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Express 3500: upgrade the 145 amp electrical system to the 220 AMP electrical system

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Old October 20th, 2017, 5:56 PM
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Default Express 3500: upgrade the 145 amp electrical system to the 220 AMP electrical system

I want to purchase a used Express 3500 to convert to a camper van (2003-2010)… I have been advised to purchase one with the 220 amp generator… I know of a really nice low mileage 3500 van with most of the options that I want but it has a 145 amp alternator.

How much of a project would it be to CORRECTLY upgrade the 145 amp electrical system to the 220 AMP electrical system?

Thank you.
Old October 20th, 2017, 10:42 PM
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Delco-Al...-/371819437372
Old October 20th, 2017, 10:57 PM
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Jeez. $340.00! Not as bad as the Audi, water cooled alternator at around $3000.00, but still. Wow.
Old October 21st, 2017, 2:54 AM
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Well I guess my van is a basic.. ( I assume ) cause it only has 105 amp
I called a good friend of mine in the alternator business... he has his own
shop now for over 20 yrs...( Hughes Electrical Parts Co Inc) " Joey "
when I was into the engine repair I called him
cause I wanted to know what they offered oem wise for my van...
105 amp and 145 amp those are what were told to me the price
my price for a 145 was $ 130.00
I was kinda bumbed that mine was only 105 amp knowing that I was
going to be doing some upgrades... but he reassured me that what I was
going to be doing that alternator would be just fine.. and there is NO reason
to replace something that is working and performing until you need to .
So my point is this.. you mention camper or camping. usually when I think
of camping I have access to electric... are you going to camp off the grid ?
I have a inverter generator .. I use when I out flying my planes. so I was
thinking why not do that ?
I guess the main thing is What are you planning on putting in said van that will require
a bigger alternator than 145 amp... ( I would be stoked to have such a amp on my van ) lol
I cant see that you would need more than that.. but hey surprise me ..
Old October 21st, 2017, 5:04 PM
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Thanks for the info...

YES.. I am planning a fully self contained Class B to be preformed by SportsMobile... They can get pretty expensive and so I am looking for the most feasible way to do this so I am looking at used 3500 vans... But it has to be.. or should be equipped properly... I will be consulting more as time goes on and I think they may do electrical upgrades but it would be nice to get as much FACTORY EQUIPMENT that is needed...




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