Embalmer

have a 2014 ford f150 stx. Was thinking of mounting my old plow lights to my truck, for work purposes. Eventually im going to upgrade the electrical to possible get this to do light plowing later down road (bigger alt, 2nd battery). trying to use this as its here, great shape, complete and don't need to spend any $$ on anything else.


as it sits, would the electrical system be able to handle a full size halogen rotor light bar (roughly 26W-30W)? I know the new electronic steering eats up a bit of the power while driving, but haven't found any specs to stock load to available load ect.


(will be mounted to backrack.)

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't think that low of wattage would make a noticeable difference. A lot of guys have more draw than that on their backup lights.

Feathermerchant

Our trucks electrical system is 12V. So a 30W whatever would draw
30 / 12 = 2.5 Amps
No big deal.
To give you some idea of the power steering draw, it has a 125A fuse. So I think you're OK.

Embalmer

actually was a lil brain dead due to lack of sleep. my light, full load (every rotor light, flasher, front and side spotlights on all at same time. 5 50w rotors, 2 27w rear halogen flashers, 2 35w front take downs, and 1 35w alley light on each side) would be approx. 40-50 amps not watts like originally said. I would never really have ALL on at once, but know the inline fuse holder ill be adding would be for 50 amps.


think that would be a bit much?

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

That's 37 amps, not a small load. Best way is to figure as if you DO have everything lit up. Off the top of my head, I don't know what alternator or battery you have, or even if Ford ever offered high capacity alt's or batts for these trucks. Maybe contact one of those specialty companies that installs the ambulance bodies on the trucks. Sounds like you may be in the market for some HD electrical equipment.
Just out of curiosity, why do want all those lights?

jcain

You're fine.

Feathermerchant

You have a 2014. Here is the info on the 2011:

General Specifications

Item Specification
Generator (3.5L)
Generator pulley ratio 2.67:1
Rating 220 amps
Output 92 amps @ 580 rpm (min) to 217 amps @ 2,000 rpm (max)
Generator (3.7L)
Generator pulley ratio 2.67:1
Rating 220 amps
Output 74 amps @ 550 rpm (min) to 217 amps @ 2,000 rpm (max)
Generator (5.0L)
Generator pulley ratio 2.95:1
Rating 220 amps
Output 92 amps @ 525 rpm (min) to 220 amps @ 2,000 rpm (max)
Generator (6.2L, Base)
Generator pulley ratio 2.95:1
Rating 155 amps
Output 66 amps @ 525 rpm (min) to 160 amps @ 2,000 rpm (max)
Generator (6.2L, Optional)
Generator pulley ratio 2.95:1
Rating 200 amps
Output 90 amps @ 525 rpm (min) to 211 amps @ 2,000 rpm (max)

I still don't think it should be a problem. I would run your ground wire to a good place though. Perhaps one Ford uses near the battery. Just not to the battery.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

I agree, it looks like the capacity is there. I wonder if installing an auxiliary fuse block might not be a good idea, it would keep all the additional stuff being fed all in one place, and each circuit could be fed off it's own fuse. Nice and clean.

Embalmer

Nice, that's what I needed to see. Thanks! Plan was to put a seperate auxiliary fuse block in for it. Will post pics ect when all wired up. Light mounted to back rack thus far. Now trying to figure out how to get the wiring harness to where I planned to put the 6 function switch box..

jwanck11

You say you are going to do light plowing? I did not think the F150s - other than the 6.2 - could be used to plow. This is because the steering is electric, not hydraulic.

Even with the big 3 upgrade, I think you might hit the wall.