how do i calculate system load?

Hey dudes! Im planning for the second (and hopefully last) part of my little system. As far as I know I do not have any charging issues right now with the factory charging system in my 03 Trailblazer with the system I have now and the way the sub amps are wired. I had a dmm hooked up to the alt with the a/c, lights, and system on, and did not go below 13.9v with my current set up.

Current set up:

New set up:

What is the proper way to determine the load of the system, and how can I use that to determine what upgrades may be needed in the charging system?

Thanks!

may03lt

Ill put it another way:

Will my factory electrical system be able to keep up with 2,300 wrms?

If not what should be the next step?

hmmmm

cant anyone point me in the right direction?

come on its good karma if ya do

wheres the love?

may03lt

Figure out load on amp here:

https://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/woofer_configurations.asp

Do the Big3 Upgrade:

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~73496~PN~1

The next step would be a red top [or two - in parallel straight wired to each other (no isolator or circuit breakers)] and a high-output alternator.

Thanks bro!

See this is where I'm stumped - if the amplifiers are pulling 170A (I used the RF amp calculator that I never knew existed)  why would I need 2 batts? Would I just need an alt that will support the truck and the amplifiers? I will never listen to it without the truck running, that why I ask.

Yeah, an alternator that can keep up is all you really need as long as your battery is in good shape.  2 batteries would only really help if you were listening to it off which you said you wouldn't be doing.

Like I said if you're existing battery is in good shape you don't need a different one and if you're not running the stereo while you're vehicle is off you don't need anything bigger than what you have because the alternator will provide the power.  No need to waste money in my opinion.