I understand that the Prius uses a DC-DC inverter to recharge the 12v accessory battery. I also know that the standard battery should be replaced by a deep cycle optima if you plan on having the car off for days. My stereo plans would be an aftermarket HU, 4 channel 320w-rms amp for highs and mids and a 500w-rms amp for a 10" sub. What I'm uncertain of is how much power can safely be utilized by an aftermarket stereo through the factory inverter. Would it be necessary to install a second dc-dc inverter that is decided to the stereo?
Ignore the output power - those are just made up numbers. Check the specs and find out what the rated current draw is. The DC-DC converter has a 100A fuse; I suspect the amplifiers will draw far less than that.
It would be a nice science experiment to see just how much of that 100 amps the Prius actually draws, and does it vary with speed? I have to look up the X-Gauges to see if there is a master current draw pid that can be found and read. I can envision a scenario where someone actually puts a killer stereo in the car, is listening to something really rockin, and with a large dynamic range system when, TWEET go the tweeters, BAM go the mids, BOOM goes the subs, and finally, POOF goes the Prius 100 AMP fuse! That will be the smoke you smell, you certainly will not hear any alarms, your ears exploded 3 beats before the fuse blew!
So how much does the car use of that possible 100amps? I've blown 150amp ANL fuses in my previous car (had around 1800w-rms).
The system you propose should be fine assuming your wiring is of sufficient size. The short run to the 12v battery make running a large cable easy and cheap compared to a conventional vehicle. I've ran up to 1,900 watts in my 2005 Prius consisting of Diamond Audio D9 and D6 amps (back when they were good). I used a variety of dual 10" and 12" subs. Eventually I smoked the D6 1500.1. I think it was a combination of current limitations and more importantly, heat buildup in the storage tray were it was mounted. I used an Optima Yellow Top battery. Eventually I dropped down to a 500w monoblock ARC Audio amp with a single ported 12" Orion XTR and it was more than enough for daily driving. If you decide to get nutty then you may want to beef up your 12v battery and add some caps just to take the edge off during current draw spikes when listening to very dynamic music.
If you leave the car in Ready whenever you use electricity, (and you always should) the stock battery is fine.
Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to know. So I guess there is no "Big 3" upgrade required with these cars.
Been running my system since one month after new and not one problem. frodoz Stereo Upgrade | PriusChat
Nah, you'll be fine. Just make sure you do the usual sound deadening tricks to reduce rattles. Starting with the license plate! lol
