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RVcrazy's avatar
RVcrazy
Explorer
Oct 23, 2013

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 options? Necessary? We plan on avoiding the winter temps as much as possible, but there will always be those unexpected cold snaps and mountain passes. Your advice? Any other options or packages we should consider? Thanks! Our 2004 Armada couldn't quite last long enough... It just died at 240k. We are now in the waiting game.
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  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2013
    I would opt for a single heavy duty alt.

    A reg alt is like 150 amps. A HD alt is like 200 amps.. That is pleany for anything IMO..

    Now if it was a high draw vehicle like off road jeeps with a million lights I say yeah.

    military , police, fire...ect too where if they lose the alt they break down so yeah.

    Also dual alts are set up different on vehicles. some work together and one is the master and the oyther kicks on when there is heavy load... Some are wired seperate to supply power to separate battery banks like the RV..

    IMO the best thing you can ask for is an auto isolation switch. This way the trailer batterys do not rob the truck batterys when the camper is plugged into the truck...

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