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need some advice here, guys- alternator for RV

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sportav8r(at)aol.com
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:50 pm Post subject: need some advice here, guys- alternator for RV

Armed with info gleaned from the AeroElectric list and elsewhere on the web, I went alternator-shopping at the local auto parts stores today, to see how close I could get to the recommended 70 A machine that goes by part number Lester 13353 or NipponDenso 121000-346.  If I had not had the additional tidbit that it fits a '93 Dodge Ramcharger 5.2 liter pickup, I think the parts counter clerks would have been helpless to assist me.  The choices that came up "in stock" were limited to one: the Dodge's optional 90 amp externally-regulated machine (reman) with a serpentine pulley, in a 125mm case.  My quest for a VR-166 Ford regulator also ended with a substitute, the Sorensen VR-301.  

 

The alternator comes with its own computer-generated test output graph and data table, indicating it is capable of 126 amps at 6000 rpm, and draws 5.72 amps of field current at that output.  It seems to weigh about 11 lbs on the bathroom scales.  Already I'm thinking this might be more of a fire-breathing machine than I should bolt to my RV, even if it's a physical fit, which I think it will be.  I'm not sure the electronic regulator will necessarily "handle" it, but not sure why it wouldn't.  I don't need anywhere near the output this alternator is capable of, and I don't want my 5 amp field breaker nuisance-tripping because the field happens to want near that amount (no idea how linear the field current vs output curve might be, so no way to know field current at closer to 50-60 amps, for example.)

 

Finally, I'm unsure how easily the V-pulley from my original Van's 35 A machine will slip onto the shaft of the new alternator.  Any takers on that one?  When I make the swap, I'd like to have everything go smoothly with a minimum of downtime.  Basically, I'd like some reassurance that this is worth trying.  I can always take it back and order the Dodge 70 amp alternator; same physical size, and ironically more money.

 

Advice appreciated, friends.  Thanks.

 

-Bill Boyd  RV-6A  O-320 FP

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gmcjetpilot(at)yahoo.com
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:39 am Post subject: Need some advice here, guys- alternator for RV

I am very interested in helping you fit the Lester 13353, ND 

alternator. I'm helping another RV-6'er in using this or another 

high powered ND unit just like it.

  

 	  Quote: 	
		  It seems (Lester 13353) to weigh about 11 lbs on the 

bathroom scales.  Already I'm thinking this might be more of 

a fire-breathing machine than I should bolt to my RV, even if 

it's a physical fit, which I think it will be. (MAY BE) 

 
	


That is up to you. WHAT do you NEED? If you need it you 

need it. Add up all your items that could be on continuously 

with (realistic) intermediate items as a worse case and add 

about 25% to 55% margin to that and that is a good ball park 

of the alternator capacity you need. 

   

  Basically you are looking at typically 6.8 to 9.0 amps per lb.

 

The lightest ND alternator is the 40-45 amp alternator at about 

6 lbs. (popular with RV'ers, like me). The next popular is a 55 

amp unit and weighs about a lb more. Than there's the 60 amp 

unit that, that weighs about 8.5 lbs, also popular with the 

RV'ers. They are all compact and have been fit on RV's many 

times with ease. They also come with V-groove pulleys out the 

box.

 

The weights of larger ND alternators are about 11-12 lbs with 

output of 75-140 amps (like the Lester 13353).  It will likely 

fit, but you MAY need to make your own bracket (a stock 

Lycoming alternator bracket may work). You will need to 

remove the pulley serpentine pulley and replace it with a V-

grove pulley. The ND alternators with external regulators (like 

the 13353) are typically for a Dodge application in the late 90's 

early 00's and has a mounting flange or lugs that are about .70" 

further out than the next physical size down. I think it will fit. I 

am working with a guy in Arizona who needs 80 amps on a RV 

and we are looking at this unit or a 90 amp unit with internal 

regulator. The later unit has a tighter mount fitting lug and is 

know to fit. The 90 amp weighs about the same as what you are 

looking at. 

 

Now here is the question, would you rather have a 40-45 amp 

or 55 amps or 60 amps that will bolt up using Van's brackets 

and has the V-pulley already? Is that enough power for you? 

  

If you want the 40-45 amp, that is harder to buy at auto stores 

because they are for industrial applications, forklifts and 

tractors. They don't usually have Lester #'s. The advantage of 

getting these units is they are made NEW from Nipponndenso 

with all genuine ND parts, verses rebuilds. I suggest the 

Niagara Air parts kit. It has everything, brackets, hardware and 

of course a new ND alternator. Only you know if that will 

work. If you add up all your load, as suggested and you are  

under 30-33 amps you will be fine. It's internally regulated.

 

If you want the 55 amp unit, try Lester numbers: 14684, 12184 

(available at auto stores).

 

If you want a 60 amp alternator: Lester # 14457, 14668 13398, 

13492 (available at auto stores)

 

The only thing is all of the above alternators, 40-60 amp units, 

are all internally regulated, vs. the 13353 which is for external 

Voltage regulation.

 

 

 

 	  Quote: 	
		  My quest for a VR-166 Ford regulator also ended with a 

substitute, the Sorensen VR-301.  I'm not sure the electronic 

regulator will necessarily "handle" it, but not sure why it 

wouldn't.............because the field happens to want near that 

amount (no idea how linear the field current vs. output curve 

might be, so no way to know field current at closer

  
	


 

If you do decide to go with the external Voltage regulation, 

here is a better FORD regulator, V1200 or V1300:

 

http://195.125.241.148/Catalog/Images/V1200.jpg

  Voltage Set Point: 14.2 V (adjustable) 

Regulation: B-Circuit  

-Voyager Series Regulator 

-Adjustable Voltage (13.0-16.0 Volts) 

-Precise Digital Regulation (digital!!!!) 

-Short Circuit Protected 

-High Current Capability 

-Over Voltage protection!!!!!!!!!

-Ignition or Light circuit activated with High Side Reg 

-Protected Against Loss of Ground and Under Voltage 

-LED'S for Easy Troubleshooting 

-Fault Detection Indicators

  Cost? I think less than $80!!!!!

 

http://195.125.241.148/Catalog/Images/V1200.jpg 

 If you have any problems finding the above or have question 

Contact me off line. Try me at gmcjetpilot(at)yahoo.com. 

   

  George



   

		

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