new 3500HD Duramax

[Nick1234]

Just signed the papers for a 2019 3500HD, Duramax. They have to go to another dealer to pick it up. I will get it tomorrow. That said, this is the first diesel I have purchased. This truck comes with dual alternators. 150amp and 250amp. So, not knowing much about this, why would I need dual alternators? Still learning

[Country Campers]

Congrats and if I may say that was the right decision going with the Chevrolet. (sorry Ford guys).
Usually the dual alternators come with either the High Country or snow plow prep packages.

Brian

[RVLife68]

Dual alternators are a helpful feature for many vehicles, Alternators are particularly helpful for high-drain vehicle power applications where the vehicle needs to have sustained power output without the engine running, without sacrificing the vehicle's ability to turn over. Vehicle engineers can approach this from two separate design approaches. The first is to connect both alternators to a large battery bank shared among the starter, spark plugs and other vehicle systems. A shared system offers the advantage of inexpensive simplicity; however, extended use without running the motor runs a real risk of draining the batteries to the point where the engine will not turn over. The second design philosophy approach sets up two separate power systems, one for critical systems and another for secondary optional devices. A dual independent power system approach prevents the vehicle from getting stuck due to draining too much power from the batteries but adds significant expense. The dual power system design works well with vehicles like RVs or police surveillance vehicles. I’m assuming yours is the latter.

[242 checkmate]

Hi: You’ll enjoy the performance of the Duramax when towing. You made a smart choice getting a 3500HD. That way if you want to go bigger in an rv you may be glad you have the 3500. Excellent choice getting the GM truck. To be fair, all the truck brands are worth having. Enjoy

[Canyonlight]

Just signed the papers for a 2019 3500HD, Duramax. They have to go to another dealer to pick it up. I will get it tomorrow. That said, this is the first diesel I have purchased. This truck comes with dual alternators. 150amp and 250amp. So, not knowing much about this, why would I need dual alternators? Still learning

You most likely will not ever need it. The std. alt is the 150 with two options available in the High Country and most other 2500/3500 GM models. You can get a the optional 220 in place of the 150 or get the 150 and 220 dual alts. option.

The higher electric draw of the snowplow pkg (plow movement, extra lights, etc.) is an example where the 220 amp alt. is part of the package. Adding more electric draw items or different all together will necessitate the need for more charging capability. Things like after market lights, higher output electronics/amplifiers, compressors, and on and on need more juice thus greater alt output. Add in more than the normal draw from the RV/other trailers for RV house battery charging one can see where you may need more than the std. alt.

Lastly, an alt. at idle or low speeds will put out much less in amps. than the rated (150/220/etc.) amps which is measured at normal highway speeds as I recall. Thus if at idle for extended periods and drawing power for more than the normal truck electric needs, battrie(s) will run down below the needs.

Dan

[Second Chance]

Dual alternators are a helpful feature for many vehicles, Alternators are particularly helpful for high-drain vehicle power applications where the vehicle needs to have sustained power output without the engine running... without sacrificing the vehicle's ability to turn over. Vehicle engineers can approach this from two separate design approaches. The first is to connect both alternators to a large battery bank shared

Help me understand how the alternators supply power without the engine running? No engine RPMs, no alternator RPMs...

Rob

[Canyonlight]

Help me understand how the alternators supply power without the engine running? No engine RPMs, no alternator RPMs...

Rob

Looks like RVLife68 did some copy and pasting from this link........it is confusing:

https://itstillruns.com/advantages-d...s-7555016.html

Dan

[RVLife68]

Help me understand how the alternators supply power without the engine running? No engine RPMs, no alternator RPMs...

Rob

Well I was not trying to imply that it does. Alternators charge batteries. I’m sure you already knew that though.

[RVLife68]

Looks like RVLife68 did some copy and pasting from this link........it is confusing:

https://itstillruns.com/advantages-d...s-7555016.html

Dan

Correct. Was trying to explain in simple terms. I suppose I could have just said it’s for charging batteries and running upfitter items.

[nyfingerlakes]

Congratulations on your new truck. We got a used 2015 2500 Duramax last July and *WOW*, what a difference from towing with our 2006 GMC gasser!