4.0 OHV second alternator

[jtaborsky]

Vehicle is a 1987 Bronco II. Engine is a 1992 Explorer Sport 4.0. Alternator is 130 amp in factory location.

I would prefer a second alternator over a second battery to power my winch. Has anyone done this before? Is there a good spot to mount the second alternator, and how long of a belt was needed? I removed the air conditioning compressor when I did the motor swap, so if I can mount another alternator where the compressor was, that would be ideal!

Also wondering if anyone has found a 350+ amp circuit breaker for their winch?

Thanks.
- Joe

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Some good reading: http://comeupusa.com/2016/01/how-to-choose-the-right-circuit-breaker-for-your-winch/

Might be a better option: https://www.amazon.com/WARN-62132-Power-Interrupt-Kit/dp/B000CQFVN8?tag=959media-20


As for your alternator idea, I'd look in to getting the highest amperage rated alternator that you can find to fit in your stock location. 200a should be doable. Modifying your battery tray/box is also another option. I've done that to my 2001 and used the largest battery that would physically fit in the engine bay after modding the battery box. An upgrade to a 3G alternator might be another option to do some reading on..



GB

 

[Denisefwd93]

it seems silly to lose your air conditioning for a second alternator that you really don't need.

https://www.desktodirtbag.com/truck-camping-dual-battery-setup-toyota-22re/

High draw amperage motors like a winch or starter aren't usually fuse or breaker protected because of that reason but If you need them, you would probably do better by searching Marine applications instead of automotive. "look up blue sea" there are major manufacter of this type of stuff.
https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/14/Circuit_Breakers

Found this on eBay...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/350-AMP-0...UTY-INDUSTRIAL-CAR-AUDIO-MARINE-/301886458428

its common practice on boats to have what are called battery Banks,

my boat had a 90 amp alternator, automatic charging relay 4 batteries two in each Bank. All fuse protected. Old pic from when we rewired the systems on the boat

I don't see why it isn't done more often on utility vehicles,

 

[adsm08]

I agree. The winch is a temporary load, which can be handled by a battery just fine when backed by a high-amp alternator, but the second alternator will be a constant load on the engine.

It is actually not hard at all to get a group 65, which is the largest common automotive battery, into a 1st gen RBV. Cut down the front and inboard lips on your stock tray, add one of the $5 universal trays from the parts store over it, and then just an after market hold down bracket on your J-bolts. Both my Ranger and B2 have 65s in them.