High Output Alternator options

[thrower78]

Hi All,
My standard 65A alternator in the 300tdi fender has died.
With the new gear going on the vehicle I am going to need a higher output alternator. Easiest option is that the local landie guy has a 100A disco one, I am wondering if I should go bigger or will 100A do?

I will have the following gear.
12,000lb winch
approximately 240Ah worth of batteries + starting / winching battery run through a redarc bms
Hid spotlights, led bar
Stereo with 2x400watt digital amps

Will a 100A alternator keep up with the recharging and power delivery needs? Or should I try and go with something closer to 150A to factor in a bit of redundancy?
Will I need to upgrade wiring between alternator and starter with an increase in constant power delivery?

Thanks Andrew

[phibbzy]

IMO its the constant use items that need to be considered. The winch will draw much more than what a alternator is capable of providing and will always draw from the battery anyway - but its intermittent use. LED bars use a nominal amount but Halogen spotties will draw a bit.

I run a 65AMP currently which powers what you listed plus fridge and various other items without issue - a bit of dimming on the spots when winching at night is about it.

Whatever you can get your hands on around the 100 amp mark will serve you well.

[thrower78]

Thanks mate that sounds good. Yeah I know that you will never keep up with the winch.
100A is easy for me to get hold of. I was just wondering about getting good charge into the batteries but I guess the Bms will only draw a certain amount regardless of the size of the alternator. Am I right in assuming that?

[Reads90]

I have always put in the disco 100amp alternator in my defenders when I have to replace the standard one.

Gives it all a bit more

[PAT303]

I have a Transit model on mine,bolts straight up for $250. Pat

[thrower78]

Is that out of a Ford transit pat? What amperage is that one?

[Sirocco]

Dont forget to consider uprating the charge cable between the alternator and the battery as you are nearly doubling its available capacity. Last thing you want is a bottleneck... or a fire!

Did you do the cable as well Reads? or not find it necessary?

G

[PAT303]

Is that out of a Ford transit pat? What amperage is that one?

Yeh mate,straight fit,amps,dunno,keeps both batteries charged and the fridge working. Pat

[rick130]

Or the Disco one (as Ali already suggested) bolts straight in, 100amps, may have to swap pulleys, depending on age of the Tdi.
About the same money from Karcraft as Pat paid for the Transit version.

[PAT303]

If your changing models make sure the drive belt is not too tight,I have a feeling that different model alternators maybe causing alot of the bearing issue's with the Tdi,if you can't slip the belt on with the tensioner backed off the belt is too tight. Pat