Dual Alternators
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
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Dual Alternators
Shopping trucks I've seen quite a few with the dual alternators. My first thought is more stuff crammed in the engine bay and more stuff to replace down the road. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, what is the benefit to having duals?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Kaysville Utah
The Platinum and KR have so many options that require the extra voltage that it's a standard to get duals if you order the upgraded trucks.
Between Glow Plugs,Rapid Supplemental Heat, heated front and back seats, heated steering wheel etc. You can draw more current than 1 alternator can put out.
Between Glow Plugs,Rapid Supplemental Heat, heated front and back seats, heated steering wheel etc. You can draw more current than 1 alternator can put out.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
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At least there is one saving grace to LED lighting which is much less draw. But yes,as Paintedhorse said there are so many electrical needs on these new vehicles that there are definite advantages to having dual alternators. I can remember years ago when vehicles had 35 amp alternators, and many literally died when they got stranded in blizzards from all the idling and having lights, defrosters and wipers on. Boy we've come a long way.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2010
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My dad and I have towed 5th wheel RV's for years with stock factory standard output single alternator trucks without any issues. My 2019 F350 6.7 did come with the upgraded single alternator as part of a package. Unless you've got a snow plow on or some other high electrical draw device(s) [e.g. ambulance or etc], dual alternator are overkill.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,424
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From: Wisconsin
I believe the two alternators are because there is not enough room to put one conventional (large amp.)alternator. My '97 had a single alt. and dual batteries, worked just fine
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Logistics Pro
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My dad and I have towed 5th wheel RV's for years with stock factory standard output single alternator trucks without any issues. My 2019 F350 6.7 did come with the upgraded single alternator as part of a package. Unless you've got a snow plow on or some other high electrical draw device(s) [e.g. ambulance or etc], dual alternator are overkill.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 698
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From: Rural Northern California
We spend just enough time in very remote locations that I prefer the security of the second alternator just in case one goes out.
The problem with my plan being there is no easy way to know when one of them is out.
The problem with my plan being there is no easy way to know when one of them is out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: GA
[QUOTE=ForCal;18549896]Shopping trucks I've seen quite a few with the dual alternators. My first thought is more stuff crammed in the engine bay and more stuff to replace down the road. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, what is the benefit to having duals?[/QUOTE
Depending on the situation, redundancy can be a positive.
The odds of both batteries and alternators failing at the same time is almost impossible.
Depending on the situation, redundancy can be a positive.
The odds of both batteries and alternators failing at the same time is almost impossible.
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