Dual Alternators

[ohanacrusader]

About to place order on 2500 Dodge Ram for my next overland rig build and only question I am still pondering after many discussions is should I order dual alternators for the truck from factory? I plan to replace the front bumper w/winch and a compressor for lockers and air, but besides that I would really see a need for them when the truck is running. Truck will have a Cummings and way in the future a frig in the bed but long ways off after many other mods to include the AT Habitat.

 

[superbuickguy]

depending on the year, there could be a factory option to put another alternator on your motor... not just that but you can have a 24 volt house system and leave the truck system alone by putting a 24v alternator as your second alternator.

 

[chet6.7]

I would go with the dual alternators,I really do not see a downside to that option.I have read on the Cummins forum that a single 220 alt vehicle can be upgraded to dual alts,but a single 180 amp can't be upgraded to duals.On the AEV forum there is a guy that owns a diesel aftermarket shop,he did upgrade a single 180 amp vehicle,he kept the 180 and added a 220. So it seems it can be done if you have the skills/knowledge.

 

[D45]

.......Truck will have a Cummings

Enough said

 

[Dalko43]

I've been doing a lot of window-shopping and research into the 4th gen Ram 2500/3500 series, so I find myself asking the same question.

I think getting the dual 220amp alternators is the way to go if you plan on overlanding with your truck (or at least getting the 180amp + 220amp setup). Between winches, lights, air compressors, fridges, it would make sense having the extra amperage. If you read the stats for some of the heavier duty winches out there, their amp draw can easily match or exceed the max 440amp capacity that the Ram can come with.
Not that you're always going to be winching the vehicle and drawing those kinds of electrical loads, but still I'd rather have the extra capacity and not need it versus the other way around. You could potentially buy a truck with a single 180 or 220amp alternator and upgrade to duals later; I don't know how costly or complicated such an upgrade would be.

I don't see a downside to getting the truck from the factory with the extra alternator already installed. The extra alternator shouldn't be reducing fuel economy unless you are actually using it to power extra devices. Go with the duals, if you can find a truck that has them or order it from the factory like that....my 2 cents.

Edit: Also it's spelled Cummins not Cummings.

 

[pappawheely]

Two is one, and one is none. Go for two.

 

[ohanacrusader]

I appreciate everyone's input and will order the truck with two. My wife reminded me of what I say about items we take with us either overlanding or backpacking everything has to have a dual purpose and dual alternators just adds redundancy which as most overlanders know is a must. Thanks guys and enjoy the summer.

 

[rayra]

Thanks to the more popular world of competitive vehicle stereo / entertainment systems, there are many retrofit dual alternator setups available, too. Especially for LS motors

 

[Dalko43]

I appreciate everyone's input and will order the truck with two. My wife reminded me of what I say about items we take with us either overlanding or backpacking everything has to have a dual purpose and dual alternators just adds redundancy which as most overlanders know is a must. Thanks guys and enjoy the summer.

Also, I'd highly suggest exploring the auxiliary switch option. It comes factory-installed buttons and wiring (already run through the firewall) allowing you to setup accessories (lights, air lockers, compressors, ect.) without much of a hassle. It's sort of a hard option to find on pre-owned trucks, but since you're custom ordering yours from the factory, you should look at getting that option. Heated seat buttons are moved to the infotainment screen, which is the only downside to getting this option.

 

[live2travel photography]

About to place order on 2500 Dodge Ram for my next overland rig build and only question I am still pondering after many discussions is should I order dual alternators for the truck from factory? I plan to replace the front bumper w/winch and a compressor for lockers and air, but besides that I would really see a need for them when the truck is running. Truck will have a Cummings and way in the future a frig in the bed but long ways off after many other mods to include the AT Habitat.

I'm in the same boat right now. Each time I built a 2500 online I put the dual 220s as I like to always be prepared. I'm also going to be putting the AT Habitat on my 2500.

Also, I'd highly suggest exploring the auxiliary switch option. It comes factory-installed buttons and wiring (already run through the firewall) allowing you to setup accessories (lights, air lockers, compressors, ect.) without much of a hassle. It's sort of a hard option to find on pre-owned trucks, but since you're custom ordering yours from the factory, you should look at getting that option. Heated seat buttons are moved to the infotainment screen, which is the only downside to getting this option.

Didn't know this was an option. Glad I found this. Thanks

 

[Umbrarian]

Thanks to the more popular world of competitive vehicle stereo / entertainment systems, there are many retrofit dual alternator setups available, too. Especially for LS motors

I run this in my Silverado 2500HD.

 

[ohanacrusader]

Yeah just saw that on your gearing post, what other mods you leaning towards on your build?

 

[Tex68w]

I have opted for the dual heavy duty alternators option on my last three super duty's, IMHO, it's the only way to go.

 

[Superfi100]

I see that I am a couple years late replying to this thread but I recently bought a used 5500 to build into an ERV and about the only thing the truck didn’t have is dual alternators. I plan to run a 24V Nissan Leaf Lithium battery system and was looking for information on locating a 24V alternator to charge those batteries when driving. It’s a setup just like Superbuickguy suggested.

 

[Superfi100]

depending on the year, there could be a factory option to put another alternator on your motor... not just that but you can have a 24 volt house system and leave the truck system alone by putting a 24v alternator as your second alternator.

I plan to do that exact ting!