Dual Alts or one big one?

[FellowTraveler]

2 is better than one IMHO

I run dual DS130d's 105 amp each, then 4 gauge cables for each unit, then marine grade ANL fuse holders w/ANL fuse for each unit to heavy terminal block then one 1/0 cable feeding dual AGM batteries. The output for each is controlled by the ECM if one unit goes south the other unit can take up the slack, and if it is a bearing issue then I have to use another shorter belt and remove the idler pulley for second unit until such time as I can obtain another unit.

 

[ExpoMike]

Ideally if you have room, run a large case alt. This is what I had in my M1010. It was rated for 220 amps with over 100 at idle. It was freaking huge compared to "normal" alts you find. Designed for medium duty trucks. Nice thing about it was all the extra cooling things that were added to help keep it reliable.

Just a thought if you have the room and can figure out the brackets.

 

[stevek]

^^^Thats a nice looking alt^^^

 

[bfdiesel]

holy giant alternator batman!!!

 

[Spargman]

thats a nice alt! I bet that thing will outlast most "consumer" alts.

I think I will end up going with dual alts. It provides me with redudancy and options with setting up my system.

I will do a before/after on mpg's to see if there's a difference.

 

[FellowTraveler]

Yes both alts are mounted at the same time.One hp is 746 watts or about 57 ampos at 13 volts. So 150 amp alt would use about 3 hp from your engine. I am not sure what you mean by the modified belt angle?
Darrell

The hp/tq draw from any alt/gen configuration would be of no concern if right pulleys are used to place alt/gen output where you want it to be for your application.

Many GMC/Chevy diesels came with dual alternator option and now aftermarket makes countless combos for almost any engine.

My system requires a properly sized pulley for rpm signal so both units have same sized pulleys so they don't chase one another when doing what they do. The drive belt needs as much contact w/pulley as can be had so an idler pulley is a must between dual alt/gen if placed next to each other, another words you have two (2) alt/gen pulleys then an idler would go between and below both units resulting in belt wrapping 50% of pulleys diameter as opposed to less than 25% pulley in some layouts I've seen out there passing for properly installed dual, triple or what ever number can fit.

I fabricated my own brackets for the second alt/gen then used a jeep idler pulley almost exact to GM's layout but wiring is to GM's exact specs following their up-fitting manuals. The serpentine drive belt is an unusual size so I keep three (3) spares. The factory belts did not last more than perhaps six (6) months "always stretched w/gatorbacks being the worst of the belts" before my modding to dual alternators now the belts last well beyond two (2) years.

I keep spare parts for many things so extra pulleys, tensioner's and belts are a no biggie.

My dual alt/gen, dual battery will will be mated with two (2) more AGM batteries instead of the one I use now for inverter and other items.

 

[rxinhed]

Is it fashionable to run the second alternator from the trans or t-case output shaft anymore? This is something I've seen rodders do for space consideration and uncluttering.

 

[Patman]

Is it fashionable to run the second alternator from the trans or t-case output shaft anymore? This is something I've seen rodders do for space consideration and uncluttering.

Generally not a great setup for an offroad rig, since much of the time is spent at low speed, and the electronics don't do too well with silt and sand/water, etc. I've seen a camper trailer with a generator driven off a belt groove machined into one of the brake drums. Owner claimed that with it and a small solar panel he never had to charge the battery. But he also admitted to almost never staying put for more than a night at a time.