electrical question.. help needed please

[1971short4X4]

I hate to write a book here.. but i would really appreciate some help with this.

First...I am using the stock external volt regulator setup.

My truck battery reads 12.2 volts (with the engine not running). with the engine running (at roughly an 800 RPM idle) the voltage at the battery is about 12.4 volts. the problem is my stereo equipment needs between 13 and 14.5 volts to operate properly.

I tested my daily driver honda and with the car off the battery has 12.2 volts like the truck BUT while idling the car has 13.8-14.0 volts (the voltage does not vary much at all .. no matter how much you rev the engine)

While back at the truck.. the voltage varies up to about a max of 12.8 volts as you rev the moter up. I think this is low.. but hell maybe the trucks really weren't designed to have more??

I initially thougtht that the problem was a bad regulator... but i put a new one in and the voltage with the vehicle running is still between 12.2 and 12.8 volts.

the question is what is the best thing is for me to do to get my voltage within the 13.0-14.0 volt range. In order to determine this i need your help to see if my truck is normal or not.

It would be really helpful if a couple of you could take 2 measurements for me. a) what your battery voltage is with the vehicle off B) what your battery voltage is with the vehicle ideling.c) please also let me know if you are running the external regulator or if you have converted to an internal regulator.

I know this is a pain .. but any help would be appreciated and help me figure out what my problem is.