Forum Discussion

otrfun's avatar
otrfun
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2021

Cold Ambient Temps = Higher Alternator Voltage?

Our '16 Ram 3500 Cummins (220a alternator) typically charges around 14.3 - 14.4v about 95% of the time. On occasion charge voltage will drop to 13.9v on a long trip when the batteries get topped-off ...
mbopp's avatar
mbopp
Explorer
Feb 15, 2021
Yes, higher voltage is a design feature. At one time I had a graph showing temperature vs voltage for a charging system. Now the alternators are controlled by the engine computer.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,198 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 12, 2025