I know the alternator isn't the greatest, since the largest factory internal fan alternator for these coaches is 60 amps. I do want to measure and upgrade to an external fan unit, that way I can get a decent 160+ amp unit in there (yes, I will replace the charge wire, too). The most powerful OEM direct-fit alternator meaning drop-in like the original is not a 60-amp. More than likely unless it was sacrificed as a core for an earlier model alternator your unit "had" a MODIFIED SQUAREBACK alternator. This 1980's alternator has a 78 amp model.
Might be hard to find these days but the 1980 Mopar had an optional 117 ampere alternator Mopar # 4091460.
Here is what a modified squareback looks like
See how the front and rear case halves almost touch? Now look at the earlier model squareback that maxxed out at a 60-amp model
There is an even earlier model use the wayback machine to vizualize
- Dodge motorhomes had terrible issues with the original wiring for the charging system
- Forget how the rig is wired to charge the battery. The firewall plug is far too pitiful to pass even chassis electrical loads
- Drill a hole alongside the main bulkhead plug. Use a length of TEN GAUGE wire to splice into the outer and the inner main red power wire
- The house battery bank needs it's own dedicated cable which does not pass through the firewall
- The voltage regulator is pure garbage. Use a Bosch type relay to feed direct power to the sense/power lead into the reg. Way too much resistance and volt drop using the original circuit that powers on and off through the rig ignition switch
- Common to see 15.8 volts at the alternator terminal 15.2 volts at the battery post. This will boil the snot out of all batteries on the rig
- This fix is not optional. Some folks who disbelieve these fixes have to learn the hard way. a sad and bitter lesson.
Use a RELAY and BATTERY power for replacing the existing field ign feed wire and the voltage regulator (top) Ign wire
