If you run a lot of 12V equipment in or on your truck, it might make sense.
Like, if you have an Excursion with a power inverter installed! Except for no apparent reason, you can't order the dual alternators on an Excursion, only on the Superduties, sigh...
Duncan
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The 1997 F250HD Crewcab: Picture
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4x4 and you know you're going to install a big electric winch. Or a huge "million-candlepower" light bar. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Or a big invertor that you'll use to run big electric tools such as half-inch drills, grinders, etc. Heavy-duty power liftgate?
Maybe a wrecker where you might have all the above. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
If you need dual altenators, you also need the auxiliary idle control kit (APCM or AIC) with its charge-protect circuit, so don't order one without the other.
I don't have any of that sorta high-draw electrical stuff, so I don't need a second altenator. But YMMV. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
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My Sierra Blanca is a '99.5 PSD CrewCab hot-rod Towing Machine! BTS tranny; TurboRamAir intake and 4" stainless turbo-back exhaust; DP-Tuner tunes flashed into an Edge Evolution tuner; ISSPRO EV gauges and TTM; AIC; SP-Diesel exhaust brake and torque converter controller. I special-ordered it new and plan to drive it until it quits.
They started putting these in for emergency vehicles (esp. ambulances) since they kept burning out alternators, and the aftermarket mods adding bigger alternators caused problems. This arrangement (one primary, the other lazy, with the computer switching which is which every time it is re-started) is a slick setup and has solved all of those problems.
That said, you would need one heck of a continuous 12v load to require the dual alternator setup. For momentary use - on the PSD's you have two batteries that can supplement. The only reason I could think of a civilian needing them is a 12v sander running continuously + lots of electric over hydraulic plow usage + one heck of a lot of inefficient warning lights.
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Wouldn't you need a dual if you were to pull a "5th" Wheel Camper?
[/ QUOTE ] No. I have one altenator and I've towed my 5er all over the country.
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My Sierra Blanca is a '99.5 PSD CrewCab hot-rod Towing Machine! BTS tranny; TurboRamAir intake and 4" stainless turbo-back exhaust; DP-Tuner tunes flashed into an Edge Evolution tuner; ISSPRO EV gauges and TTM; AIC; SP-Diesel exhaust brake and torque converter controller. I special-ordered it new and plan to drive it until it quits.
I ordered mine with the Dual Alt option for towing a 5er "just in case". The dealer screwed up and had to put it in as a change order but didnt bill me for it so, for FREE, its a good option.
(after 3 alternators on my "ex-car", a Chevy, I like TWO)
Correct me if I'm wrong but the siingle Alt. on the PSD is smaller than one on a gasser. I beleave it's a 90 amp. If that true and it's only 80% efficient at high temps. Then while a single will work You really would not have to have all that much electricle stuff to max it out. say A/C on max, headlights, wipers, big stereo. and you are getting close. But then again. Many have lived and survived on a single.
Personaly I have the duals. cause you never know what you might want to add a year from now. And if one fails the other will get you home.
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TRK4 Work: designer & consultant of emergency apparatus.
My Toy: 2000, F250, PSD, 4X4, XLT, SC, SB, Off Road Pkg, TT Pkg, Dual Alt. AIC, Line-X, Westin Grill/Brush Guard, Nerf Bars, Custom Scotchlite Striping Package, Nice Flashing LED and Strobe Lights LED, LED Tail/Marker Lights, Whelen Alpha12Q, On-Spot Automatic Snow Chains, and 03 Mirror Upgrade.
Definately overkill in my opinion. I had my 130 amp tested running everything I have on maximum and could only draw down 65 amps. BUT remember this...if you get a single then you cannot go to duals later without spending an unbelievable amount of money. If by some strange reason you find that you need more power later on your best option to replace the single 130 is an ambulance amp which I think is close to 200 amps. Duals are for the boys who are racing to die with the most toys IMHO.
I think that the redundancy factor makes it worthwhile. If you are 200 miles into, say, Baja California and your alternator croaks, you have another one to get you home.
__________________ Sarhog<font color="red">NRA</font> Life Member
2002 <font color="gray">Dark Shadow Gray</font> F250 XLT, Crewcab, <font color="red">PSD</font>, 4x4, auto, shortbed, Transferflow 46 gal replacement tank, ART slotted rotors, ISSPRO TTM, Walker BTM, Bilstein shocks
Autometer Z-series EGT, Boost, & Trans temp guages in A-pillar pod
Here is something you might consider. www.AURASYSTEMS.COM I don't know about the 8.5KW unit. The 5KW unit you could split the output between 12V and 120VAC. Just a tought especially for those of you that carry a camper.
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2004 F350, Lariat, True Blue/Arizona Beige, CC, LWB, 6.0 PSD, Torqshift, FX4, Camper package, captains chairs, power & heated TT mirrors, adjustable pedals, AIC, dual alternaters, power sliding rear window. C-Betr mirrors, ARE K series cap, Bedrug, BFG MT 285/75r16,overhead DVD player, DPPI turboback dual exhaust, gauges, Husky mudflaps, Weather tech vent visors, and Lund bug deflector. Date ordered 12/23/2003. Delivered 2/5/04
mtk
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Single is 130A; duals are 110A each.
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Not according to the Order Guide
130-Amps each
Linear Mode
