X-Mozilla-Keys:                                                                                 

Ken Powell wrote:

     OK, I have learned much from the previous discussion on electrical
     systems.  However, this raises another question - assume that the
     battery will be replaced yearly:

     1.  Why not run 2 alternators with only 1 battery?  Seems that we
     might save 8 - 10 lbs.

     2.  In this case, your second alternator is your backup, not the
     battery.  Even if the battery does die, you still have 2 alternators
     to get you home.  This has a certain appeal due to the high amp loads
     that Tracy mentioned (up to 16 - 20 amps).

Al Fuller wrote:

It seems to me that since both alternators are turning all the time
[causing wear] and exposed to the same environmental factors which might
cause failure, that the presence of two alternators just gives you double
the chance of an alternator failure.

If that second alternator is your backup, then you appear to have reduced
your security, not increased it!

As somebody else asked:  Am I missing something here??  maybe we should
invite Bob Nuckolls to comment in greater depth.  [Or maybe we should all
just subscribe to his newsletter / manual...

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