Ram 3500 Dual Alternator?

[breckenridge2003]

Hello Experts!
You've all been so incredibly helpful with the various questions I've posted and your real world advice. We've settled on the Eagle 321RSTS.

We're buying a Ram 3500 to tow it, and will be ordering the Ram after the Holidays. I'm getting the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel.

Question is with the dual 220 alternators. It's not much more money. Are the dual alternators a good idea or overkill? I will only be connecting the Eagle to this Ram, not other accessories. If it's helpful, I'll get the dual alternators. If not, I won't.

The issue is the Ram salespeople don't know much, and the trailer folks say "ask the forums." So here I am again! Thanks so much-

[RedHorse1]

Our F350 has a single alternator and hasn’t had any issues. I wouldn’t expect a trailer (5th) to add much of a load.

[Lake Huron]

I got a 99 5.9 Cummins and it has a single 130A or maybe a 150A alternator in it, cant remember. In the winter when the intake heaters kick on, after it's already running, they out a beating on that poor alternator. I watch the battery gauge just drop. Now I'm sure 20 years later they would have improved on that, but it would be nice to have duals.
My 15 Duramax doesnt have duals, but it sits in a heated garage for the winter. Lol

[Midnightmoon]

That dual alternator setup would be most applicable for someone running high draw electrical accessories, winch, snowplow/spreader, etc. Unless you are thinking about running something similar off of that truck, I don't think you would ever need the dual alternators for simply towing.

The other thing to consider would be the availability of the of a replacement belt if you were to need one along the road. It may best to carry a spare with you. I don't think that the one for the dual alternators would be easy to find at your local parts store.

[rkymntsno]

You have two batteries on the Ram. Not sure why you would have a need for two alternators. Ours has done fine for almost three years with no problems.

[Bookemdanno]

I have the dual alternators on my '16 Ram 3500...you don't need them! UNLESS you boondock! If you boondock, then you can wire a direct charge cable (from the TV battery, directly back to the RV batteries to charge) such as Redarc DC to DC battery charger.

[Rock]

It is a cheap option, why not get it. My HO in cold weather hardly dims the lights when the grid heater runs. As a bonus if one fails u got a back up.

[Big1]

I started to get one with two alternators and like it have been said unless you are planning on getting a snowplow/spreader you would need it but hey if it don't cost that much more money and if the other option that you want are their I would say go for it.

[AKRUEBBE]

I found that most 3500's, unless you order one, come with the dual alternators. I bought two new 3500's in the past 3 years from dealer stock and both had dual alternators. If I ordered one I would opt for the dual alternators..........can't have too much when towing 17,000 pounds. For sure go with the High Output diesel with the Aisin tranny.

[Camper_bob]

My 2015 2500 gasser came with 2 alternators (Tradesman package). The 2nd alt was part of another option group.

If you have to pay extra JUST for the alternator, maybe skip it. But chances are it will come with an option group you DO want. In that case, keep it of course.

As for the belt, dual alternators on HD trucks are common enough, I bet you don't have a problem finding one "in the wild". They're going to be used on all manner of fleet vehicles, and parts stores support those fleets. But keeping an extra on-hand is good, cheap insurance against getting stranded.

I kind of liked the fact that I had dual alternators, even though I never got the chance to "upfit" many electrical accessories on that truck, the power was there if I ever needed it. And IMO, it's better to have it and not need it than the other way. If you're going to keep the truck a while, you never know when you'll want to add something...

[breckenridge2003]

thanks! I agree with you

[breckenridge2003]

Thanks! I'm leaning towards getting the dual.