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New alternator technology

I noticed a strange looking pulley on the 300 amp house alternator in our new Roadtrek and discovered this is a special "overrunning alternator decoupler" or OAD pulley. I had no idea these even existed and did some research. Here is a video:

Overrunning Alternator Pulleys and Overrunning Alternator Decoupler Pulleys...

I watched my serpentine belt tensioner at fast idle and it is dead still, amazing. 

Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #1 –
Very cool video!  Thanks for posting the link.  I never heard of either of those new fangled pulleys.

Thanks to posts like this, I learn something new almost every time I visit the Forum!  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #2 –
Thanks for posting that...I never even knew they got this new stuff...more things to break!

More importantly, POST PICTURES OF THE ROADTREK!
1998 U270 34'

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #3 –
Quote from: prfleming –
I noticed a strange looking pulley on the 300 amp house alternator in our new Roadtrek and discovered this is a special "overrunning alternator decoupler" or OAD pulley. I had no idea these even existed and did some research. Here is a video:

Overrunning Alternator Pulleys and Overrunning Alternator Decoupler Pulleys...

I watched my serpentine belt tensioner at fast idle and it is dead still, amazing. 

300 amps is a pretty big alternator, does your roadtrek use your engine for charging your batteries instead of a separate generator with inverter/charger?


Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #4 –
Ok, I have kind of resisted talking too much about our new rig, but, I must say it has been very interesting.

Along with being able to pull our horse trailer (which the U300 wasn't rated to do), the next biggest thing is the 2nd dedicated 300 amp house alternator (which Roadtrek markets as the "underhood generator").

While boondocking I have cooked a complete evening meal using the convection microwave, using the alternator to run the convection oven. An added benefit is the engine idle does not violate campground generator noise rules.

So, there is no 120V generator, the 2nd alternator powers the 2500 watt inverter/charger for all 120V power when not on shore power, with engine at idle, and charges the house batteries while driving.

There is also a Roadtrek feature called "Volt Start", which will start the engine during the night, if the house batteries fall below a set voltage - similar to auto Gen start.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #5 –
That is very cool. Thanks for showing your new rig! Beautiful setup. Have fun.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #6 –
Quote from: prfleming –
Ok, I have kind of resisted talking too much about our new rig, but, I must say it has been very interesting.

Along with being able to pull our horse trailer (which the U300 wasn't rated to do), the next biggest thing is the 2nd dedicated 300 amp house alternator (which Roadtrek markets as the "underhood generator").

While boondocking I have cooked a complete evening meal using the convection microwave, using the alternator to run the convection oven. An added benefit is the engine idle does not violate campground generator noise rules.

So, there is no 120V generator, the 2nd alternator powers the 2500 watt inverter/charger for all 120V power when not on shore power, with engine at idle, and charges the house batteries while driving.

There is also a Roadtrek feature called "Volt Start", which will start the engine during the night, if the house batteries fall below a set voltage - similar to auto Gen start.
I think you and Roadtrek are ahead of the curve here. In 10 years I can see many class b's and some class c's using the same system. I see Roadtrek even has a unit with big lithium batteries that can run an ac overnight without charging.
Some of the Mercedes diesels actually use less fuel per hour at idle than a propane generator.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #7 –
Always something new. I would like to know why we can't put and OAD pulley on an alternator that has a solid drive pulley
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #8 –
Quote from: prfleming –
Ok, I have kind of resisted talking too much about our new rig...
I, for one, welcome the chance to learn about new advanced RV products and technology.  I don't think you are violating any Forum rules when discussing the great features of your new ride.  Sooner or later, all of us will reach the point where "downsizing" becomes a consideration.  It's nice to know what's available out there, and what models work well for ex-Foretravel owners.  I would encourage you to keep posting!  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: New alternator technology

Reply #9 –
Just wait until you see one with no tensioner.  "Stretch belts" are coming. Literally the belt is stretched onto the pulleys nothing to take up slack.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


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