Fix Or Repair Daily

[Jeff V.]

I can't believe Ford didn't offer it on your generation of truck. That's crazy.

Of course, I don't know if GM and Ram offered it on their contemporary trucks either. It just seems like something that would be available by default on that class of truck.

I don't know if it helps at all, but here's the official Upfitter guides for your truck. Seems like most of it is aimed at the E-series vans, but maybe it'll give you some ideas on how to wire things. There's a couple pages dedicated to the dual battery setup in the van.

Hit the drop down and select Super Duty, then type 2012 for the search.

https://fordbbas.com/publications

Or just go direct:

Introduction: https://prod-apis.onemagnify.com/bbas/download/3477902
Definitions: https://prod-apis.onemagnify.com/bbas/download/3477908
Design recommendations: https://prod-apis.onemagnify.com/bbas/download/3477909
Electrical wiring (schematics): https://prod-apis.onemagnify.com/bbas/download/3477911

[aaronatstate]

I can't believe Ford didn't offer it on your generation of truck. That's crazy.

I wonder if they only offered it on the diesel trucks??

[Jeff V.]

It's not in the upfitter guide at all. At least not for 2012. I didn't look at the other model years in his generation. It's only shown for the van, and that one is mounted to the frame rail in the back.

[Duck Vader]

It is hard to find a reliable aftermarket HO alternator as well. Seems like JS Alternator or Mechman have decent reviews but not great. Anyone have any brand recommendations to check out? DCPower comes with a good rep but only has a 180 amp unit. Not much more than what I currently run. Looking for 300-400 amp unit since winch alone is 500 AMP. I know it won't pull all 500 all the time, but add in all the other shit on the truck and I would like to have some security in terms of electrical power.

[Duck Vader]

https://www.mechman.com/alternators/for ... 2011-2019/

https://js-alternators.com/products/199 ... 8449807536

[Duck Vader]

Fuck it I have the money. Ordered that kit with 2ga wiring. Once it arrives I will go pick up a 2nd battery. Can get the same one I already have for $350 if I get it local.

Also reached out to Singer Alternators. They have great reviews in the audio world and in talks with him about having one custom built to my needs.

[Duck Vader]

That said, I might need a new belt since they usually undersize the pulley on HO alternators and usually need about a 0.5 - 1 inch shorter belt.

I wonder if anyone on here works for a belt company...

[Chris GTO TT]

Nice

[Duck Vader]

I'm well aware wiring needs cleaned up. This was, just to make sure everything was working.

Dual batteries in and connected.

High output singer alternator in.

[aaronatstate]

I can feel Coops jealousy already.

[DCIV]

I can feel Coops jealousy already.

Yes. I am very upset. Which isolator/overuse did you use? Looks just wired together. I thought about that. Might still do it.


Coop

[Duck Vader]

No isolator. Just ran in parallel. Main battery will have main grounds and power connected. 2nd battery will have accessories. Put a fuse in the power running from alternator to battery. Thought about isolator and may change it later. But this should be good for now. Still need to hook up the winch.

[Duck Vader]

Took out the rear seat in prep for my road trip. More interior room the better for this one.

[ChargerX3]

Why do you need that much room for a road trip? Also only 1 headrest?

[Duck Vader]

2500 mile + road trip, taking a ton of tools and equipment. Would like to keep more expensive tools in the truck and this gives me more room/options. Bed will be full of larger equipment I am bringing as well and will need room in the bed to haul stuff at my destination.

Taking 2 weeks off in a couple of weeks and driving down to SoCal where I will be helping to repair a shit ton of stuff on my mothers 2 houses. They have no tools at all. No ladders. No supplies. Nothing. Might also be picking up some gym equipment while down there and would like to try to fit it all between the bed and interior so I don't have to rent a trailer.

[ChargerX3]

Sounds like a working vacation. Ugh.

[Duck Vader]

I haven't had what I would call a vacation since 2019

[Duck Vader]

Some first leg observations.

1. I forgot how slow oregon drivers were.

2. Uniden R8 is working great. Warned me of police before I could even see them over hills or around bends. There were 4 that was not on Waze. There were a decent amount of false alarms but only blips durings those. Full alarms were always accurate. Also caught radar from speed limit signs and stuff like that and the alarm/color is different depending on if cop or sign.

3. Truck speedo is off. Think when I reprogrammed it for 87 instead of 92 since 92 isn't in California I forgot to also put in tire size. So speedo is about 4 mph slower than actual speed at highway numbers.

4. According to the on board computer I'm getting 13.3 mpg highway average. Since speedo is off its actually a little better I think but not like it would be a huge difference.

5. As comfortable as it is, the truck is more tiring to drive than the outback was doing this drive. Requires a lot more steering input, ride is harsher or course, and no adaptive cruise which is awesome when dealing with heavier traffic. Longest I went was maybe 15 min without having to adjust the cruise.

A little over 700 miles done. Have another 500 or so to go.

[Jeff V.]

Sounds like it's going well despite the annoyances.

[tabasco122]

i need to get a new radar detector. and a dash cam