Which DC Power Alternator??
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,803
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 685
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
I'm in the same boat right now, but am trying to decide between the 185 and the 190, as well as whether or not I should upgrade the cables. If money were no object, I'd go with the 250 and put new cables everywhere, but it is, so I'm not. The only thing I have on top of being stock in regards to current draw is a Viair compressor that draws 23amps. I have this on a switch so that I can decide when it pumps and when it doesn't, so I can leave it off until the glowplugs have cycled, etc, etc.
Any thoughts on what to do?
Any thoughts on what to do?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
Likes: 761
From: Houston, Texas
Been thinking about this myself....
I'm currently running an Autozone Super Duty 140 amp alternator and while it does the job, I know a DC Power 190 amp alternator would do a better job.
I'm not really wanting to mod the cables, so from what I'm reading 190 amps would be a safe bet.
I'm currently running an Autozone Super Duty 140 amp alternator and while it does the job, I know a DC Power 190 amp alternator would do a better job.
I'm not really wanting to mod the cables, so from what I'm reading 190 amps would be a safe bet.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 685
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Speaking of, what exactly is the difference between the 185 and 190, other than the different output? The construction looks different all around based on the DC Power website. Is one design better than the other?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
Likes: 761
From: Houston, Texas
Ah, for the sake of simplicity, 185 it is!
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 5
The HD unit is a beefier, better built unit. Though the 185 would 'do the job', the 190 does an additional 20 amps at idle - a pretty huge difference, especially when considering your 23 amp draw compressor. Essentially, you could be running your compressor and hardly dip into the maximum capacity of the 185 unit.
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How did you kill such a large unit,in such a short time
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 820
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From: BC, Canada
I'm not sure what the series is called. I actually emailed Matt at Mechman (mlogan@mechman.com) about their battery cable kit and he told me about the alternator, said it's not on their website. They also make the the "Tough Truck" alternators and he said that the internals on this one are identical to that line, here is a link, he has been very helpful and prompt with his reponses...
240a Truck Tough High Output Alternator for Ford 6.0 diesel - Truck Tough High Output Alternators | Online Store
240a Truck Tough High Output Alternator for Ford 6.0 diesel - Truck Tough High Output Alternators | Online Store