ALTERNATORS

With MOBI-ARC installed, the alternator becomes an on-vehicle, variable power supply. The size and quality of that power supply will determine both your charging flexibility and welding capability. With those factors in mind, choose the following:

Option 1: Use the stock alternator that came on the vehicle. With this option, select the appropriate control unit based on the size of the stock alternator. Then select the installation kit to integrate the alternator with the control unit. The installation kit can be found on the ordering page.

Option 2: Go with a fresh alternator, either stock or high-output. See the "turn-key packages" page for some easy options. Call us to discuss what options may be available for your specific application. Or hit the open market for the alternator that suits your performance requirments and budget best. We recommend the following:

What alternator do I have on my vehicle?  Use the drop-down menu below to determine the amperage rating of your alternator. MOBI-ARC is a universal control unit and can connect to the broadest range of alternators. In many cases, the vehicle's stock alternator can be used, however depending on the alternator's electrical configuration, some additional components may be necessary to make it fully integrate with the MOBI-ARC. The support page details alternator modifications should the stock alternator be utilized.

We have the ability to supply alternators and starters for nearly any make or model vehicle at extremely competitive prices.

We supply ready-to-install turn-key packages that consist a MOBI-ARC Control Unit and an alternator pre-configured, ready for installation and connection. Click here for turn-key packages.

We have also established relationships with select alternator manufacturers to supply MOBI Customers replacement or high-output units, should they choose to replace their vehicle's stock alternator.  Simply ask for the alternator to be "MOBI-ARC" prepared and they'll be happy to help you.  

Unlike other companies that require that you purchase one of their alternators, MOBI-ARC and MOBI-POWER Control Units are unique:  they're universal.  In most cases, you may choose to utilize the alternator that came with your vehicle. 

Does that mean you should use the alternator already in your vehicle?  That depends on what your welding and/or power requirements are.  The welding current produced is strictly a function of the size and quality of your alternator.  If you have a 75 amp alternator on your vehicle, when connected to a MOBI-ARC Control Unit, you will have 75-85 amps of welding current at your disposal.

There are several scenarios where one might consider purchasing a different alternator, or rebuilding a stock alternator:

• Your vehicle's stock alternator does not generate the amount of current required for your welding needs.

• You've never maintained your stock alternator after years of continuous use.

• You've purchased a "mass produced" alternator from a giant auto supply chain.

• Your alternator utilizes avalanche diodes in the rectifier.

When considering mating the MOBI-ARC Control Unit to an alternator, customer flexibility is our main goal.  MOBI-ARC can connect to:

• OEM stock alternator (original alternator that came on the vehicle)

• Replacement stock alternator from MOBI-ARC, pre-configured to mate to the MOBI-ARC Control Unit.  A  higher output version, or customized unit designed for more amperage may be available. 

• High output alternator previously purchased.

• Custom alternators manufactured by Wrangler Northwest Power Products, PowerMaster, Mean Green , Penntex Industries, Leece-Neville, or others. 

Benefits of connecting to the vehicle's original alternator:

• Reduces cost of MOBI-ARC ownership.  If the alternator on the vehicle is good quality, in good working condition, and provides adequate amperage to tackle your in-the-field repairs, no need to buy another perfectly good alternator. 

• Ease of Installation.  You know your alternator fits in your vehicle.  Sometimes, when custom or high-output alternators are used, adjustments for fitting may be necessary.

• Consider the source.  The same companies that package their control units with a ridiculously expensive alternator are the same folks that tell you that it's not possible to weld from a stock alternator......eeeek!  Don't let them get in your shorts!!!  Alternators don't know the difference between welding, and charging a battery. They simply create their best output based on the RPM's and load.   In most cases, OEM alternators create plenty of amperage for the repairs most of us make in the field.  If not, shop around and find an alternator that meets your amperage requirements, and your budget.

Benefits of having MOBI-ARC provide the alternator:

• Plug-n-Play Connections.  We will provide you with a high-quality replacement alternator, pre-configured to connect directly to the MOBI-ARC (and MOBI-POWER) Control Unit.  Enjoy the MOBI-ARC with confidence knowing trained technicians have made any and all changes necessary for MOBI-ARC to work at peak performance.  Alternators are like any other mechanical component: over time, it will get tired and wear out.  If the alternator has 150,000 miles on it and has never been maintained, starting fresh with a new alternator may not be such a bad idea.  Your MOBI-ARC Control Unit is alternator-dependant; if the alternator is tired, old, and weak, you may not get the performance you desire.

• No alternator modifications.  MOBI-ARC is universal, unfortunately alternators are not.  Internally regulated alternators must have the regulator disabled while the control unit is working.  Although disabling the internal regulator is not complicated, many of us simply would not be comfortable opening up an alternator.  If you're in need of a replacement alternator anyway, why not be sure you're getting good-quality equipment.

Benefits of having custom alternator manufacturers provide the alternator:

• As design engineers specializing in power management, we have an appreciation for quality workmanship.  With alternators in the marketplace ranging in price from $20 to $1000, quality of workmanship varies dramatically.  The fact of the matter is there are a lot of shady outfits out there and we want to make sure our clients are getting good quality alternators from reputable vendors who stand behind their products.  We also know that different clients have different performance requirements, and different budgets.  We could package our control unit with a $600 alternator, but we think many of our clients may  prefer not to spend $600 on an alternator.  By providing choices, our clients enjoy the ability to use their stock alternator, a  new stock alternator from MOBI-ARC, or a custom alternator from one of reputable firms detailed below.

• In no particular order:   Powermaster Motorsports (865-688-5953), Wrangler Northwest Power Products(503-235-4110) , Mean Green (724-532-3090), Penntex Industries (877-590-7366).