Battery + alternator, big 3

obstuba916 · Jun 18, 2024

Hi everyone. I am looking to do my big 3 upgrade but I have a couple of questions. Should I use 1/0 or 2/0 wire?
I've seen some where the 1/0 for example splits to 4/0. And I just don't understand.

in the future I plan on getting a dash cam and security system. I already have a small subwoofer and head unit so my main confusion is do I need a higher output alternator when I get a new battery now?

I won't have these other accessories for a little while so I won't need the extra amps yet. I also am going to need a battery soon. I want to get an Odessy 34/78 dual purpose as my next battery. Will I need the higher output alternator for that battery or something like it? Is there a better battery and how many amps should my alternator be? i see that stock is 100-105 and higher amps 145. I'm your best advice please

Kran · Jun 18, 2024

dash cam and alarm security system are pretty insignificant draws to electrical. you also wont need a bigger alt with a factory size battery. id suggest a bigger alt if you're really dropping into the low 13s or high 12v with a bunch of stuff on at the same time like AC, stereo cranked, headlights, etc. factory voltage dash gauge isn't the most accurate especially with how old these trucks are

1/0 welding cable is more than sufficient for a 105a alt, even a 145a unit. some folks have money to burn and get overkill wiring but nothing really wrong with that. big 3 is always good to do regardless of how big your alt is or accessories you have

odyssey is a good brand as well, definitely higher end

A97obs · Sep 9, 2024

obstuba916 said:
Hi everyone. I am looking to do my big 3 upgrade but I have a couple of questions. Should I use 1/0 or 2/0 wire?
I've seen some where the 1/0 for example splits to 4/0. And I just don't understand.

in the future I plan on getting a dash cam and security system. I already have a small subwoofer and head unit so my main confusion is do I need a higher output alternator when I get a new battery now?

I won't have these other accessories for a little while so I won't need the extra amps yet. I also am going to need a battery soon. I want to get an Odessy 34/78 dual purpose as my next battery. Will I need the higher output alternator for that battery or something like it? Is there a better battery and how many amps should my alternator be? i see that stock is 100-105 and higher amps 145. I'm your best advice please

I Always done true 4 gauge or 2 gauge I wouldn’t go under 4 gauge and not the china off brand 4 that looks like 8gauge .

Cadillacmak · Sep 9, 2024

obstuba916 said:
Hi everyone. I am looking to do my big 3 upgrade but I have a couple of questions. Should I use 1/0 or 2/0 wire?
I've seen some where the 1/0 for example splits to 4/0. And I just don't understand.

in the future I plan on getting a dash cam and security system. I already have a small subwoofer and head unit so my main confusion is do I need a higher output alternator when I get a new battery now?

I won't have these other accessories for a little while so I won't need the extra amps yet. I also am going to need a battery soon. I want to get an Odessy 34/78 dual purpose as my next battery. Will I need the higher output alternator for that battery or something like it? Is there a better battery and how many amps should my alternator be? i see that stock is 100-105 and higher amps 145. I'm your best advice please

See attached. Now this doesn't account for temperature and I see you are in California. The only reason you up the size of a cable is temperature, the more amps, the more heat, the higher the resistance, the less voltage. Smaller cable has more resistance so it creates more heat when calling for more amps. Large cable equals smaller resistance and less heat equals more voltage. This chart is most likely at 140 F and if your underhood temp is 250 F, you want to really up size your cable, like double the size or more. 12v systems don't have many volts to lose so larger cables are better, notice this chart is for 3% or less voltage drop.

Battery + alternator, big 3

obstuba916

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Kran

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A97obs

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Cadillacmak

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