Dual Alternator-Run Portable AC in Truck Bed for Dogs

[northland rver]

Good evening all
I apologize if this has been asked before but I'm trying to figure out a way to keep my dog's cool under a topper while towing my travel trailer.
I have a 2024 Ran 3500 with the 6.7l. My understanding is that the dual system should output plenty of power to run a 2000 inverter in other to run a 4k btu portable AC in the truck bed while towing.
I'm obviously clueless with this this the reason I'm reaching out.
Is there something in not understanding?
Any help would be great!
Thank you

 

[crash68]

I have a 2024 Ran 3500 with the 6.7l. My understanding is that the dual system should output plenty of power to run a 2000 inverter

The dual alternator set up is an option not all trucks are equipped with, so unless you ordered the truck that way you may want to check. You can run your VIN number on this website to get the build sheet for your truck: https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
(use all capital letters).
As for it having enough power, the dual set up is rated at 440 amps. Theoretically that 2000W inverter probably draws north of 160A probably closer to 180A at full load. You'll definitely want to have proper sized wiring to feed the inverter and up size the grounds on the engine/truck. Search for "Big Three Upgrade"
You'll also want to keep the idle elevated if your parking for any length of time(this is a option with the Cummins).
Kicker part is you'll still need to have some way to ventilatd that portable AC unit, the heat has to go somewhere.
If your topper has a front window (against the cab), you can use that for ventilation or you may be able to swap the window out for one that opens. There is also pet rated screens for topper side windows.

 

[northland rver]

Thank you for your reply. I'm looking at the sticker and it has the Snow Chief Group which states "Dual- Alternators Rated at 440 Amps"
Also, in regards to exhausting the AC, my hopes was to exhaust it out the sliding side window of the topper.
I haven't purchased the topper yet, I'm just trying to figure out my best option for cooling my dogs.
I wonder if the inverter and a couple of larger fans in front of each kennel would be just as effective.
Thank you again.

 

[crash68]

I wonder if the inverter and a couple of larger fans in front of

While traveling having just the front window of the topper open ventilates the bed area quite well, the tailgate doesn't seal 100% so the air goes straight through.
Fan(s) would help while stopped or sitting in traffic and be a lot simpler than a massive inverter to run an AC.

 

[northland rver]

Sounds good.
I'll have to give it and thought.
Thank you

 

[markabby]

it gets that hot in minnesota?

 

[dgrinstead44]

The dual alternator set up is an option not all trucks are equipped with, so unless you ordered the truck that way you may want to check. You can run your VIN number on this website to get the build sheet for your truck: https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
(use all capital letters).
As for it having enough power, the dual set up is rated at 440 amps. Theoretically that 2000W inverter probably draws north of 160A probably closer to 180A at full load. You'll definitely want to have proper sized wiring to feed the inverter and up size the grounds on the engine/truck. Search for "Big Three Upgrade"
You'll also want to keep the idle elevated if your parking for any length of time(this is a option with the Cummins).
Kicker part is you'll still need to have some way to ventilatd that portable AC unit, the heat has to go somewhere.
If your topper has a front window (against the cab), you can use that for ventilation or you may be able to swap the window out for one that opens. There is also pet rated screens for topper side windows.

Hey @crash68 Is the equipment listing link supposed to work for 2025+? I get an error when using VIN for my 2025 1500... but it works great for my 2019 1500.

 

[Grams]

Good evening all
I apologize if this has been asked before but I'm trying to figure out a way to keep my dog's cool under a topper while towing my travel trailer.
I have a 2024 Ran 3500 with the 6.7l. My understanding is that the dual system should output plenty of power to run a 2000 inverter in other to run a 4k btu portable AC in the truck bed while towing.
I'm obviously clueless with this this the reason I'm reaching out.
Is there something in not understanding?
Any help would be great!
Thank you

Crash68 gets close to mentioning it…but I want to Caution you about asphyxiating your dogs in the covered bed. Exhaust and lack of fresh-air inlet can present you with a horrible scene back there.
The unventilated, closed bed of a pickup truck is no place for living creatures.
(If you insist on it, consider a remote-sensing CO-sensor/alarm…. and Never leave them back there with the engine idling while parked.)

 

[northland rver]

Thank you.
I think I've decided against going this route.

 

[northland rver]

markabby
Yes, it can get pretty hot here. We had a heat index of 109 degree early July last summer, and then we had a wind chill of -54 about 4 weeks ago.
I hate it here

 

[crash68]

Is the equipment listing link supposed to work for 2025+?

It should work for just about any year newer than 2009??
Did you type the letter in capital? It possible the server hasn't been updated will all the latest if the vehicle is brand new?

 

[dgrinstead44]

It should work for just about any year newer than 2009??
Did you type the letter in capital? It possible the server hasn't been updated will all the latest if the vehicle is brand new?

All upper case as you stated... I has never worked for me. I have had this truck for over a year, and I have seen that link posted before. Same result months ago. Works for the 2019, but error for my 2025.

 

[dgrinstead44]

Site still does not work for me... but there was a CHAT feature in lower right corner. They were able to pull a built sheet for me and email it. I found what I was looking for : GX6P SMARTPHONE AS A KEY CAPABLE Thanks!

 

[CDN HO]

Crash68 gets close to mentioning it…but I want to Caution you about asphyxiating your dogs in the covered bed. Exhaust and lack of fresh-air inlet can present you with a horrible scene back there.
The unventilated, closed bed of a pickup truck is no place for living creatures.
(If you insist on it, consider a remote-sensing CO-sensor/alarm…. and Never leave them back there with the engine idling while parked.)

Worked EMS for 38 years. Saw some folks die while riding in the bed with a topper. Would never put a living thing in the bed with a topper on it.

 

[turkeybird56]

It should work for just about any year newer than 2009??
Did you type the letter in capital? It possible the server hasn't been updated will all the latest if the vehicle is brand new?

RAM equipment list does not work for 2025 Vehicles, why< dunno, but it does work for the 2026's.