How many is too many devices?

[Meeces390]

Hey guys, bit of a newbie question with electrical draw. I'm trying to figure out how to get a better idea of what point would be too many devices being used/charging while vehicle is running? And at what point battery upgrade would be a consideration. I bought a OBD device to track electrical via bluetooth with iphone app (OBD fusion) and not sure what number/draw to watch for?

Devices plugged in (while driving/vehicle on)- iphone, garmin inreach, ipad pro (9inch) for maps from the garmin, dash cam, and potentially 1 to 2 more iphones for passengers. Only other consideration I can think of at the moment- air compressor. But that is a temp. use and can disconnect other items if electrical load were a concern while using the compressor. It's a Viair 88P model. With just iphone and dash cam, OBD app shows about 13.7 voltage.

I've cruised the forums and youtube and see lots of stuff on dual batteries/upgrade to bigger battery. I don't think this would reach that point, but wanted to get a better idea and figured the forum is a good place to start. Thanks for any info in advance.

-Matt

 

[JSparky]

Good question, but it sounds like you might need to educate yourself on how vehicle charging systems work, both generally and specifically to your needs.

I may recommend giving Kodiak a call, they're down in Gilroy and do electrical systems for all sorts of commercial and first response vehicles. I've found them very helpful over the years. Best of luck.

KODIAK INDUSTRIES INC.

 

[williamson36]

"iphone, garmin inreach, ipad pro (9inch) for maps from the garmin, dash cam, and potentially 1 to 2 more iphones"

All of these items together draw far less than a single halogen headlamp. Unless you are looking at high draw items, I would not be concerned.

 

[rigtec]

Hey guys, bit of a newbie question with electrical draw. I'm trying to figure out how to get a better idea of what point would be too many devices being used/charging while vehicle is running? ...And at what point battery upgrade would be a consideration.

Hi Matt,

All of the electronic devices that you've mentioned will have a negligible impact on the truck's stock electrical system; less than 3 amps! Even adding a small air compressor would not affect the vehicle's electrical system's full cap negatively! Now when you're getting into winches, High Output Car Audio Amplifiers, TV's/home theater systems, friges...etc, that's a 'WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY'!

When I bought my '12 LE, I found a Panasonic 530-CCA battery under the hood, so I ditched it straight away; even my wife's Camery (4 cyl) had a 650-CCA under her hood, and realizing my future intentions for the truck, I had to do something ...but you're fine! 'Best to you',

rig

 

[wcjeep]

2nd Kodiak Industries. Good Guy.


So far you have listed all low draw items. I didn't see an ARB cooler, car stereo amp(s) or aftermarket lighting. On average, the engine takes 20amp to run. Headlights are 20amp. Heater is 20amp. Whatever the alternator is rated at is the cold rating at maximum power. This means as it heats up the alternator puts out less power. Alternator is rarely at maximum power output. Dual batteries are great for reserve power while the vehicle is off.

My offroad Jeep has a 160amp Hot rated alternator (welding). It's rated at 160amp when hot. It puts out more power when cold.

Given the low amp draw devices you have listed I don't see a problem while the vehicle is running. I would consider running a new power line from the battery to a central point to power your various devices. Be sure to fuse the main power lead. Consider smaller fuses if possible to the other devices.

 

[jhguth]

none of the things you listed are enough of a draw to be concerned about, but for future reference to figure out the max draw look at how many amps or watts it uses.

The Power (Watts) is the product of the Voltage (Volts) and the Amperage (Amps), so P=VI. The amount of power something needs should be printed somewhere on the plug or device or found in the user manual.

For example, a basic (non-rapid cahrge) dual USB charger generally takes ~24W (because 5V(USB voltage) * 2.4A * 2 USB plugs = 24W). At 13.7V that means if it is at full power it is pulling 1.75A.

Your 12V cigarette lighter (which you know now is actually about 13.7V) is rated at 120W

The air compressor requires the most power out of what you posted has a max draw of 20 Amps (per specs), this is why it has alligator clips instead of a cigarette lighter because 240 Watts (20 Amps * 12 Volts) is more than what most vehicles can handle through their cigarette lighter, it would blow the fuse

The dashboard type items don't sound like you should overload your available cigarette style 12V plug capacity, but you may still end up wanting to install some additional power ports or USB plugs to avoid a spiderweb of charging cables. If you get to that point we can help you size the wire.

 

[rigtec]

2nd Kodiak Industries. Good Guy.


So far you have listed all low draw items. I didn't see an ARB cooler, car stereo amp(s) or aftermarket lighting. On average, the engine takes 20amp to run. Headlights are 20amp. Heater is 20amp. Whatever the alternator is rated at is the cold rating at maximum power. This means as it heats up the alternator puts out less power. Alternator is rarely at maximum power output. Dual batteries are great for reserve power while the vehicle is off.

My offroad Jeep has a 160amp Hot rated alternator (welding). It's rated at 160amp when hot. It puts out more power when cold.

Given the low amp draw devices you have listed I don't see a problem while the vehicle is running. I would consider running a new power line from the battery to a central point to power your various devices. Be sure to fuse the main power lead. Consider smaller fuses if possible to the other devices.

Hi [MENTION=134953]wcjeep[/MENTION] ,

One Thousand% Accurate, Thank you! I'm leaving a few 'Electrical write-up links' here, perhaps just to clarify a few common misconceptions wrt electrical principles with a lil' electrical theory (snuck in there) for some of the newer members that would like to get more involved in modifying the electrical systems in their new 'Prized' 4Runners... I remember what that felt like when I first purchased mine!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/172070-4runner-alternator-upgrade-gen-5-a.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-more-current-your-stock-alternator-idle.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/224382-big-three;-how-works.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/220177-switches-relays-wires-its-all-greek-me.html 'Best to you all',

rig