adding off road lights

[rebellinredneck]

I'm wanting to add some off road lights to my buggy. Thought about adding 2 55 watt lights I found at harbor freight for 10 bucks. Will my charging system handle these extra lights. It currently has 2 35 watt headlights and turn signals on front and back, also tail/brake lights. What yall think.

[xlint89]

Doubt your stock elec system can support them. If it could, I'd be willing to bet they would have used 55 watt instead of 35 watt in the first place.

You have 2 options, go with LED lights (very low elec. draw) or upgrade your magneto and flywheel to a higher output.

[rebellinredneck]

I'm not wanting to run them off the magneto. I want to run them off the battery, so it wouldn't be a direct strain on the charging system.

[bear]

maybe a secondary battery?

[xlint89]

I don't think it's that easy to just run them off the battery. If it were, i'm sure alot of people would be doing it.

1. The battery has to be charged by the magneto.

2. Is the battery's reserve large enough to carry the load of the lights?

3. What if you accidentally leave the lights on? Now your battery is dead. (stock lights turn off with the ignition)

As mentioned before, LED lights or get a higher powered magneto.

[bear]

I agree whith you on the led's. I was just wondering if you couldn't run 2 batteries in a series paralell off the same charging system?

[xlint89]

^^^^^^ That I don't know, but for the cost of another battery, you could get the LEDs or the upgraded magneto and flywheel.

[GX150]

The stock charging system is not designed for additional load. You either need to upgrade the charging system or use an isolated battery that can get recharged when you return from your ride.

[rebellinredneck]

Thanks for the input.

[bear]

Thanx 4 answering my question GX150!