Upgraded Alternator Question

My truck is also my office and seasonal housing. I’m field biologist and spend months on the road and living out of my rig and OVRLND camper.
It’s setup with 200w of solar, 2000w inverter and 200ah LiPo batteries. All Renogy.
When I’m running down the road and the ‘house’ system is charging off the alternator, my starting battery hovers at 13.1v.
When it’s only charging via solar the starting battery is between 13.6-8.

I’m wondering if I’m stressing my 2017 5.7’s w/ tow package charging system. Would I benefit from a higher power alternator from Tuscon Alternator or other company?
Are they any dangers to my trucks overall health by using or not using a higher powered alternator?

 

How are you charging the battery off your alternator? Using a DC-DC charger for the lipo? I thought with those you can adjust the draw off the charging system/battery.

Seems like an alternator upgrad would probably be a good idea, but you'd really have to crunch the numbers if its worth it to add a few extra hundred amps of charging. I dont remember reading about many people that have used HO alternators but i think @1UPPER had a Mechman Alternator, but i could be wrong.

 

It’s a DC- DC charger. I can’t adjust the draw, I don’t believe. It’s “smart”…

I don’t mind spending the money on my work rig, I’m more concerned about whether or not a HO alt could/would, in some way, harm the charging systems long term health.

Since this is my work rig, I just need thing to be as reliable and problem free as possible. Especially after last weeks left-rear wheel bearing debacle (Codes CO215 and OU129) that stuck me with a rental car and hotels while the dealer waited for parts….

 

Ohh dang.

If you are able to consistenly have sunlight, i'd focus on solar.....but if not, you can get a 370a alternator for about $600
https://www.mechman.com/2007-2021/

I haven't read about many people that have added HO alternators, but i image that it would be just fine.
I thought about going the HO route and just using it as generator for our travel trailer, but went a different route.

 

I upgraded my alternator, https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/07-21-toyota-tundra-5-7l-dc-power-270-amp-xp-high-output-alternator I actually noticed more of a difference when upgrading the battery to AGM and using GM diode to bump up the charging. Difference in DC Power alternator and mechman alternator is one needs a different size belt when swapping out.

 

I think @Cruzer runs this or similar

 

Yeah I’ve got this one. Works great with stock belt and never had issues with it.

 

I have a DC power 270amp alternator with gm upgrade... I love my alternator I needed it for my audio system. If u do decide to get one replace your belt when I got mine put on my belt squealed because it was old..... They also have an option to get a slightly smaller pulley for slightly more amperage @ idle.... All in All I love my dc power alternator...

 

I just picked up a new AGM (EverStart Platinum from Walmart). Can you explain to me the GM diode? What it does? Do I NEED it? What am I facing if I don’t have one? Thnx!

 

So the 5.7 with the tow package is 170a alternator?

Now i'm tempted to upgrade to upgrade.

 

I thought the tow package was the 150 amp alternator vs 100 or 130 amp otherwise. But I could be all wet.

 

Tow pack Tundra is 150 amp, Sequoia and Land Cruiser w/ 5.7 receive the 180 amp.

 

The gm upgrade are good for charging agm batteries being though they like between 14.4 and 14.8volts.... Having an agm is good to.

There's another option along with the h/o alternator u can get a limitless retro 56 battery instead of a agm but the lithium is a bit pricey.....

 

I’ve got a Voltage Booster Pro on the way. We’ll see how that does before I pony up for an alternator.

Thank y’all for all the advice!

 

Ive got the voltage booster bro and it’s done everything I need so far. I don't have any crazy audio, just the OEM Audio plus w/dual subs. Hoping to redo it in the future so I might need a HO alt when I get to that. But the voltage booster pro is simple and effective for right now.