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Bunky67 Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2012 Posts: 142 Location: SW Michigan
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 6:20 pm Post subject: Generator question |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2011 Posts: 1289 Location: Modesto, CA
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 5360 Location: Lefty, CA
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:46 pm Post subject: |
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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
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. _________________ 69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
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Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight= |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31271 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:46 pm Post subject: Re: Generator question |
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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. _________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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