how strong is the factory charging sytem?
im wanting to put some back up lights on my truck and also some slim off road lights behind the grill pretty soon, and the sytem that is going in to the truck pretty soon is about 1000w total..

i dont want the lights dimming that much if any. im sure i can throw a capaciter in the mix with the system to help out a little since i got one laying around.

should i see any problems with the system and added lights?
its a 07 4.0 xlt if that makes a difference.

 

The truck has a maybe 30 - 40 amps of head room at cruise, idle its probably closer to 10 - 20.

1000w rms? Peak? peak to peak?

What ever the rating is you really need a larger alternator for the audio stuff. The truck can handle a few lights, definitely not both. I suggest a "big 3" power upgrade and a at least a 150 amp alternator.

A capacitor is like a band aid when it comes to keeping the lights from dimming. It may work for a bit, but when the alternator cant keep up your going to drain the battery.

 

big 3? thats a new one to me? i know ill throw a red or yellow top in there eventually

 

even with the red or yellow top youll need a bigger stronger alternator.

 

Upgrading "the big three" wires in your engine bay to bigger wires that can carry more current. If I remember right, they are the battery-alternator, alternator-ground, and battery-ground wires. There is a how-to for it somewhere on here.

 

Correct, any electrical add ons you should do this.


If the alternator cant keep up with the draw it will drain the battery.

 

I have pretty much the setup you said you're going to have...lights, and stereo, even an e-fan and I have been running with the stock alternator for over 2 years and have NO PROBLEMS!!!! I have a yellowtop and 5farad capacitor, the capcitor didn't help much, it did help a MINOR part in dimming lights. I also have the big 3 done along with a couple other wire upgrades.
About the stereo system. It depends on what quality you're using and types of amps. If you're using a class D for the sub(s) it will draw alot less amperage than an a/b. I have a Soundstream 800rms class a/b and it draws 130A max. My friend (rudeman85) has a 1600rms Hifonics amp which draws the same or a little less than mine!


I recommend getting a HighOutput alternator before a capacitor if you have any large voltage problems.

 

big 3 is battery to alternator, engine block ground(which grounds the alt), and battery ground