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Generator question
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Bunky67
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Joined: July 05, 2012
Posts: 142
Location: SW Michigan
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 6:20 pm    Post subject: Generator question Reply with quote

I'm new to VW and I have a tub buggy with a 1600 single port with a generator, I need to change the headlights in the buggy and I would like to switch to a Halogen Conversion,

My question is will the generator be able to handle the power draw of the halogen bulbs and still keep the battery charged ?
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mrbigmax
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Joined: September 10, 2011
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Location: Modesto, CA
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you are using the 55/60 watt bulbs, you'll be fine. Your hi beams are only going use just another amp or two over stock sealed beams if that much.
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Multi69s
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It depends on the how much draw the lights are rated for. Per the Bentley the generator produces 30 amps max. So you need to figure out how much current the lights will pull. If they are classified in amps, 10 amps per light would be a comfortable amount. However, if they give the current draw in watts, we have to do a little math.

To figure watts, we multiply amps times voltage. So 10 amps times 12 volts equals 120 watts. So two of these headlight would pull 240 watts from the maximum capacity of 360 watts (30 x 12). I am giving the numbers on what I believe would be the best long term situation. Not all generators will produce the 30 amps or 360 watts. Also at night, we are using more then just the headlights. We have the instrument lights, engine ignition and the stereo Twisted Evil

Also, it is not a good idea to run a generator at its maximum capacity for extended periods of time. It will produce excess heat and actually us up HP from the engine. It will also shorten your brush life since you are pulling maximum current through the brushes.
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:46 pm    Post subject: Re: Generator question Reply with quote

Bunky67 wrote:
I'm new to VW and I have a tub buggy with a 1600 single port with a generator, I need to change the headlights in the buggy and I would like to switch to a Halogen Conversion,

My question is will the generator be able to handle the power draw of the halogen bulbs and still keep the battery charged ?



Yes, mine has for 20 years.
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