Upgrading my Alternator

[tlgood]

I'm replacing the alternator on the 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, Cummins 330. My alternator has always seemed a little weak (160 amp rating) when the toad is hooked up and everything is running on a wet day. Considering upgrading to a 200 amp alternator. Has anyone done that? Anything to be aware of?

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by tlgood

I'm replacing the alternator on the 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, Cummins 330. My alternator has always seemed a little weak (160 amp rating) when the toad is hooked up and everything is running on a wet day. Considering upgrading to a 200 amp alternator. Has anyone done that? Anything to be aware of?

You need to be sure the wire size (gauge) is correct - you would probably need to replace existing wire with a larger diameter to carry the additional amperage.

Depending on the cable length from your alternator to the battery (or Duvac or Big Boy or wherever it goes): I/e/ for under 5ft length: 160A alternator needs a 4GA wire, and a 200A output alternator would require a 2GA wire.

[veraken]

I replaced my 160 amp Leece Neville 2824LC with a 200 amp Delco Remy 28SI. The install was fairly simple except on the DR you don't connect the excite wire since it is self exciting. I purchased mine with a extra pully wheel at:

https://www.qualitypowerauto.com/

I had my old LN rebuilt and carry it as a spare.

[nodine]

Originally Posted by tlgood

I'm replacing the alternator on the 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, Cummins 330. My alternator has always seemed a little weak (160 amp rating) when the toad is hooked up and everything is running on a wet day. Considering upgrading to a 200 amp alternator. Has anyone done that? Anything to be aware of?

Could be you are charging the house batteries in the early part of the day. To take the load off your alternator make sure your house batteries are fully charged when you start the driving day and you have minimum loads on your inverter. The best way to preserve your alternator is to start the driving day with the generator running so all the house loads are handled by the generator. In my opinion the reason so many coach alternators fail is because they are over worked supporting the house loads. Our coach has the IRD module which allows the alternator to charge the house batteries thru a contactor that connects the two banks together. That contactor has been bad for over ten years and I like it that way. If you saw where the alternator is on a rear radiator coach you would not want to replace it.

Bob

[Rfriebert]

I replaced my 160amp with a 210amp. ORiginal was Leece neville and I stayed with them. Quality product and a bit more expensive, but pretty much plug and play.

Call Leece Neville (i.e. Prestolite) directly under their support number and they will help you out.. Great guys and I'm very happy with my install and performance so far.

To contact our customer service group:
By Phone: (800)354-0560
By E-mail: webmail@prestolite.com
Or ask your question on the web and send it to us here
They are solid performers and I highly recommend them.

[winniman]

Originally Posted by nodine

Could be you are charging the house batteries in the early part of the day. To take the load off your alternator make sure your house batteries are fully charged when you start the driving day and you have minimum loads on your inverter. The best way to preserve your alternator is to start the driving day with the generator running so all the house loads are handled by the generator. In my opinion the reason so many coach alternators fail is because they are over worked supporting the house loads. Our coach has the IRD module which allows the alternator to charge the house batteries thru a contactor that connects the two banks together. That contactor has been bad for over ten years and I like it that way. If you saw where the alternator is on a rear radiator coach you would not want to replace it.

Bob

I agree completely. We blew two alternators in one trip two winters ago. Both times we were starting off with low batteries from boondocking, and didn't allow the generator enough time to top up the house batteries. My mechanic says its not likely what caused it, but seems funny the only two times we let the house batteries get charged from low with the alternator, it blew the alternator. We didn't know at the time it would do that.

[tlgood]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful comments. We didn't have low batteries but I think that the additional load from Toad and other accessories were a drain on a weak 160.