or something to that effect; however, doesn't everything/anything have the potential to fail over time? (say your fuel pump fails - is there a second one?).

Just a little food for thought... If the concern was something failing, there would be two, or more of each item on board. Having a contingent plan in the event of an unforeseen event, and the tools to get in "limp home mode," including communications may be a good idea.

I like the idea, but realistically, a dual alternator system seems to be the exception, not the rule. Dual batteries, solar charging, battery jumpers, tools and knowledge of whatever you are using to get to wherever you are going, is key.

Hey
Indeed there is no aircon on this particular model (as it was a '94 so wasn't standard in the Defenders - but was an option on the Discovery 1 which had same engine)

indeed I agree with your point that any and all parts would eventually fail as things get used, but like with anything the most used and utilised will be generally the first to go,
As it's not running "stock / standard" items and there is additional loads in there it would naturally add a bit more

Noted about the realistic view of it, I have no real concerns for parts failing as it would happen at some point, it was more a case of - it's a nice little mod which shares load but also acts as a failover should the main fail, easilly rectified and it isn't taking up any extra space - as we all know, with Overlanding space is very much a key thing on a long trip

Yes I would totally agree that having tools and knowledge on how to "MacGyver" your way out of a situation
now wheres that penknife ..

 

[bailcraftca]

Awesome! Thank you for the open dialogue, it is very appreciated . Yes, "MacGyver..." I think we all have done a bit of that (duct tape, chewing gum, and a paperclip... let's hit the road).