Hello everyone. I'm a new member but I've been researching and reading in the 12 volt for a very long time. I'm very stuck at a few issues with my system and maintaining power. Here's my story....
My truck is a F-150, 2000 model, extended cab, bought used with about 66,000 miles. I put an audio system in it shortly after buying the truck (cheap 1 Power Acoustic 1600watt amplifier, 2 Volfenhag 1200watt 12" subs, Rockford Fosgate .5 Farad capacitor, and ran 4 gauge power and ground). I used the system on a daily basis, and at a loud volume. With the original system, I didn't upgrade the battery or alternator, but did run that capacitor. For a few years, I never experienced amplifier or capacitor problems, but I have replaced the alternator 2 or 3 (I think 3) times. And 2 batteries replaced with normal cheap ones, and then 1 replaced with the current Optima Yellow top battery.
Everything was running fine until I upgraded the sound to a Memphis 1100.1 amplifier and 2 JL W6 12" woofers. For the first 3 days, it was hard to even drive the truck because of the magnitude of vibration from the subs (btw, this is all inside a massive 4.997 ft. custom box with a 12" square by 13 or 14" deep port). Then they started to lose power and I'd have to increase the radio volume to get results. Then after a total of about 8 days, everything stopped working. I checked voltage to the amplifier and it was gone. Also voltage to the capacitor was gone. My inline fuse is good so I eliminated all problems to the capacitor. I hope the amp didn't get hurt at least. Or especially the subs.
Now, I'm hearing various different opinions on what to do next. I plan to add double the setup in amplifiers and subwoofers that are there now. So far I've been told to bring my alternator to some shop that'll upgrade it with a bigger propeller to get more power. A sound shop said to buy their battery, a KINTEK for audio while also running my Optima for vehicle power but never mentioned anything about how to balance the two different batteries out. And then I still read that systems need capacitors for quick disposal of power for demanding bass notes. Oh and I've read here about upgrading 3 cables, one from 12v(-) to chassis, one from alternator(+) to battery(+), and one from engine (-) to chassis, which sounds like something I should have done from the get-go.
I'm completely lost on what to do!!! I want everything to work correctly and not burn my electrical system, or any of the amps, batteries, speakers, and other expensive various components that'll be ran (I have a few HID kits, different electronic equipment, and other crap that I don't need but decide to run). Should I spend like 4,000 and do everything that I was told so far or are some steps more effiecient? Can you give me any tips? I know one tip will be to buy an alternator, so can you tell me which would be best for my application?
Thanks in advance to any replies that will help end my mystery!