Two Questions for a Potential New Tow Vehicle

[rkassl]

When I had our current tow vehicle built I ordered Dual 150amp alternators. We are thinking about a new tow vehicle and I have the option for the same dual alternators of 1 250amp alternator. Which is better for 5th wheeling and why?

Also I have the option of having the truck built with a 20k or 24k Curt Hitch already installed at delivery. Anyone have any experience with the Curt 5th wheel hitches?

Merry Christmas

[Learjet]

FACTS measured amps on my rig:

My running lights LED ..........1 amp rounded up
Brakes ........................12 amps rounded up and short duration, absorbed by batteries
Charging not measure variable 20 amps max
also, single battery...since I have a gas engine.

so total 33 amps....no way I need more than the standard 157 amp alternator

[Veebyes]

A single H/O alternator should be fine. Have a stock alternator & 2 group 24 batterys in the truck.

My boat has a single H/O alternator which charged a total of 5 group 31 gel cell batterys arranged in 3 banks switchable to any combination I chose. It worked hard since all of our overnighting was done on the hook & we seldom had more than 1 1/2 hours of run time to recharge.

[tdsxt51]

Not to get too political, but I have to say it. The reason these corporations are making their products out of country is because of the 40% income tax in the USA. Highest in the world! Something to consider come election day... So not buying American just isn't the same as it used to be. Sorry for the rant!

[Dave_H_M]

Talk about going south in a hurry.

I have never had anything but the standard alternator on my tow vehicles and I am on the third.

[Cummins12V98]

spud1957 wrote:

RustyJC wrote:

spud1957 wrote:
So the next time someone is looking at a Ram truck, you will be sure to tell them it's made in Mexico right? Just so the poster can make an informed decision. He may have an aversion to buying items not made in the USA. 😉

Before we start down that road, that question was pretty much settled over on the TurboDiesel Register forum way back in the 2nd generation Ram days. The overwhelming consensus was that the Saltillo built trucks were much higher quality than anything coming out of the now-defunct St. Louis assembly plant. Probably something to do with worker motivation.....

Rusty

Thanks Rusty. You confirmed the point of my post. The country of origin does not necessarily dictate it's quality, whether it's Mexico, China or Canada.

To the OP, based on the responses from those that own a Curt hitch, you should be able to make an informed decision, regardless as to where it's made.

There are some that appreciate being informed. You Sir obviously have issue with anything I have to say and that is fine with me.

Both my 98 RAM's are made in USA and my son ones my first with over 380K and I have one sitting in my driveway with about 345K both AWESOME trucks.

If it were not for the CUMMINS I would most likely;y be driving a GM with D Max and Allison.

[Cummins12V98]

spud1957 wrote:

So let's see if you will come back on here and report what I said is true or not??????????

No where in my post did I say you were not telling the truth and I only posted what Curt has on their website.

So the next time someone is looking at a Ram truck, you will be sure to tell them it's made in Mexico right? Just so the poster can make an informed decision. He may have an aversion to buying items not made in the USA. 😉

If you have read any of my posts I freely say my truck was ASSEMBLED in Mexico. I would prefer it was 100% US Made but it's NOT. I also make sure to say MOST of the trucks parts ARE Made in USA. I also make sure to say the PowerStroke is MADE IN MEXICO.

So did you call CURT today??????????

[spud1957]

RustyJC wrote:

spud1957 wrote:
So the next time someone is looking at a Ram truck, you will be sure to tell them it's made in Mexico right? Just so the poster can make an informed decision. He may have an aversion to buying items not made in the USA. 😉

Before we start down that road, that question was pretty much settled over on the TurboDiesel Register forum way back in the 2nd generation Ram days. The overwhelming consensus was that the Saltillo built trucks were much higher quality than anything coming out of the now-defunct St. Louis assembly plant. Probably something to do with worker motivation.....

Rusty

Thanks Rusty. You confirmed the point of my post. The country of origin does not necessarily dictate it's quality, whether it's Mexico, China or Canada.

To the OP, based on the responses from those that own a Curt hitch, you should be able to make an informed decision, regardless as to where it's made.

[RustyJC]

spud1957 wrote:
So the next time someone is looking at a Ram truck, you will be sure to tell them it's made in Mexico right? Just so the poster can make an informed decision. He may have an aversion to buying items not made in the USA. 😉

Before we start down that road, that question was pretty much settled over on the TurboDiesel Register forum way back in the 2nd generation Ram days. The overwhelming consensus was that the Saltillo built trucks were much higher quality than anything coming out of the now-defunct St. Louis assembly plant. Probably something to do with worker motivation.....

Rusty

[spud1957]

So let's see if you will come back on here and report what I said is true or not??????????

No where in my post did I say you were not telling the truth and I only posted what Curt has on their website.

So the next time someone is looking at a Ram truck, you will be sure to tell them it's made in Mexico right? Just so the poster can make an informed decision. He may have an aversion to buying items not made in the USA. 😉

[Cummins12V98]

spud1957 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
All Curt 5er hitches are Made in China now.

And you know that why? I'm sure there are plenty of items in your truck and RV that are made in China, along with other countries. I assume that you posted this because of your prejudice for China products? Just because it's not made in the good ole US of A doesn't make it an inferior product does it? Or does it?;)

This is taken from Curt's website.

"CURT employs over 400 associates, primarily at its manufacturing and headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. CURT operates 10 regional warehouses, each carrying over 2,500 items and has been twice named a Wisconsin ‘Manufacturer of the Year’."

Again as usual, if the poster isn't considering something you have, then you usually find a way to dismiss it. The OP asked for those with experience with the hitch to comment.

Since you spent the time to look at their web site and quote them maybe you should give them a call for your self as MeAgain did. He was seriously considering the Curt until he called them and Curt confirmed ALL their 5er hitches are now made in China.

Yes I "Prefer" US Made products as much as possible and when a US Manufacture changes to China I feel that should be pointed out so people can make an informed decision. The quote you listed from Curt does NOT say 5er hitches are made in Wisconsin.

So let's see if you will come back on here and report what I said is true or not??????????

[bertschb]

Me Again wrote:
The second alternator steals a little horse power from the engine.

Would this have a measurable affect on a new diesel?

[Golden_HVAC]

If you are towing a trailer, there is a maximum of only about 20 amps leaving the Truck towards the trailer for charging it's battery, and perhaps another 20 amps for lights and such.

The brakes can use 20 - 30 amps (two or three axle) at the very most, with oversized #10 gauge wire, but it is such a short term - only 10 - 20 seconds during a 10 minute drive.

A normal 100 - 130 amp alternator can run everything on the trailer. Unless you upgrade the wiring between the trailer to say #8 wire, then it might possibly carry as much as 30 amps.

It would be better to install a solar system on the trailer, and not worry about how many amps the engine puts out.

SunElec.com

$229 will buy a 140 watt solar panel with a aluminum frame. 6" long 2" angle aluminum will make mounts for the roof. UV rated direct burial romex is rated for the sun, rain, and snow!

Fred.

[Me_Again]

The second alternator steals a little horse power from the engine. I have a single 220 which should be more than enough.

[spud1957]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
All Curt 5er hitches are Made in China now.

And you know that why? I'm sure there are plenty of items in your truck and RV that are made in China, along with other countries. I assume that you posted this because of your prejudice for China products? Just because it's not made in the good ole US of A doesn't make it an inferior product does it? Or does it?;)

This is taken from Curt's website.

"CURT employs over 400 associates, primarily at its manufacturing and headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. CURT operates 10 regional warehouses, each carrying over 2,500 items and has been twice named a Wisconsin ‘Manufacturer of the Year’."

Again as usual, if the poster isn't considering something you have, then you usually find a way to dismiss it. The OP asked for those with experience with the hitch to comment.