High Amp Alternators

[Optimistic Paranoid]

There are a number of companies out there that offer aftermarket alternators that are drop in replacements for factory stock ones. Such as:

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html

http://www.powerbastards.com/

http://mechman.com/

And a number of others.

They offer much higher outputs than the factory stock, even at idle.

I was wondering if anybody here has used them in their rig, and, if so, how they held up?

Regards
John

 

[ccbreder]

They are used in marine applications. lots of info on those boards. The pulley size has to be carefully matched for the RPM.

 

[LeeRevell]

Not for a van, but I did once swap a more powerful alternator into a car (pre-electronic era) and found I had to also change the voltage regulator - burned out the original...... Something to consider, is anything associated with the part you are changing out.

 

[minimotos95]

I've used DC power engineering and eagle auto electric high output alternators.
DC: highend and expensive Mechman's biggest competitor. Quality is great they machine their own alternator bodies from aluminum. I've seen reports where output is higher than advertised.

Eagle auto electric. An eBay retailer. Outputs advertised seem optimistic but they are certainly more powerful than stock. They refurbish stock bodies with better internals. Not bad for the money.

Both lasted until the vehicles left the family last I heard the car with the DC was totalled and the one with the eagle was still going with that same alternator from 2011

 

[highdesertranger]

I usually just put the largest one that is available as stock option. like the ones they put on police cars and ambulance packages. this keeps the price reasonable and availability good. I can understand on a boat because your options are limited. but on a land based vehicle those prices scare me. besides I am not going to run my vehicle engine just to charge my batteries, that's what solar is for. highdesertranger