GMC Motorhome: alternators, we need something better!

An alternator has a pretty important job …..I mean when you loose the ability to charge your batteries…….brother the party is over!

To further exasperate the issue automotive alternator were designed to simply replace the current used to turn the starter then keep up with you lights, AC, radio, etc.  They really were not designed for charging multiple batteries and all the requirements we put on them with a Motorhomes electrical system.  For these reasons and more our electrical systems rely heavily on this component.

New technologies have improved an alternator reliability and performance.  One old design we still fight with is the alternator circuit.  Its been long known that the trigger circuit for GM alternators from the 70’s could cause issues.  Over the years there have been rewired and workarounds designed to mitigate the fire dangers, our “alternator light circuit” modification fixes the danger but still our weak alternator still seem to fail at an alarming rate…….it’s always been this way.

So just like visiting our original dash AC compressor (A6) replacing it with a new technology oratory compressor, I feel there also needs to be an update for our alternator.

So I want to get rid of the weak alternator circuit.  I certainly don’t want a nichrome wire energized and wrapped around my dash electrical system that’s for sure but I want to do more than that.

Lets get rid of that trigger circuit all together……..one asset we have are specialists that help us is specific categories.  Our alternator builder proposed an new idea which I feel is brilliant.  Now, when manufacturing our alternator we’re modifying them to a “1 wire, self excited” unit.  Using new, stronger components our new internal regulator circuit needs only to be connected to your living area battery……no excited circuit….we no longer need that outdated trigger circuit.simply install this new designed alternator, connect the main power output wire and that’s it.  Let that 2 wire connector hang free.  Internally excited the old nichrome wire circuit is not used.  Less connections, less problems, easier to install and easy to trouble shoot.  Cost isn’t any more than a quality remanufacture….$150.

Its time for another technology change, updating to new ideas can be a good thing and in this case its a good one for us.

If you’re interested in one of these or want to hear more about this give me a call.

That’s it for today…….still need a name for this thing…..help me out……see ya tomorrowOh yeah, I forgot to introduce you to our newest team member.  Meet “El” short for EleganzaEl, showed up at the shop, ribs showing…….a great attitude she just fit right in.  To the doc she was chipped we found she walked from Winter Garden (@ 30 miles)!  Called the owner who said they didn’t want her so yep….the land of misfit toys is just the place for her.  First night in the shop she greeted me coming in…..man that’s nice!  She has her own sofaEvery shop needs a dog!………………

Liked it? Take a second to support jimbounds on Patreon!