DC alternators question
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Logistics Pro
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DC alternators question
Not in the market just yet but the units have always sparked my interest. I for one am a BIG proponent of preventative maintenance and not so concerned with the looks as I am with functionality. I also understand that the OEM alternator is already underpowered in its stock form. With that said, I have considered buying a DC alt since my mileage to work is very low and since it is not a daily commute, I feel the batteries will eventually suffer from the undercharging. I go to work and my truck sits for a few days then I go home.
Luckily, I put my truck on a trickle battery maintainer most days at home and the batteries respond well to it, in less than 10 hrs @ 1.5 amps they are both charged. So my question is will a high output alternator with this kind of price tag benefit me or is my battery maintenance routine gonna save me headaches in the future?
Thanks for your advice
Joe
Luckily, I put my truck on a trickle battery maintainer most days at home and the batteries respond well to it, in less than 10 hrs @ 1.5 amps they are both charged. So my question is will a high output alternator with this kind of price tag benefit me or is my battery maintenance routine gonna save me headaches in the future?
Thanks for your advice
Joe
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 941
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From: Bothell, WA
I believe that the higher output alternator is always good idea with as many electronics drivers add to the "cigarette lighter" ports, and the needs of the glow plugs and on board electronics controllers in the motor.
In my opinion, you are already doing the best thing for your batteries. Not much really beats a battery maintainer.
In my opinion, you are already doing the best thing for your batteries. Not much really beats a battery maintainer.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,169
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From: SW Florida
Another option is to get a new 140 amp ($179.99) at Advance Auto, enter code trt30 at checkout...and get it for $129.99 + tax (not counting the $12 core charge...keep the core as a spare if it still works)
ToughOne Alternator - New - 140 Amps 92570: You?ve found the best Alternator at Advance Auto Parts
Then, as Yahiko mentioned...put an undersized pulley on it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170910011638...84.m1423.l2649
DC makes some nice stuff, the only thing is if it ever failed, you're looking at 1-? weeks before you get a replacement. Just something to think about.
ToughOne Alternator - New - 140 Amps 92570: You?ve found the best Alternator at Advance Auto Parts
Then, as Yahiko mentioned...put an undersized pulley on it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170910011638...84.m1423.l2649
DC makes some nice stuff, the only thing is if it ever failed, you're looking at 1-? weeks before you get a replacement. Just something to think about.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 3
From: SW Florida
Thanks for starting the thread, I'm still running the stock 110 amp and have been wanting to go with the parts I mentioned....you reminded me to do it. 
I'll have the 140 alt and undersized pulley next week. I have a DC amp meter and I'll make comparisons between 110 and 140 alternators in a new thread next weekend.
I'll have the 140 alt and undersized pulley next week. I have a DC amp meter and I'll make comparisons between 110 and 140 alternators in a new thread next weekend.
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Logistics Pro
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Thanks for starting the thread, I'm still running the stock 110 amp and have been wanting to go with the parts I mentioned....you reminded me to do it.
I'll have the 140 alt and undersized pulley next week. I have a DC amp meter and I'll make comparisons between 110 and 140 alternators in a new thread next weekend.
I'll have the 140 alt and undersized pulley next week. I have a DC amp meter and I'll make comparisons between 110 and 140 alternators in a new thread next weekend.
That would be awesome to know...thanks. Interested to see how it works for you
Joe
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Just realized DC alternators shop is 30 miles from my house. I was looking on their site and they offer a "big cable" kit to not strain the OEM harness for 128.00 shipped....what a ripoff IMO. You can buy 1/0 cable, ends, heat shrink and the fusible link for less than 60.00.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/cable-kit...cable-kit.html
Unless i am missing the importance of this kit, it is too much.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/cable-kit...cable-kit.html
Unless i am missing the importance of this kit, it is too much.
Another option is to get a new 140 amp ($179.99) at Advance Auto, enter code trt30 at checkout...and get it for $129.99 + tax (not counting the $12 core charge...keep the core as a spare if it still works)
ToughOne Alternator - New - 140 Amps 92570: You?ve found the best Alternator at Advance Auto Parts
Then, as Yahiko mentioned...put an undersized pulley on it.
Overdrive 8 Groove Pulley Gain Output Idle in Some Apps Ford Alternator 6g 3G | eBay
DC makes some nice stuff, the only thing is if it ever failed, you're looking at 1-? weeks before you get a replacement. Just something to think about.
ToughOne Alternator - New - 140 Amps 92570: You?ve found the best Alternator at Advance Auto Parts
Then, as Yahiko mentioned...put an undersized pulley on it.
Overdrive 8 Groove Pulley Gain Output Idle in Some Apps Ford Alternator 6g 3G | eBay
DC makes some nice stuff, the only thing is if it ever failed, you're looking at 1-? weeks before you get a replacement. Just something to think about.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Just realized DC alternators shop is 30 miles from my house. I was looking on their site and they offer a "big cable" kit to not strain the OEM harness for 128.00 shipped....what a ripoff IMO. You can buy 1/0 cable, ends, heat shrink and the fusible link for less than 60.00.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/cable-kit...cable-kit.html
Unless i am missing the importance of this kit, it is too much.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/cable-kit...cable-kit.html
Unless i am missing the importance of this kit, it is too much.
think that it's less than having it made as some shop. Also if you make
it with welding cable it will be more flexible.
I want to not that I have been running the larger stock top alt with
the undersized pulley for about a year now and everything is happy.
Sean
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I would have thrown mine thru there front window after failing in just 2 weeks, almost a grand spent!
Here's a pic of my 320 amp
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 3
From: SW Florida
****....I stand corrected! But yes, they are purty. How long did it take them to repair or replace it when it failed? ( I would have been sooo pissed too)
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
My model is showing 2 months for delivery now.