Adding Lights--need more Alternator?????

RonR · Aug 22, 2003

I'm planning to mount two truck running lights on my BX2200 ROPS. I see where some guys buy bigger alternators. Will I be maxing things out if I don't get a bigger alternator?

Seems to me if I run the ROPS lights and not the BX lights, I'm about equal draw. Am I missing something?????

I guess at times I'd want to rotate the ROPS lights rearward and run the BX lights also. Anyone know the power draw????

This will be an occassional occurrence, not every day.....

THANKS.

Ron /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

n3qik · Aug 22, 2003

My BX has a 30 amp fuse from alt. to batt. guess the BX2200 might be the same. If so, keep current draw 25 Amps or less you should be find.At 25 amps you can have a total of 330 watts of lights.

Jim_Becker · Aug 22, 2003

If you look under your seat, you'll probably fine some red wires that are there for the factory auxiliary light kit. (see attached pic from my BX-22) As long as you're only adding a couple of lights to the ROPS, you'll not need the alternator, even with the headlights on. If you plan on adding more electrical things, than you may need more juice.

RonR · Aug 22, 2003

Thks Jim and Ken--

I've seen that wire and your posted pic Jim.

The lights are probably all I will add, though daughter thought adding an AM/FM/CD player would be all it really needed to make it

Ron

Henro · Aug 23, 2003

I just ordered the HD alternator to be safe. I think it is a 40 ampere rating. I don't remember what the rating of the standard BX alternator is... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

40 amps at 12 volts means that I could be running 480 watts of aux lighting before the alternator would max out. I can't imagine the need for more than four 55 watt lights, if even that much. So I have a pretty good safety factor with the HD alternator.

You need to check the ampere rating of the standard alternator, not a fuse rating, to be sure of what load it current it can safely provide.

In any case...a couple 55 watt aux lights will most likely not be a problem. But the numbers tell the story. IF the standard alternator is rated for 20 amps...20 amps x 12 volts = 220 watts. Exceed that for a long enough period and you may be in trouble...

Again, not sure what the standard bX alternator is rated at...

tomnky · Oct 1, 2003

The Dynamo is rated for 14-15 Amps

Charliebrn · Oct 1, 2003

Yup, you are correct...14 Amps and thats at full throttle. From what I understand, the Dyno puts out less at less RPMs as well. I recently posted the project for installing the upgrade kit...check it out, you'll need it. the instructions that came with it were pathetic.