Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Charging system limitations?

Can the charging system on the America handle Gerbings heated gloves and heated socks along with the Triumph Light bar kit?
Mike

That might be pushing it a bit..

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That might be pushing it a bit..

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Hmmmm, just trying to keep warm. Any options,upgrades on the charging system?
Mike

Technically you could add up all of the current draw from your accessories and see if it exceeds the output of the regulator (and who better than Chy to trust on this?)...or...you could switch off the running lights when you plug in your warmers and make it an either/or choice, lights or warmth.
This Triumph Rat mod to charging system was on my list of this to consider as a future "improvement".

That mod sure did improve my charging system
runnin 14 volts back to the battery now instead of 12

Basically its a 12 inch piece of 10 or 12 gauge wire with a round connector on one end for the battery and a spade connector to go in the rectifier plug end. Pull the brown/black wire that runs into the wire harness from the rectifier and plug the spade connector to it. that bypasses the long wire thats too small for the current and puts the voltage directly to the battery. I had pics posted before, but I guess they got lost when the system was down. I am trying to reload them, but its taking a long time for some reason

Good post

here we go

I have the whole Gerbings outfit and the lightbar. I haven't had any problem other than the headlight pulses with the cycling of the thermostat... You don't want to be stuck idling in traffic for any length of time however because the alternator doesn't keep up unless the rev's are around 2000 or better.
The mod listed above may help - I haven't tried it yet.

Chy, would you care to give us your thoughts on the wiring mod? Seems like an interesting idea.
You may recall during our discussions when I was experiencing starting issues my charging system is already a bit on the weaker side of where you thought it should be.
Mike

Mike I ran the Gerbing jacket liner and gloves on my 03 SM along with the light bar and never had a problem.

Hi Larry How you been? I'm about ready to break down and get the gloves,maybe socks. I remember you have the gloves and really like them.
Mike

Mod

Antone else care to wade in this wiring mod? Any possible damage to other components?
Mike

According to the '03 manual, the alternator is good for 27 amps, so that might help you sort things out.

You mean you can't endlessly add gadgets and lights?

I managed to get the wiring mod done today. Squeezed it in between mudding sheetrock and building a bench, whew I'm beat.
Here's my results before,
1500rpm = 14.1, with the light bar on 13.2
3000rpm = 13.6 with light bar on
After the mod,
1500 = 14.5, with light bar on 13.0
3000 = 14.3 with light bar on. Noticeable improvement.
As you can see I gained almost a complete volt,nice.

Here's the results with light bar on and the Gerbing Gloves on.
1500 = 12.4
3000 = 13.4
[image][/image]
Red wire running across the crank breather pod, fused 30 amp.

Where'd you tie in the other end of the new lead? Directly at the regulator? That's what seemed logical to me anyway. It took me a second to realize where the viewpoint was, nice Tupperware toolbox btw.

Where did you get that cool custom plastic storage box!?

Ed, I tied into the black/red wire coming straight from the regulator.
I see you boys are jealous of my tool kit box.
I'm planning to market those in spring of '08. It will include the multi-colored bungee for only $29.95.
Mike

Yep, I thought that was the logical tie in location. In effect, you have nearly doubled the wire gauge running to the battery and are now capable of delivering the full potential of the regulator. I'll bet you even get a nice after effect in the spark delivery zone as well.

Now I have to take a look-see and find out how much difference there is between the work room the Freak provides and the blockade that the stock airbox provides. Gotta get me one of those K-town waterproof mobile tool boxes as well

In the Sprint link, a heavier ground was also used from the regulator to the negative battery terminal. Is there a place or need for one on our regulator- battery mod?

Dumb question here, but better to ask than to be sorry. Ring terminal goes to the + terminal right? Thanks!