should i buy a heavy duty alt.?

here are the electronics in my car

DDX-6019 DVD unit with NAV unit
2 Headrest Monitors
CB Radio with PA
Ipod Connector that runs power through the headunit [it charges it]
AC - DC power converter to run a laptop

it sucks to roll my windows up, sounds like it's lacking juice.

i'm making a cross country trip and i'm worried it won't make it

 

You should not need such a thing for the items you have listed.

If you want to be certain, start your box and turn on all of your power draining accessories: headlights, radio, iPod charger, laptop charger, HU, and CB. Pop the hood and measure the voltage at the battery with a handheld multimeter. If it can not maintain voltage, you need an alternator with higher output.

People usually install high output alternators when upgrading to very high wattage stereo amplifiers. Remember the stock alternator is putting out ~60 Amps, which will give you in the neighborhood of 800 Watts of power(how much does an iPod need to charge...). The vehicle needs a majority of this power to operate all the electronics it comes equipped with from the factory, while still allowing a margin for accessories.

Strap on of these into your ride, then we'll talk.

Hifonics XX Colossus
Mine is waiting patiently in my closet... 3200Watts :D :D :D

That might require a high output alternator

 

You should not need such a thing for the items you have listed.

If you want to be certain, start your box and turn on all of your power draining accessories: headlights, radio, iPod charger, laptop charger, HU, and CB. Pop the hood and measure the voltage at the battery with a handheld multimeter. If it can not maintain voltage, you need an alternator with higher output.

People usually install high output alternators when upgrading to very high wattage stereo amplifiers. Remember the stock alternator is putting out ~60 Amps, which will give you in the neighborhood of 800 Watts of power(how much does an iPod need to charge...). The vehicle needs a majority of this power to operate all the electronics it comes equipped with from the factory, while still allowing a margin for accessories.

Strap on of these into your ride, then we'll talk.

Hifonics XX Colossus
Mine is waiting patiently in my closet... 3200Watts :D :D :D

That might require a high output alternator

 

even with all that i have PLUS running a laptop, i shouldn't have a problem?

 

I am running a DVD HU and a NAV unit identical to yours, as well as 2 amps 1 500 watt and 1 250 watt, and an airride computer and much additional lighting. The factory alternator handles the load just fine. If your windows are running slow maybe it is a problem with the windows (lubrication perhaps) or if your battery is old (2004 xb?) perhaps it is weak. What you describe should not neccessitate a high output alternator.

 

do you think buying an optima red top, or blue top would alleviate the window problem?

 

Having an old battery should not pose a problem once the vehicle is running. The battery serves two purposes:

1. To start the car
2. To power the electronics when the vehicle is off.

While running it is the alternator that is powering everything. As long as your alternator can keep up with demand (no voltage loss at the battery), upgrading the battery or alternator will not remedy the situation. Unless the window problem occurs when the car is off.

Check the windows and motors.

 

so you think it's my window motor? great...

 

Instead of guessing what "may" be wrong, let's try a systematic approach:

1. Are you having problems with anything other than your windows?
Yes - Stop. Catalog all your problems to better understand the source.
No - go to 2

2. Is it all windows?
Yes - go to 3
No - go to 4

3. check the schematic for the power windows
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=138456
Measure the voltage at the window motor while in use, if low backtrack the wiring until you find the voltage drop, check all wires and connections. Stop

4. Check the particular window you are having problems with for mechanical issues(check the tracks top to bottom). Then check the motor itself.