hey guys! here in alberta we get really cold winters and most of my trips are very short trips. for example i drive 2-3 mins to work. shut off vehicle and then in evening drive 2-3 mins home and shut off vehicle. last winter i was lucky because my battery was relatively new but i noticed that my battery sulfated a bit and it must have been because of it not charging properly.

my alternator is also due for replacement very soon, do you think a larger alternator would be better or does it not make a difference?
my theory is a larger alternator would keep my battery charged quicker and at a higher level which would mitigate any problems from low charge levels?

if so which alternators do you recommend or has anyone installed a bigger one?

 

You cant fully charge a battery in 3 minutes without causing damage to the battery. Alternators are regulated and the only reason to go with a higher output, if you are running accessories pulling excessive amperage, eg snow plow with lights, thumping stereo system with multiple high powered amps, etc.
Alternator's are not just due for replacement, mine is still oem, and still maintains 14.5v while driving.
Monitor you voltage, best thing I found many years ago for 5bucks on ebay, was an auxiliary outlet voltmeter, so I can easily check resting voltage, and it is accurate! No need to open the hood, just plug it in to check, and keep it in the center console. Like this:

 

On top of what was said above most of the high amp alternators do not put our the high amps until higher rpms, some even less than OEM at low rpms.

Tim

 

ahh ok sounds good! and good thinking with the voltage! i have a uniden r7 and it can do just that! jst gotta turn the setting on

 

Don't leave it in, with a continuous power outlet(parasitic draw). Mine is parked many times for a week or more, however I can check resting voltage by opening the door and plug in my cheap led meter. 12.5v-12.6v good, 12.4v borderline, 12.3v or less, needs attention. Just monitor the resting voltage.

 

If your concerned, a cheaper option is buy a battery tender and plug it in occasionally at night. I believe some now you can plug into cigarette lighter / power outlet and back feed the trickle charger easily...
One of these for the trickle charger-
and here is the outlet adapter-

 

^correct. If your drive is that short I would put a trickle charger on it. I keep one on mine since it is not driven much. I put the quick disconnects on it and the pigtails hangs out the driver side vent by the cowl. Fast unplug and plug in when I put it back in the garage. Fires up like a new battery every time.

 

Don't be fooled by the "Powersport: Easy, Fast Charging", when it comes to Automotive Batteries.
1.25 amp charge rate on a 12.v or less resting voltage 700cca battery, would take 2days+ to fully charge.
That battery tender on a car battery is meant to be connected all the time when not driven daily.
I use a 2amp/10amp charger for my battery, and If I see resting voltage drop to 12.3v, a 2amp charge rate will fully charge overnight, and a 10amp charge rate within a few hours. Here's a guide on how long it takes to fully charge (it's recommended to max at a 10amp charge rate, to avoid damage to the battery)