Alternator needs upgraded!

[JBRam601]

My stock alternator on my 2021 ram 1500 warlock with Hemi can’t keep up to my new multiple amplifier stereo when my lights are on or I use AC so K was wondering if anyone knew the stock amperage is so I now how much bigger one I will need.

 

[Slinge]

If you search this forum for window sticker ; you will find a sight where you input your vin ; and it will show your trucks equipment .

 

[Maniac]

Did you do big 3 upgrade? Have you upgraded the battery?

Might as well do big 3 upgrade first and see what happens as you have to do the big 3 anyway if you upgrade alternator.

 

[crash68]

It maybe more beneficial to add a second battery rather than a larger alternator. Having a second battery will reduce the voltage drop during large current draws, where as an alternator is limited of how much current it can put out depending on its rpm.
Also consider a capacitor as they can deliver current faster than a battery or alternator can.

 

[HarryN]

I have not looked yet if it is possible on the ram trucks, but your best bet is to add a second alternator if you need significantly more power vs just a larger alternator.

Most alternators have ~ 2.5:1 or 3:1 rpm compared to engine rpm. Depending on the vehicle, at idle, the alternator might not be producing anything significant.

The aftermarket audio related alternators often have an external voltage controller to free up space, plus a higher ratio to spin faster at low engine rpm.

Some common suppliers of high performance alternators are nations, american power, mechman, etc.

These can really pump out the power - usually need a separate battery pack.

It is not an "econo solution", it is an "I want significantly more power and am willing to do what it takes". It is easy to be in 2 - 3 grand to complete.


_____________

As mentioned above, all of the upgrades will need more battery capacity no matter the path.

 

[BenchTest]

Battery. Capacitive discharge (capacitor). Those will be your friend quicker than a big a$$ alternator output. Unless of course you are moving SERIOUS juice in your system, then you'll need dual alts, 2nd and possibly 3rd battery. Not many people venture that deep into audio, however.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I'm currently pushing 2100W of amps on a high end audio system through my stock and brand new 2023 Warlock HEMI (9 x speakers and 2 x competition grade 10" subs).

I have absolutely ZERO issues with any electrical issues no matter the time of day nor load on my electrical system, and I pound this system to its highest levels on a consistent basis as well.

I also have a GPS monitoring system and a front & rear high end camera system in my truck as well that draws on the electrical, too!

However, I am also running the H8 AGM Odyssey battery and a db 5-farad digital capacitor in my system, and have multiple additional heavy duty true copper grounds all throughout my entire electrical system, too.

If you are pushing more than this, then yes, you may need more electrical system upgrades then I have currently employed in my audio system.

 

[BenchTest]

I'm currently pushing 2100W of amps on a high end audio system through my stock and brand new 2023 Warlock HEMI (9 x speakers and 2 x competition grade 10" subs).

I have absolutely ZERO issues with any electrical issues no matter the time of day nor load on my electrical system, and I pound this system to its highest levels on a consistent basis as well.

I also have a GPS monitoring system and a front & rear high end camera system in my truck as well that draws on the electrical, too!

However, I am also running the H8 AGM Odyssey battery and a db 5-farad digital capacitor in my system, and have multiple additional heavy duty true copper grounds all throughout my entire electrical system, too.

If you are pushing more than this, then yes, you may need more electrical system upgrades then I have currently employed in my audio system.

Big batteries and caps make the difference.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Big batteries and caps make the difference.

Agreed!!!

I forgot to mention that I also have a high level security system in my truck as well.
So, I've got lots of load and draw, especially when the truck is off (static).

I have gone on trips for 7+ nights and still hop in my truck afterwards, fire it up, and immediately crank my audio system with zero issues!

Do it right, do it once, and have zero issues!

 

[JBRam601]

I have 8 amps, 1000w inverter , 600watt inverter…4 10” subwoofers, 6 6X9’s and 4 tweeters……my 2021 warlock kept up to running 4 amps but after the inverter and more amps she sucks her dry! Looking at the high output 400amp alternators that are available in Canada, of course I’d need to do the big 3 upgrade but that’s no big deal. Thinking about the secondary battery but there’s no room for one unless I went under the truck with a box to the frame or something. I did install a capacitor and it helped a bit but is too small and trying a bigger one this weekend. I’m only running the 4 amps still until I can afford the alternator upgrade so the bigger capacitor should do for now Im hoping

 

[DILLIGAF]

I put in the 6.4L 220amp alternator and an H8 Odyssey battery. Never had issues ever since winching on the trail, while my Alpine 1000w class D amp is pushing the two 12" Type R's.

 

[zrock]

ahh the good old days of loud systems i sorta miss those days until the hearing loss i have reminds me that it was way to much.. Now i go the other way a clean sounding system and less volume.

 

[larrymax]

You can try an ultra cap. Not cheap but cheaper than a new alternator. I'm running a total of about 4k watts (peak). 3400 to the subs and 600 to the 4 door speakers. I'm looking at a 400amp alternator when I decide to replace the stock one. I wish I had more but I didn't want to lose seating. I got lucky, the ultra cap just fit behind the seats in my 2500 crew cab.