Add 220 alternator or not?

[Pudge]

I’m putting in my order for a 2021 PW and wondered the value of the upgrade that includes the 220 alternator. If I understand it’s value right, it’s something that would be a good thing if I was running some other equipment off the truck. Like more power needed for AC on a trailer, microwave, etc. Thoughts?

 

[392DevilDog]

Just go all in with the dual alternators.

 

[crash68]

If you plan on running a bunch high draw devices like a winch, lights, snow plow, etc on a regular basis then bump up the alternator.
Most people would be better served by adding a dual battery than a higher current alternator or dual alt set up.

 

[Keith67]

It has no effect on trailer appliances. It would be most beneficial during heavy winching (more amps put into battery at given rpm) and/or other high draw stuff on the truck. Lights, plow, etc. Regarding trailer power it would absolutely help IF you installed a DC to DC charger on the truck and wanted to charge, for example, lithium batteries on a trailer while driving. Those things will take all the current you can generate. Assuming you aren’t doing any of that, maybe not worth the added expense for your build.

 

[Overlander]

I did. I’ll have a 100aH Battleborn to feed and want to make sure I won’t starve out the 50A BCDC while running other loads. Plus it’s system redundancy for the trail.

 

[SeppW]

220 amp is sufficient, unless you plan on running accessories and components that draw excessive amps, like 70 or more per unit, simultaneously.

 

[Sandevino]

As is, you’ll be fine with the standard alternator.

 

[Pudge]

Thanks for the input guys. I’m inclined to agree with the last two posts. I can’t see how I would use it, and while it’s a small upgrade, it’s never going to add value to what I will be doing with the truck. Basic on road, with a bit of hauling and a bit of off roading.

 

[Overlander]

Just throwing out this as a data point: 220A is peak, not nominal output. Low rpm / idle time on the trail plus high draw loads can consume all available power.
Note that our ratio is 2.9:1, so a 600 rpm idle would be 1,800 rpm alt speed.
I know some manufacturers have logic that disengages the alt below *** rpm to help with fuel economy. Does Ram do any of these shenanigans?

 

[Gamedog]

I have the 220A alternator but I don't think I'll ever need it.

Nice to have, but not sure I'll need it.

 

[62Blazer]

I'm not big into RV/campers but is it common to run the A/C on a trailer from the truck? Assuming the typical camping trip that means you have to leave the truck running all night to run those items. There is a reason people buy generators for this application.

 

[olyelr]

I'm not big into RV/campers but is it common to run the A/C on a trailer from the truck? Assuming the typical camping trip that means you have to leave the truck running all night to run those items. There is a reason people buy generators for this application.

Any a/c units that i am aware of dont run on battery power at all.

 

[2003F350]

I'm not big into RV/campers but is it common to run the A/C on a trailer from the truck? Assuming the typical camping trip that means you have to leave the truck running all night to run those items. There is a reason people buy generators for this application.

Only on motorhomes, because you're traveling in the actual rig. And most of those have on-board generators that you'd also have to run to get sufficient AC power to run the A/C. The vast majority of A/C on campers don't run on DC. The power wire from the truck is sufficient to charge the battery on the trailer (or should be, unless you've got another issue going on) if all appliances and lights are off.

Really, the only things that should be left on while towing an RV down the road would be the fridge (if it's an electric/propane unit) and...that's about it? I always turn off the water pump, water heater, and anything else.

A typical camping trip in an RV park you're plugged in. If you're 'boondocking' without a steady power source, you won't be using A/C unless you've got a generator running.

 

[Sandevino]

To add to my previous post, the 220 amp alternator is included with the Snow Chief package. The Snow Chief package includes the aux switches which require the bump in the alternator amperage.