Dual Alternator?

My truck has the dual alternator setup.

What does that do for me? Why would I need additional alternator amperage?

When the PCM detects a large draw it kicks in the other alternator. So daily conventional driving it does nothing for you. But if you added a winch or snowplow it would benefit during those uses. One other benefit is if 1 fails the other should pick up the slack and get you home.

That package from the factory is usually associated with the snow plow prep. The electric pump for the snow plows uses a lot of current.

All dual alternator means is more $$$, especially when it needs replaced.

You don’t need duals for a winch (PW has factory installed winch with a single) and I have the snow package on a 18 Cummins that is single alternator.

2020PW said:

You don’t need duals for a winch (PW has factory installed winch with a single) and I have the snow package on a 18 Cummins that is single alternator.

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Yep! There is a lot of power stored in the dual batteries, I believe the standard alternator is 180 amps with the option to get the 220 amp version (I think now standard on current models), that is a lot of power. If you are a snow plower, typically running low RPMs and running the hydraulic pump often, the 220 amp will likely handle that with ease. It is important to keep in mind the output of an alternator is engine RPM dependant. For example, at engine idle, about 700 RPM, a 180 amp alternator can produce 127 amps, and a 220 amp alternator can produce 160 amps. Alternator output is linear, the more RPM the more current, to get 180 amps or 220 amps, you would need an engine RPM of 2500 RPM for a Cummins diesel. On the HEMI HDs, the alternator pully ratio is different to accommodate higher engine RPMs.

I think the dual alternator setup was intended for service vehicles like paramedic units that require a high current draw during times of critical operation.

As typical, we guys, just like "Tim the tool man Taylor", gotta have more power so they order the dual alternator setup using a justification of lighting up the marker lights on their RV. Interesting point, most OTR tractors run 180 amp alternator.

From a performance stand point the half ton 5.7’s use a 160 amp alt with an under drive pulley to increase rpms.

link

Mister Luck said:

What I found was the OE Specifications of the different alternator
Output Curves for RAM Trucks 2016 1500 it covers
160A, 180A, and 220A
The last Chart is for Cummins Only
Notice specifics for engine size and pulley diameters
RPM’s and Temperature

Ram Commercial Body Builder Guide - Upfit Your Truck

Ram Trucks Body Builder's Guide has information you need to upfit your truck. Explore the Body Builder Guide for dimensions, electrical & technical guides.

www.ramtrucks.com

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I play Xbox at work so I added onto my ordered Ram so I could run my system and my tv at the same time if I don't have a light plant to plug into. Can also run my air fryer, charge my laptop, charge my power tools or whatever else. I can plug up to 3 things in at once without it shutting off the power to my plugs. My previous truck (2016 1500) had two plugs, but I could only plug in a tv OR an xbox, not both.

This audiophile on youtube has 4 alternators total 3 are 250a

my PW came with duals.i pull a travel trailer or a boat.also a 1000 watt inverter.i don't know if they help or not but i have 'em.

I have the dual alternators. In the summer I pull the 5w around, which isn't much because it stays plugged in while it's sitting at home. During the winter, that's another story; I run an 8.5 XV2 plow (sometimes with wings), strobe lights, aux. rear backup lights, and a 1 yard sander/salter- often while running the heat and defroster. It's a pretty inexpensive option to have, so I'm glad to have it. I'll probably upgrade to an agm battery this year before my battery decides to quit at 3 am.

NH RAM said:

I have the dual alternators. In the summer I pull the 5w around, which isn't much because it stays plugged in while it's sitting at home. During the winter, that's another story; I run an 8.5 XV2 plow (sometimes with wings), strobe lights, aux. rear backup lights, and a 1 yard sander/salter- often while running the heat and defroster. It's a pretty inexpensive option to have, so I'm glad to have it. I'll probably upgrade to an agm battery this year before my battery decides to quit at 3 am.

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those agm's don't like cold.ask me how i know.get a battery tender and plug it in as soon as the temps start to drop.i was late getting 2 out of my camper and they both froze,cost me over 2k.once they freeze there's no bringing them back.

What a bit of irony, in one thread the discussion is that abomination, soul sucking HP thief, a parasitic drain called the "fan clutch", let it hit the floor in favor of the electric fan. One click away the discussion, why add a second alternator? [chuckling while sipping my coffee]

bcbouy said:

those agm's don't like cold.ask me how i know.get a battery tender and plug it in as soon as the temps start to drop.i was late getting 2 out of my camper and they both froze,cost me over 2k.once they freeze there's no bringing them back.

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I had an X2 from Batteries Plus in my 2016 1500 (that I was plowing with) for a year or two before trading in for the 2019 truck I have now; I had no issues with the cold. The difference is likely that my truck is used regularly, whereas when the agm batteries sit and start to lose charge, the electrolyte turns from acid to water and makes it susceptible to freezing (Per Odyssey batteries).