dual alternators?

[boondock]

hey, i was googleing my friday night away, when i came across this interesting link for dual alternators for the 4.3.

www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/general-discussion/technical-maintenance/400945-how-install-dual-alternators-no-fabrication-required.html

I was wondering what you guys thought about having separate charging systems? One battery for starting/basics/stock and one for other stuff ~ lights, winch, sound system, electric fan, 110v converter, more lights, maybe a massage chair. lol.

I think i already have the bracket to do this, and another alternator from my old engine, but before i go bolting stuff on and burning my truck to the ground, i wanted to run it by you guys.

Is this a bad idea? I would buy a dry cell battery and probably locate it in the (rear)cab somewhere, buy all the appropriate cable and stuff to do it, and have some one with much more electrical experience help install everything.

[WILLYNILLY]

I have a setup for my jeep to run dual batteries, one fore starting and one for the rest. Cant remember how its hooked up but only one alternator, a high amp one. not sure what the power draw of an alternator is but if you can do it with one alternator seems like it might be the way to go.

[studebaker]

i made a dual alt system for a 67 rivera that i had hydros on. it had 2 power steering pumps to run a hydro motor to run to alts in trunk to keep 14 group 31 batts charged. one alt is enough but to change pulleys so it will charge better at idle might be better.

[boondock]

Im a little paranoid/scared of electricals. So i like the simplicity of two separate systems. If it doesnt start, ill know where to look, and iff my lights dont work, i know where to look.

And i think i could hardwire(w/ switch) the second battery to jump the other if i needed it.

two alts may be over kill, but i like the idea.
Any major flaws with it?

[F250Diesel4x4]

Sounds like a fairly simple deal to me. Cheap way to get the equivalent of a 150Aamp, $300 alternator. If you do make a switch to jump batteries with, make sure to have the right capacitor(?) between them. Otherwise you could fry the wiring when trying to jump.