Dual Batteries For lights

[Pearlkobra12]

Hey guys i have 8 150 watt lights. Not installed. But i want to put four on my roof and two in my grill. I will prolly keep the other two for back up or possilbly mount them on my back bumper. But an obvious problem comes along with this. Powering these bad boys. My battery/alternator are stock. I'm pretty sure something is going to go bad with this. The lights will only be used when i'm in need (not often only when tearin up some fields or whatever) So they wont be on long. But what should i do? Running a second batter seems cheaper but idk if it'll do what i want. What do you guys think? thanks, nathan

 

[Mbrooks420]

What year Explorer do you have? If you aren't going to run them all the time you will probably be fine. Maybe just get a battery with the highest reserve capacity you can. Stock second gen alternators put out 90 or 130 amps.

 

[BrooklynBay]

An isolator should be used with the second battery. You could use a high amp alternator instead of the dual battery set up.

 

[Pearlkobra12]

my ex is a 2000. so which is better. two batteries or a better alternator

 

[BrooklynBay]

These light draw 1,200 watts when all of them are on. I think you should go with a bigger alternator since it's a resistive load (no sudden surging). The dual battery set up would be good for something like a stereo or a power winch motor since it needs sudden bursts of current which are stored in a second battery.

 

[Pearlkobra12]

alright. what is the biggest amp alternator availble?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Mr Alternator makes a 200amp.

 

[Donner]

2 150 watt lights IN the grille????

 

[Bill Kemp]

Six 150 watt lights on along with headlights, stereo ect. is gonna draw 70 to 80 amps. Upgrading to the OEM type 130 amp alt. should take care of the lights.

 

[94Jo]

Alt's in my experience are much more expensive than good batteries. (Alts 130 plus amps) A second battery is very easy and cheap esp. if you look on craigslist or refurb batteries. Also it is very very useful to have a second battery. Jump starting yourself is always awesome if you are far out or alone. Just a thought

 

[igiveup]

Hello

Go with the bigger alt. The bigger the better and its easer on the battery. If you still want another battery I would go with a good deep cycle orbital battery. Run your lights off of that and use your regular battery for starting. A deep cycle battery can take a large drain for a long period of time and is built for that. A starting battery will have shorten life in it with constant drain of a small alt.

What other fords have a similar alt to yours? You might find something in the 150+ range. Myself I dont know all my fords are older. Then check out the scrap yards for a used one and save some money.

Thats just me. I am cheap.

igiveup

 

[m4dc0w]

Definately get a larger alternator, I had a 130 amp one, and could see my battery guage go down when I turn on all my lights. After going to a 200 amp one, no problems.

As for the second battery I fund I didn't really need one until I added my winch.

 

[Sandy]

You will be asking the stock system to do a lot of overtime without pay and usually that results in a problem, in your case either battery or alternator failure or both.

As stated earlier the lights will be more of a long term drain on the battery and will require an alternator to keep up.

The six lights when on will draw almost 90 amps, add all of the other accessories and you will over power the battery quickly and the stock alternator will not keep up so you will need a larger alternator.

Start by adding up all of the amperage requirements for the vehicle, add on 20% more just to cover any extras and buy an alternator that fits that number.

One or two new batteries will help too and try to get two new batteries not one new and one old.

Wiring will ned to be changed for the larger alternator, this is a must.

Another thing you could do is wire the lights in sets of two, three sets of two lights, three switches, three relays and the proper wire gauge to carry the loads.

Do it right the first time and you will have all of the light you will need and the light swill burn brighter and longer.

Good Project but it will get pricey fast.

Luck,