Duramax dual alternator option?
We live in the PNW, but are looking to travel! We have never owned or driven a diesel, but plan on buying one when the new HDs come out. Are the dual alternators & engine block heater desirable opti...
Forum Discussion
A second alternator on a truck would be a must have for first response vehicles etc but not so useful for the trailering crowd...at least the majority.
A motorhome is a different story. A second alternator along with a properly gauged (read 0 Gauge wire) direct connection to the battery bank/inverter can replace a generator in many but not all instances. This approach has worked for us for years on our 22 foot B/C that has no generator. For all except Air conditioner use the second alternators output can be connected directly to the input of the battery bank/inverter via large gauge cable. This prevents draw down of the battery bank for longer microwave, toaster, or coffee maker times. Choose an alternator that has higher output at lower or idle RPM. The V10 for example will happily idle for extended periods and uses around 1/2 gallon per hour...comparable to a 4000 watt Onan. It also makes for fast recharge time of the two group 31 AGM batteries when sun is not available. Having said all this we are using a single high output alternator. We copied the idea from a friend who is using a second high output at low RPM alternator. His battery bank is double the size of ours.
A motorhome is a different story. A second alternator along with a properly gauged (read 0 Gauge wire) direct connection to the battery bank/inverter can replace a generator in many but not all instances. This approach has worked for us for years on our 22 foot B/C that has no generator. For all except Air conditioner use the second alternators output can be connected directly to the input of the battery bank/inverter via large gauge cable. This prevents draw down of the battery bank for longer microwave, toaster, or coffee maker times. Choose an alternator that has higher output at lower or idle RPM. The V10 for example will happily idle for extended periods and uses around 1/2 gallon per hour...comparable to a 4000 watt Onan. It also makes for fast recharge time of the two group 31 AGM batteries when sun is not available. Having said all this we are using a single high output alternator. We copied the idea from a friend who is using a second high output at low RPM alternator. His battery bank is double the size of ours.
