I need all the basics: which kind to get, how many amps, and what is it going to do for me? Thanks.

 

check out this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-1-1-13-a.html

 

Thanks, just read all that. The water now seems much muddier. Wonder if there is a truly reliable, agreed upon alternative. I'm just tired of seeing my amps stay at 12 until I've driven several hundred yards with the lights and radio off.

 

Most like the DC Power option I think the 185 or 190 would be sufficient for a stock truck, I'm actually going to try a ford remain 140 amp

 

Any downside to running a larger than necessary alternator (other than cost)? Does a bigger one affect mileage, etc?

 

Nope, the alternator only puts out what is needed on demand.

 

DC Power has a 300 amp SPX that costs little more than the smaller ones and will do anything I ever will. It has 225 idle amps which should allow me run lights, radio, compressors, whatever at startup without killing my FICM (again).

 

the 250 or 270amp supposed to be the Best cause the Square drawn Windings

 

Do we know that the SPX does not have that? They seem to think the SPX is awesome, but they still charge more for the 270, so there's some evidence that the SPX may not be better. I wouder if the 190 is plenty and I'm just getting into overkill.

 

Figure around 100-125amp for truck alone and then Add your Tools and equiptment up

 

Yeah, I got a ton of add-ons. I found a post from Ed at FICMrepair.com, which agrees that the XPs are better than the SPXs. I have a call and an email in for him, trying to buy one from him, but not sure if he's working today. He says he can save you money over the DC Power site. We'll see if he calls back. I plan to pull the trigger today since I'm off and have time to mess with it.

 

I have had good experiance with DB Electrical high output units on my plow and bucket trucks.

 

Nice guy. Got 270 ordered at a good price. Hopefully will be here this later week. Should help drive the winch I'll be buying after getting stuck last night after hunting. Had to get pulled out by a Dodge