Choosing bigger alternator

[fuelcell]

I have an 05 Yukon SLT 4x4 I am having some low voltage happening with my camping rig. I am running typical phone charger x2, heated seat pads (Aftermarket) as the Yukon heated pads no longer work (maybe another project to fix), iceco jp40 fridge, backup camera, and if i can swing it recharge my jackery while driving but have no to do that yet. I know the battery is on its last legs but even with highway speeds the seat warmers don't always have enough juice to run. My volts drop to 11-12. Would I benefit from a larger alternator and if I enlarge would it possibly overcharge the electrical system? Also may add secondary battery as well. Thanks for any info...

 

[justirv]

I have an 05 Yukon SLT 4x4 I am having some low voltage happening with my camping rig. I am running typical phone charger x2, heated seat pads (Aftermarket) as the Yukon heated pads no longer work (maybe another project to fix), iceco jp40 fridge, backup camera, and if i can swing it recharge my jackery while driving but have no to do that yet. I know the battery is on its last legs but even with highway speeds the seat warmers don't always have enough juice to run. My volts drop to 11-12. Would I benefit from a larger alternator and if I enlarge would it possibly overcharge the electrical system? Also may add secondary battery as well. Thanks for any info...

I went with Tucson Alt Exchange 240A, did the Big 3 (4) upgrade on the positive and negative cables, and added an AL fuse at the Alt, as the fused link was inadequate. If you are planning on double batts, it's best to install (new) identical batts at the same time. As far as voltage regulation, the alternator typically comes with internal regulation. Your's may have that inductive monitoring block that the positive cable needs to run through. I have an '02, so that is foreign to me.

 

[DRLexpress]

I would guess your stock system would run that load no problem. I would have your alternator and battery tested first, then your wiring.

 

[Fless]

I would guess your stock system would run that load no problem. I would have your alternator and battery tested first, then your wiring.

^^ This. Also do a voltage drop test to confirm that the connections between the battery and the engine and body can handle the load.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I'm not seeing anything in your write-up that would suggest that your current alternator is being over-taxed.

First, take your battery out of the truck and take it to a local auto parts store with a bench load test battery tester. If the battery is not good, then all kinds of issues arise.

Then, when re-installing the battery, make sure that all of your battery cables and connections are in good shape and clean and tight.

Then, check the ground strap from the motor to the firewall, and ensure that the connections are clean and tight.