I've got a 2002 Cummins and it has two sets of batterys under the hood and I was wondering could I just run two of the biggest kinetics up front and run my power wire from one of them back to my amp for about 5k I havemt decided yet but is that an option?

You'll probably want more than that. For 5k RMS?

No. I wouldn't try to run 5k on stock with only two batteries and nothing else backing it. A HO alternator, at the least to accompany probably another large battery or two as well.

I've never dealt first hand with a system that needed wild electrical backing before, so someone else can elaborate. All mine have been <2kw

Well im gonna get a high output alt and I can fit two huge xs batteries up front I'll get donr measurements done but I think I can probably get the biggest xs batteries available

I still wouldn't run 5k on two batteries, though that's better than just two average lead acid cells. I'm a fan of overkill, but it seems like you're trying to force it. Why don't you sit down and calculate total current draw then post back. You may even answer your own question. 


That would be a 370a, or a 400a alt correct?

Edited January 28, 201411 yr by SpeakerBoy

yes you can run 5K on that truck with 2 batteries. you can also fit group 31 or 49 in there if you want to break the sides off your battery mount under the hood. a HO alt is required however. mechman runs a 220, 240, or 320 for that truck with out modifications. you can get higher but you need to build a custom mount for it.  mechman states that 3 group 49's with a 320A alt will handle 10K rms DD.

 

when you order let him know you have the cummins and you will get a slightly smaller pully on it. If you have modded your engine with over fueling and boosting and thus have lower rpm you will want to request an even smaller pully.

yes you can run 5K on that truck with 2 batteries. you can also fit group 31 or 49 in there if you want to break the sides off your battery mount under the hood. a HO alt is required however. mechman runs a 220, 240, or 320 for that truck with out modifications. you can get higher but you need to build a custom mount for it. mechman states that 3 group 49's with a 320A alt will handle 10K rms DD.

when you order let him know you have the cummins and you will get a slightly smaller pully on it. If you have modded your engine with over fueling and boosting and thus have lower rpm you will want to request an even smaller pully.

5krms with only a HO and under hood batteries?

My friend is planning on getting a similar truck next winter.

That's awesome news xD

I am in the works of building a 10-12KW system with a single dedicated 420A next to my factory alt on an isolated bank of AGM's. we shall see if mechman is correct in that 3 AGM's and 1 HO alt can handle it.  to be fair he did state "such a configuration would be fine for 2 or 3 songs at max but not for constant playing at extended periods"

I am in the works of building a 10-12KW system with a single dedicated 420A next to my factory alt on an isolated bank of AGM's. we shall see if mechman is correct in that 3 AGM's and 1 HO alt can handle it. to be fair he did state "such a configuration would be fine for 2 or 3 songs at max but not for constant playing at extended periods"

Sheesh. Making my btl and 3k look pussy.....

I am in the works of building a 10-12KW system with a single dedicated 420A next to my factory alt on an isolated bank of AGM's. we shall see if mechman is correct in that 3 AGM's and 1 HO alt can handle it.  to be fair he did state "such a configuration would be fine for 2 or 3 songs at max but not for constant playing at extended periods"

Good luck

I had a Mechman 370 alt and 8 AGM batteries running 12k. It worked great but I wouldnt want less.

Just to throw in my experience, I ran an 270 amp mechman with three diehard platinum PM1s, on around 4.5k and had zero to .1 voltage drop.

When I had the 80amp alt I would get around .4-.8 voltage drop.

 

I think you would be fine with 5k on 2 good quality group 31s and a new alt. Probably not zero voltage drop but I wouldn't expect it to drop a unsafe amount.

Edited February 20, 201411 yr by SacredTanakh

I've got a 2002 Cummins and it has two sets of batterys under the hood and I was wondering could I just run two of the biggest kinetics up front and run my power wire from one of them back to my amp for about 5k I havemt decided yet but is that an option?

Most of those trucks have larger than normal alternators for work loads like tractor charging, running compressors / generators, hydraulic booms, etc ... well, you get what I'm saying here ... I basically live in a 2 ton bucket truck with all those bells and whistles a lineman needs to work with ...

The alternator should be strong enough to get you started. However ... Its not going to last.

My suggestion would be to get 2 batteries to go in the back (bed toolbox or something similar) and then upgrade your alternator as soon as you can ... but I would not run your large class D amplifier off of those stock batteries alone ...

But then again, just my suggestion here brother ...

Edited February 20, 201411 yr by Cablguy184

when you put batteries in the rear of the truck i would recommend welding some 1/4" plate to the frame rail opposite the fuel tank at the front of the bed. (its where most people have exaust). I put my batteries there and there is also room for a 30 gallon air compressor tank under there if you need it. i would say this is the best place to have extra batteries.

when you put batteries in the rear of the truck i would recommend welding some 1/4" plate to the frame rail opposite the fuel tank at the front of the bed. (its where most people have exaust). I put my batteries there and there is also room for a 30 gallon air compressor tank under there if you need it. i would say this is the best place to have extra batteries.

Cool Idea ...

I had plans to do something similar to my Chevy ... but just never got around to getting it done.