High Output Alternator Survey

[wow]

This is not an offer to sell, but rather to judge interest. Feel free to contact me off-list at hi-power@usmac.net if you'd be more comfortable.

I have a relationship with a company that is in the late 'beta' stage of a producing a high power alternator that would be a bolt-on replacement for the stock alternator in our diesel trucks - either 7.3L or 6.0L. It would be capable of delivering around 225 amps at idle (700 engine RPM) and up to about 450 amps at normal/high (1800/2200 RPM) engine speed. Coupled to an 95% efficient inverter, it could deliver about 2500 watts at 120Volts at idle, and up to 5000 watts at highway speed - CONTINUOUSLY!!

The product works NOW and is in testing, but is not yet in production. All this power does not come cheap, though. The first customer - not surprisingly - is likely to be the military. I'm trying to determine if there is any market among the 'rest of us'.

That's where your opinion comes in. Prices identified below would be for the high-output alternator system complete, but DO NOT include the cost of an inverter or installation. Installation could be a DIY option if you are reasonably handy.

1. If it were available this summer (say - July?), would you buy one for $3200? Please only say 'yes' if it is true. I suspect that there would be a relatively small number of people who could justify or rationalize such a purchase...but I could be wrong. Lot's of people spend thousands of dollars on car stereos that require an enormous amount of power, so I dunno.

If your answer to the above is 'yes', would you be interested in purchasing an 'early production' unit that would have full functionality, but might differ slightly in appearance from the final production units? I.e., would you like to get one of first units built?

2. If the price could be brought down over the next 12 months due to volume, would you buy one next year if the price was $2499?

3. Assuming a price breakthrough, would you buy one if it were $1999?

4. Finally, for what application do you require a high-output alternator. You can be somewhat vague, like 'communications gear' or 'stereo system' or 'welding' - this is just to help me understand possible markets that I may have missed.

Again, you're NOT committing to buy anything, since there is nothing to sell just yet. But if you respond, please answer truthfully. I promise that I will report back here IF there is sufficient interest.

[wow]

I didn't hear from anyone, so I thought that before I let it die I'd bring it up one more time.

Does anyone have an interest in this type of unit? If not, that tells me a lot as well, since many of the folks on this list have spent a LOT of money to upgrade their rigs. And in that case, I want to apologize for cluttering up the list!

Thanks!

[Clevelandjim]

What exactly is a $3200 alternator gonna do for me? Sh_t, I can get all my teeth capped for that much money!

[BoomtownBrewpub]

http://www.wranglernw.com/ecotech/

Considering that the above puts out 310 amps and is "only $1900" and has been field tested in NYFD ambulances. Probably not.

Add an inverter for whatever size you need...

I just don't see a market in the non-ambulance market for something like this. There are two or three options for ac power generators on vehicles, pto mounted, hydro driven, and engine mounted that would accomplish the same for less.

Just my stupid opinion [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[rock_doctor]

I doubt that you will get a response in these forums, as we are not your market. You need to contact companies that customize these trucks, build work vehicles (cherry pickers, welding units, police units etc) and companies that build motor homes. For the average user (members here), if we need more power then the stock system we can install a second alt with a kit from Ford. Therefore, I suspect there is a market but not here.

I wish you good luck.
mark

[wow]

Thanks for the posts, guys. I know that the market for this item is vary narrow, but I wanted to find out if there was any interest at all here. Even though you all said 'no interest' you gave me more information and that is appreciated!

[BBBxcursion]

I can get a 200 amp alternator made for 180 bux,-and it's proven and works. 3200,2500, or 1900 is still insane to ask.-Very narrow market, good luck though.