Powering trailer with an alternator
This is something that's been kicking around in my head. I've been researching alternators and i've seen 2 that have an output of 370 amps at 1200 rpm. If my math is correct then that is 4440 watts @ ...
Forum Discussion
PapPappy wrote:
Are you taking into account the amount of gas that engine is going to use to run that alternator, as compared to the gas that a smaller generator will use?
Keep in mind, your numbers suggest that you'll have to run that alternator at 1200 rpms. What does that mean the engine has to be turning? Are you going to sit there with your foot on the gas pedal to bring the RPMs up from their idle speed?
Just thinking about the setup on my vehicles, the alternator pulley is less than half the diameter of the crank pulley. At a 600RPM idle, the alternator will be rolling at more than twice the engine RPM (i.e. greater than 1200 RPM) I don't see a problem provided that the alternator is, in fact, putting out its rated output at that speed. (most don't.)
