Power grid question
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2024
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Power grid question
My Godzilla has two alternators and two batteries. Do they feed the same power grid, such that if the truck was running and you disconnected one battery, the two alternators and other battery would power everything to keep it running? I can't imagine that one alternator and battery are dedicated to like lights and fans and stuff like that, while the other pair is dedicated to processors and displays and such.
I've seen threads where "keep the battery at 95%" and other percentage centric comments are made. Where in the menus and screens do you find the percentage? I can only find voltage level.
All this is leading up to the idea of disconnecting the battery(ies) to reboot whatever is making my folding mirrors not work. If both batteries are disconnected to make sure all power is absolutely off, how long do you do that for? Does it wipe memories, like map favorites, radio stations, HUD settings, etc?
I've seen threads where "keep the battery at 95%" and other percentage centric comments are made. Where in the menus and screens do you find the percentage? I can only find voltage level.
All this is leading up to the idea of disconnecting the battery(ies) to reboot whatever is making my folding mirrors not work. If both batteries are disconnected to make sure all power is absolutely off, how long do you do that for? Does it wipe memories, like map favorites, radio stations, HUD settings, etc?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 794
Likes: 536
From: NE Ohio
There is no built-in percentage readout that I am aware of. The truck does report voltage, and percent of charge is usually an approximation based on the resting voltage reading between 10.5 (0%) and 13 (100%) vdc.
Both batteries are connected in parallel, meaning their capacities are added together in a 12v bank.
To clear the BCM in an attempt to fix things like mirrors and door locks not behaving themselves, disconnect the negative terminal on both batteries for 10-15 minutes.
Both batteries are connected in parallel, meaning their capacities are added together in a 12v bank.
To clear the BCM in an attempt to fix things like mirrors and door locks not behaving themselves, disconnect the negative terminal on both batteries for 10-15 minutes.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2024
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Thanks Tsax6010. I was wondering if the percent was another feature I couldn't find. So disconnecting doesn't wipe all my personalized settings? I've never reset my "Trip 2" data because I want the fuel economy average since day 1. I would feel bad if I lost that.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 416
Likes: 141
From: Kerrville, Texas
Thanks Tsax6010. I was wondering if the percent was another feature I couldn't find. So disconnecting doesn't wipe all my personalized settings? I've never reset my "Trip 2" data because I want the fuel economy average since day 1. I would feel bad if I lost that.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 83
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From: Detroit, MI
I thought I remember reading that on trucks with dual alternators, that the second alternator is normally in-active until the truck sees enough electrical load to require it.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2,415
From: Everywhere and nowhere
I thought I remember reading that on trucks with dual alternators, that the second alternator is normally in-active until the truck sees enough electrical load to require it.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 921
From: Kaufman TX
Your 2nd alternator is separate from the rest of the system, dedicated to the power inverter. It outputs 24 volts.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
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That is true only if the OP's truck has the optional 2kW Pro Power Onboard. The OP did not mention anything about having this option. If not, then the included dual alternator system on the Platinum is a 250a and 160a alternators.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,838
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From: Kaufman TX
Indeed. When I built my 24 it wasn't possible to un-select the pro power on the platinum, but I see that changed for 25.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2024
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Correct, the 2kW was an option, like $950, which i didn't buy. I figured I would buy a portable generator if I needed power in a remote location. I have used the 400W outlet for running my PC and recently running my oscillating saw at our cabin. That day, we were all set up to paint some doors, and the utility power went off. D'oh! Had to run to Home Depot, a 2.5 hour trip, to buy a 6500W gas/LP generator for $830. And the power came back on about 10 minutes after we returned. Oh well, it can power the cabin or our travel trailer.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 396
Likes: 131
I thought I remember reading that on trucks with dual alternators, that the second alternator is normally in-active until the truck sees enough electrical load to require it.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
I have the dual batteries/alternators on mine too. I cannot figure out how someone would manage to pull ~400A of 12V to require that much alternator.
For me, I don't have high electrical draw, so I'm sure one would be fine, but having two would probably last longer before you need an alternator replacement. Even if one fails, then the other will kick in. Would you even get a check engine light if only one alternator failed?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 530
From: DFW
Thanks Tsax6010. I was wondering if the percent was another feature I couldn't find. So disconnecting doesn't wipe all my personalized settings? I've never reset my "Trip 2" data because I want the fuel economy average since day 1. I would feel bad if I lost that.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 303
Likes: 163
I was the same way - did the same thing with my 2017 too. Then one day, I get in my 23 and all of the trip info had been reset back to zero - hours, mileage, fuel economy. Dang, I was pissed. I always reset Trip 1 but leave Trip 2 running. Not anymore, I just deselected that screen from my scrolling view and try to forget about it.
I did a one day, 206 mile road bike race. I spaced out at the finish line, and deleted the 11h22m data ride from my Garmin. I was REALLY pissed. I love data noodling like heart rate, elevation, average pedaling cadence... and engine hours, miles, MPG...
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 416
Likes: 141
From: Kerrville, Texas
I disconnected both batteries on my 2024 F350 a few days ago. Left them disconnected for 1/2 hour. When I started truck, trip 1 and trip 2 settings were just as before.
Just in case anyone is wondering.
Just in case anyone is wondering.
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